Tour History

Hedgewood Model, ca. 2006
5978 Clay Street

Located a leisurely stroll from downtown Norcross, at the corner of Thrasher and Autry Streets, Hedgewood Properties proudly presents The Ashford Place Home. With its historic attention to detail and exquisite design, the Ashford Place invites the individual into a home reminiscent of times past with all of the appointments of a modern household. The Ashford Place, with its double front porches offering a view into nearby Nesbitt Park, is rivaled only by the cozy interior holiday décor that would make even Charles Dickens proud.

441 North Peachtree
THE NESBIT HOUSE

c. 1904

Many of Norcross’ original families had ties to the railroad, and the Nesbit family was no exception. Joseph Nesbit, the original owner of this house, was a conductor for Southern Railway. His parents were also in the transportation business, as they owned the Nesbit Ferry, which for many years provided transport to travelers across the Chattahoochee River. Joseph Nesbit had this house built with lumber cut in Milton County (now North Fulton County) and had it fashioned in the classic Carpenter Gothic style. You’ll enjoy touring this stately house, which includes heart-of-pine floors, a central hallway, and a fireplace in each of the eight original rooms. Situated near the bend in the road on North Peachtree Street, the Nesbit house is one of Norcross’ signature residences.

659 south Peachtree
THE NASH HOUSE

c. 1930

Norcross is home to many beautiful older homes situated throughout the city. Even as you head out of town, four historic homes line the left of South Peachtree Street, overlooking the old Southern Railway line. The Nash house is the last of these houses. Built around 1930, this small farmhouse was purchased by the current owners in 1980 from Ida Nash’s estate, which had 42 heirs. The purchase price of the house was $42,000, so that each of the heirs could receive $1000. Since 1980, the house has been expanded to include a dining room, which used to be an old porch, and the owners also extended the living room by enclosing a side porch. This house’s sunny and bright exterior complements the warmth found within this cozy home. The unique layout, the owners’ eclectic mix of antique and vintage furnishings, and the whimsical container garden make the Nash house a delight to tour.

632 SUNSET DRIVE
THE BEUTELL FARM

c. 1880

This spacious house with its mid-twentieth century exterior actually has a lot more history than one would guess. It started its life as a four-room cottage with two interior chimneys in the late 19th century, when Norcross was just a nascent post-Reconstruction railroad town surrounded by farms. In the early twentieth century, the Beutell family from Atlanta owned this house and the 50 or so acre farm on which it was situated. By mid-century, new owners, the Hughes family, began adding on to the house, increasing its size to approximately 4000 square feet. Mr. Hughes was the owner of Norcross Lumber Supply Company. Throughout its lifetime, the different occupants of this house have enjoyed raising their families in it and extending southern hospitality to all who visit. The current owners are no exception as they are raising their three young children here. Step onto their grand back porch and you will feel as if you are at a country resort; once inside, you can’t help but be embraced by the warm character of this large and lovely eclectic house.

633 SUNSET DRIVE
THE MANTON HOUSE

c. 2005

Norcross is such a charming city and desirable location that some have moved here and built new homes that look older, allowing these newer residences to blend in with the historic landscape of the city. This house is a wonderful example of newer residential architecture that combines features from classic architectural styles such as those from the Craftsman period. When touring this grand home, you will agree that the owners spared nothing on ensuring the house would have the look and feel of a genuine historic home, including period subway tile used in the kitchen and bathrooms, 8-foot tall doors, and 10-foot ceilings.

62 Barton Street
THE JOHNSON HOUSE

c. 1904

This wonderful example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture is the landmark historic home in this centrally located neighborhood. Allen Abraham (A.A.) Johnson built this house around 1904, and it remained in his family until his daughter Ruth sold it in 1981. The Johnson family owned quite a bit of land in Norcross that stretched up Park Drive and down Holcomb Bridge Road, long before there was a Peachtree Industrial Boulevard or Peachtree Parkway. However, the Johnson family is best known as the founders and proprietors of Johnson’s Store, which was located on Jones Street and operated continuously for 103 years, from 1885 until 1988. You will enjoy seeing how the young family who own this house have returned this classic residence, which features high ceilings, the original tin ceiling in the dining room, six fireplaces, and an inviting front porch, into an elegant yet comfortable home.