Historic Bed & Breakfast
Questionnaire
Year erected: 1892
What is the history of the property?
In 1868, William Kehoe, an Irish immigrant, married Anne Flood and the two quickly started a family. Their first address, located on Columbia Square, was 130 Habersham Street. As his business and family grew, Kehoe built a larger, more stately home. He liked the Historic District so much that he purchased the southern half of the lot, located diagonally across the street, for $950. The Kehoe House was designed by DeWitt Bruyn, and was built at the cost of $25,000. The home was completed in May of 1892, whereupon Mr. and Mrs. Kehoe and their 10 children moved into their new home. Mr. Kehoe's heirs sold the house in 1930. In the 30 years following the sale, the property was used as a boarding house, funeral parlor, and held for a time by Alabama and New York Jets football star, Joe Namath. In 1990, Mr. Namath sold the property, and after a two-year renovation, the property opened as a historic bed and breakfast inn aptly named The William Kehoe House. The property was sold again in 2003, and purchased by its current owner, HLC Hotels, in May of 2007.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The Kehoe House was designed by DeWitt Bruyn in a Queen Anne Revival style, and was built at the cost of $25,000. Mr. Kehoe, having owned the most successful iron foundry in Savannah at the time, incorporated a lot of cast iron detailing into the home including verandas, window treatments, fencing, and ceiling medallions.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
The Kehoe House stands almost centered in the Historic District of Savannah which was founded and established by James Oglethorpe in 1733. It sits on Columbia Square next to the Davenport House which wouldv'e been torn down in the early 1900's by the new owners of the Kehoe House, the Goettes whom wanted to turn it into a parking lot for their funeral parlor. This sparked a movement between a group of individuals which lead to the Historic Savannah Foundation being formed.
Has restoration work taken place?
Having changed hands quite a few times over the years, there have been some modifications made to the house. When it was remodeled into an inn, each guest room was given a private bathroom and temperature controls. Most of the fire places are no longer usable except for the three located on the main floor. We do also have an elevator to help guests.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
All covered verandas show the signature taint blue paint on the ceilings to ward off evil. The two fireplaces in the double parlor also feature medallions depicting and angel carrying two children up to heaven which were put in by Mr. Kehoe when the house was built.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
The house was held for a time by Alabama and New York Jets football star, Joe Namath. In 1990, Mr. Namath sold the property.
Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
During its time as a funeral parlor it hosted many viewings including the service of Florence Martus who is more often known as the waving girl of Savannah.
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
As a historic home in a very historic city, we are featured on numerous tours including architectural, walking, trolley, horse carriage, pedicab, and ghost tours. We are haunted, but don't let that scare you away, everyone is very friendly.
