You’ve probably seen the photos on Instagram. That perfectly restored 1850s facade, the moss-draped oaks of the square right outside, and those marble bathrooms that look like they belong in a design magazine. But honestly, most people calling it "The House on Taylor Square" don't even realize the name of the ground beneath it changed just a heartbeat ago.
History in Savannah isn't a static thing. It’s a living, breathing, and sometimes controversial conversation. For over 170 years, this spot was known as Calhoun Square. Then, in a move that felt both long overdue and lightning-fast by Southern standards, the city renamed it in 2023. It’s now Taylor Square, honoring Susie King Taylor—a woman who was born into slavery, secretly learned to read, and became the first Black nurse in the Civil War.
So, when we talk about The House on Taylor Square, we aren't just talking about a boutique inn. We’re talking about a building that has survived the Civil War, the decline of the historic district, and a radical 2024 rebranding of its own front yard.
What is The House on Taylor Square, Exactly?
Basically, it’s a high-end boutique lodging experience located at 128 East Taylor Street. It isn't a hotel in the traditional sense. You won’t find a beige lobby or a sad continental breakfast here. Instead, it’s a collection of four distinct suites within a restored mid-19th-century residence.
Mary Demere originally had the place built around 1850. Since then, it’s been a private family home, commercial offices, and even a storefront for a legendary antique dealer named Francis “Skeeter” McNairy in the 1980s.
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You’ve got a few options if you’re staying there:
- The Cathedral View: A studio-style apartment that looks toward the spires of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
- The Square View Suite: This is the one you want if you like waking up to the green canopy of the square.
- The Carriage House: A separate, more private unit located above a bookstore.
- The Garden Apartment: A two-bedroom spot that’s better for groups who don’t want to deal with Savannah’s notoriously steep historic stairs.
The Design: History Without the "Grandma's Attic" Vibe
Savannah is full of historic inns that feel a bit like a museum where you aren't allowed to touch anything. The House on Taylor Square does something different. The current owners spent about a year stripping things back to the original heart pine floors and plaster walls, but they didn't stop there.
They paired those 170-year-old bones with modern luxury. Think Aesop bath products, Matouk linens, and rainfall showers. It’s a weirdly satisfying mix of "I’m in an antebellum mansion" and "I’m in a five-star Manhattan loft."
One of the coolest details is the faux-painted moldings. During the restoration, they followed the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. It sounds boring and technical, but it’s why the house still feels "right" despite having high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs.
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Why Taylor Square Matters Now
The square itself is a bit of a celebrity in the paranormal world. For years, rumors have swirled that the area was used as a burial ground in the early 1800s. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there’s an undeniable energy to the place.
Unlike the tourist-heavy squares closer to the river, Taylor Square is quiet. It’s surrounded by the Massie Heritage Center and the Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. Because it’s residential, you actually feel like a local when you’re sitting on one of the benches under the Spanish moss.
The Neighbors: Books on Bay and Clary’s
If you stay at The House on Taylor Square, you’re literally steps from two of the most iconic spots in the city.
Right next door is Books on Bay. It’s a vintage bookstore that feels like a time capsule. They specialize in old series like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, but they have rare editions that date back over a century. If the smell of old paper is your drug of choice, you're in trouble here.
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Across the street is Clary’s Cafe. This place became famous because of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, but locals still go there for the corned beef hash and the oversized eclairs. It’s the kind of place where you can sit at the counter for an hour and nobody will bug you.
How to Do Taylor Square Right
If you’re planning to visit or stay at The House on Taylor Square, don’t just treat it as a bed to sleep in. Savannah is a walking city, and this location is the ultimate "middle ground."
- Walk to Forsyth Park: It’s only two blocks away. Go early in the morning before the tour buses arrive to see the fountain in the mist.
- Check out 432 Abercorn: It’s just across the square. It’s widely considered one of the most haunted houses in the country. Even if you don't go inside, the Greek Revival architecture is stunning.
- Skip the car: Seriously. Parking in the historic district is a nightmare. This house is on a DOT (free shuttle) stop and an Old Town Trolley stop. Park the car and leave it.
The real magic of The House on Taylor Square isn't just the marble or the fancy soap. It’s the fact that you’re living in a piece of history that is still actively evolving. You’re standing on ground that used to honor a man like John C. Calhoun and now honors a woman like Susie King Taylor. That’s a lot of weight for one little house to carry, but it does it with a lot of style.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Check the availability for the specific suite that fits your vibe, as the Carriage House and Garden Apartment offer very different layouts for privacy versus space. If you aren't staying overnight, make sure to visit the Massie Heritage Center on the south side of the square to see the original 1856 schoolhouse architecture before heading to Books on Bay for a rare find.