Built in 1929, Mayfair House stands as one of Atlanta’s most storied estates. Henry M. Atkinson, owner and chairman of Georgia Power, purchased 31 acres in the Buckhead neighborhood. He then commissioned acclaimed architectural firm Cooper & Cooper to design a Greek Revival manor. The resulting 20,000 square foot residence was positioned atop a gentle hill, commanding sweeping views of the surrounding grounds. The landscape was entrusted to Ellen Biddle Shipman, a Harvard educated trailblazer who broke barriers in the male-dominated field of landscape architecture.

In March 1961, Mayfair House took its place in Hollywood history when it hosted the premiere party for Gone With The Wind, the iconic film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s beloved novel. It is said that Vivien Leigh captivated the room, holding court in the parlor from a camel-hair chaise lounge, as guests gathered spellbound around her.

Among Mayfair’s distinguished later owners was Bert Lance, President Jimmy Carter’s Budget Director and longtime personal confidant. During Carter’s years as both Governor and President of the United States, he and Rosalynn were frequent guests of the estate.