Built in the early 1880s, this Italian-style villa is one of a kind in Marietta, and the only home of its class in the city. Set along Kennesaw Avenue, just blocks from the Historic Marietta Square, it integrates preserved architectural detail with a deep sense of history that’s hard to replicate. With five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and handcrafted design throughout, the home presents a rare opportunity to own a truly significant piece of local heritage.
Through the leaded glass front doors, you’ll step into a sunlit entry hall, where natural light filters across original hardwood floors and intricate millwork. The main living room centers around one of eight fireplaces in the home, framed by quarter-sawn oak paneling, detailed moldings, and built-in bookcases and window seats.
A standout feature of the house is a built-in grandfather clock, crafted by Judge Samuel Hale Sibley using reclaimed wood and Civil War relics—cannonballs, a bayonet, and other salvaged pieces—thoughtfully integrated into its design.
Pocket doors open to a cozy parlor with a bay window and built-in seating, while 13-foot ceilings throughout the main floor create a sense of space that feels both elegant and livable. The formal dining room is designed for gathering, featuring tall windows, a built-in sideboard, and a hand-painted frieze depicting nearby Kennesaw Mountain. Off the dining room, the breakfast area and kitchen are connected by a pass-through, with a nearby utility room offering extra space for laundry, storage, or a dedicated gardening zone.
A light-filled sun porch offers a peaceful place to start your day, and two large bedrooms on the main floor each connect to baths with vintage marble sinks.
Upstairs, the solid walnut staircase leads to three more bedrooms, two full baths, a private office, and a wide central hall that invites flexible use. Two additional bonus rooms offer potential for a nursery, guest space, or private workspace.
Outside, wraparound porches overlook mature landscaping—boxwoods, camellias, seasonal blooms, and a scuppernong arbor that frames the yard beautifully. The property stretches from Kennesaw Avenue to Maple Avenue, with dual access points and a circular driveway that offers generous parking tucked behind the home.
A large historic barn includes two garage bays, a workshop, and a loft, ideal for storage or creative use.
285 Kennesaw Avenue is a cornerstone of the city’s architectural legacy, meticulously preserved and quietly iconic in one of Marietta’s most cherished neighborhoods.
Listed by Jim Glover with Harry Norman, REALTORS®, this home is located at 285 Kennesaw Ave NW, Marietta, GA 30060.
