Andrew Low House

If you’re planning a trip to Savannah and want to peer into the city’s storied past, the Andrew Low House offers a genuine window into 19th-century life — with a dash of Southern elegance. This historic mansion, built in 1848, isn’t just a beautiful building; it’s a storybook of Savannah’s architecture, its wealthy families, and the complex history of slavery intertwined with the city’s prosperity.

What we love about this experience is the way it combines stunning architecture with authentic storytelling from knowledgeable guides. The house’s Italianate style is eye-catching, and the gardens offer a peaceful retreat after wandering the city streets. The tour is concise — about 40 minutes — which makes it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include the first-floor help or kitchen areas, which some visitors might find a bit limiting. Also, there are no bathroom facilities onsite, so plan ahead. That said, it’s an experience that suits history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Savannah’s antebellum era.

Key Points

• The tour is docent-led, providing engaging stories about the Low family and the architecture of the house
• The mansion’s Italianate style and lush gardens are highlights for photographers and architecture fans
• The tour includes original family artifacts, with around 30% of the collection being authentic
• The experience is affordable at $15, offering good value for a thoughtful, guided visit
• Tours depart roughly every 30 minutes, making it flexible to fit into your day
• No bathroom facilities available on-site, so plan accordingly

Introduction to the Andrew Low House Experience

We haven’t personally wandered through the Andrew Low House, but gather that it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Savannah’s history or architecture. It’s a chance to see a remarkable 19th-century mansion that played a significant role in the city’s life, built for a wealthy cotton merchant. The guided tour promises stories about the Low family and insights into how Savannah’s elite lived in the 1800s.

What’s especially appealing is the combination of history and architecture. Visitors often comment on how knowledgeable guides make the experience engaging and informative. The house’s stunning Italianate architecture, with its intricate details, is a treat for anyone who appreciates period design. Plus, wandering through the well-maintained gardens offers a calming break from city touring.

On the downside, some reviews note that the tour is relatively quick — about 40 minutes — and doesn’t explore the first-floor help or kitchen areas. Also, with no restroom facilities on-site, it’s wise to prepare ahead. However, for those who enjoy learning about historic families, architecture, or simply want a peaceful stroll through history, this tour hits the mark.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Stop 1: The Andrew Low House

Your visit begins with a docent-led tour of the mansion, which is the centerpiece of Savannah’s historic district. Built in 1848 by architect John Norris from New York, this house embodies the Italianate style that was fashionable among the wealthy during the mid-19th century.

The guide will lead you through the lovingly preserved rooms, sharing stories about Andrew Low, the cotton merchant for whom the house was built, and his family. You’ll hear about William Low, Andrew’s son, and Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, both of whom inherited the house. These personal stories make the mansion more than just bricks and mortar; they connect you to Savannah’s social history.

Throughout the tour, you’ll get a look at the house’s architecture, with detailed descriptions of the ornate moldings, high ceilings, and elegant windows. The guides are highly praised for their storytelling ability — one reviewer called their guide “excellent,” which adds to the overall enjoyment.

Gardens: A Peaceful Retreat

After exploring the house interior, guests are encouraged to wander through the impressive gardens. These outdoor spaces provide a lovely contrast to the historic structure and are perfect for photos. While the tour primarily focuses on the house and family history, the gardens are a notable feature appreciated by visitors seeking a tranquil moment.

What’s Not Included

It’s worth mentioning that the tour does not include the basement, which houses administrative and research offices, nor the help or kitchen areas on the first floor. Some visitors expecting a comprehensive exploration of the entire house might find this limiting. Plus, there are no restroom facilities on-site, so plan accordingly.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture. Many praise the entertaining and knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer noting, “The guides are volunteer docents; the one we got was excellent.” Others appreciate the historic and architectural value, with comments like: “Very good tour guide and the house was outstanding. The history and background given of the family really helps to understand the people of past Savannah.”

Of course, not everyone is completely sold. One reviewer called the tour “meh,” citing a lack of family items and the quick pace. They also mentioned the house has been preserved rather than fully restored, meaning some original pieces are missing. This is an important point: about 30% of the collection is original, and the house is an authentic, preserved historic site rather than a full-blown restored mansion.

Analyzing the Cost and Value

At $15 per person, this tour offers a very reasonable price for a guided visit in a city full of historic sites. You’re paying mainly for the expert storytelling and the chance to step inside a significant Savannah landmark. Compared to other attractions or guided tours, the price is modest, making it excellent value if you’re interested in history and architecture.

Since tours depart every 30 minutes, you can often fit it into a busy sightseeing plan without much trouble. The one-hour duration makes it a manageable activity without taking up your entire day, perfect for a quick cultural fix amid a busy schedule.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and families curious about Savannah’s past. If you enjoy guided stories that bring historic buildings to life, you’ll likely find the Andrew Low House a highlight. It’s also well-suited for visitors who want a peaceful, scenic walk through lovely gardens.

However, if you’re looking for an exhaustive exploration of every corner of the house or need restroom facilities, you might want to plan accordingly or consider other options. It’s a modest, focused tour that provides genuine insights into a key part of Savannah’s history.

Final Thoughts

The Andrew Low House tour offers a balanced mix of architectural beauty, rich stories, and historic authenticity. It’s a well-managed, affordable way to get a glimpse into Savannah’s antebellum lifestyle, guided by passionate and knowledgeable volunteers. The setting — a beautifully preserved mansion with lush gardens — makes it a pleasant, enriching experience.

While the tour’s brevity and focus might leave some seeking more depth, it still provides a meaningful snapshot of the city’s past. For those with an interest in historic homes, family stories, or Victorian-era architecture, this tour is a solid choice. Its value is especially evident when considering the quality of guides and the authentic ambiance of the surroundings.

If you’re looking to add a touch of history and elegance to your Savannah trip, the Andrew Low House is a must-see. Be sure to book your tickets in advance — it tends to fill up about 19 days ahead — and prepare for a delightful hour immersed in the city’s historic charm.

• How much does the tour cost?
  The admission is $15 per person, which is quite reasonable for a guided historic house visit.

• How long does the tour last?
  The tour lasts about 40 minutes, making it a quick but informative experience.

• Are tickets available on the day of the tour?
  Tours are often booked around 19 days in advance, so it’s wise to buy tickets early to secure your spot.

• Are there guided tours available?
  Yes, the house is visited with a docent-led tour. Guides depart approximately every 30 minutes.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Most travelers can participate, and the engaging storytelling makes it suitable for families, though very young children might find the brief tour less engaging.

• Are there restroom facilities on-site?
  No, the house does not have bathroom facilities, so plan ahead.

• Does the tour include the basement or kitchen areas?
  No, the tour focuses on the house’s main rooms and gardens. The basement, which houses administrative offices, is not part of the experience.

• Is the house furnished with original family items?
  About 30% of the collection within the house is original, providing an authentic glimpse into the Low family’s life.

• Can I cancel my tickets if I change my mind?
  Yes, the booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

• Is public transportation accessible nearby?
  Yes, the house is near public transportation, making it easy to reach without a car.

To sum it up, if you’re keen to understand Savannah’s history through a beautifully maintained historic home, the Andrew Low House tour offers a worthwhile and charming experience. It’s perfect for those who value authentic stories, well-preserved architecture, and tranquil gardens, all at an accessible price. With knowledgeable guides and a manageable duration, it’s easy to see why this tour remains a favorite among visitors seeking a genuine glimpse into Savannah’s antebellum past.