OMG, I want to rent this home: Savannah, GA

General Lachlan McIntosh House, Savannah, GA (Vrbo): People say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but we all know that maxim isn’t entirely realistic. Who can resist the pull of the first impression? Most things in life are like Christmas presents: unless your family really gets you wrong — and that’s up to you if you forgot to send Santa your list — the gift inside is exactly what you wanted. But it’s even cuter when wrapped in pretty paper and tied with lots of ribbons and bows.

Our take on that very important question of judging things at first sight definitely extends to vacation rentals, and may we just say what a pretty package this chic Georgia peach is. The black and white scheme, the wrought iron balcony, the feel of the French countryside—::chef’s kiss::—we can’t get enough.

The bad news first: No matter who you are, you will always come second to those who have signed the proverbial guest book of General Lachlan McIntosh’s house. Nobody-nobody– can beat the prominence of America’s first President, the only one, George Washington, to walk through this posh front door in 1791. That’s right, Washington not only stayed in any of the rooms that could be yours during your visit, he did during he was president.

It’s unfortunate that this little presidential fact often overshadows the crowning glory of the house itself: longevity. Built in 1770, this 3,000-square-foot mansion (or a cozy bungalow, as modern McMansion standards would rate that square footage) is “regarded as the oldest brick residence in the state of Georgia.”

Cherry trees might have been safe in George Washington’s presence (that, dear friends, was nothing but a myth concocted by an early Washington biographer), but even the presence of our first President was not enough to turn this Savannah home into amber maintain. You’ll be pleased to know that it has recently undergone a refurbishment, which has been described as ‘extensive’. (The saying “if it were good for George Washington” definitely doesn’t apply to things like modern plumbing…)

Now for your obligatory look into the kitchen. This is the place you’ll return to if you want to dream of all the glorious Southern and Coastal-inspired dishes you’ll eat in Savannah. Just to clarify, the meals you will eat out of.

We love it when a home revolves around a dramatic spiral staircase. The hot new thing in fitness is when chic architecture meets movement.

Each of the five bedrooms, spread over three floors, has its own bathroom. Of course, the one where George Washington stayed is the favorite, according to the listing agent.

Washington’s stay isn’t the only notable political event the home of General Lachlan McIntosh has witnessed… and hosted. At the end of the American Revolution, the newly democracies were tasked with putting their governments in order. The great peach state held its first ever constitutional session in this beautiful brick home. Well, it’s not a requirement for modern guests to solve all of today’s political issues if they choose to stay here, but it’s highly recommended.

With our small eyes we spy an elevator. We know we hinted earlier that spiral staircases are a great workout, but we would never ask you to lug your bags up two full flights of spiral staircases. L’horreur! (Editor’s note: there are many ancient castles where we have suggested just that.)

When we envision vacationing in the South, our visions involve plenty of lounging and drinking (iced tea or mint juleps, travelers’ choice). Here’s your chance to gossip and drink on this neat covered porch, formerly known as the smoking deck.

If you couldn’t tell before, this home is dripping into American history. It overlooks Oglethorpe Avenue, one of the main streets in Savannah’s historic district. The street was named after James Oglethorpe, the town’s founder, who was (gasp!) a bit of a socialist and centuries ahead of his time with his views on prison reform. On the other hand, he bought the land for his new city from the Yamacraw tribe at a price that included a single laced cloak, hat, and shirt, along with things like gunpowder, bullets, and rum.

Four of the five bedrooms are on the top two floors and are furnished with king-size beds, like this beautiful example with a wooden ceiling. While the fifth room is a bit smaller with a queen bed, it still has a few other things going for it…

…like your own kitchen. The fifth bedroom is known as the Garden Suite. While attached to the main house, it also has all of its own features and fixins for those holidaymakers (we’ve got them all) who need to recharge their batteries away from the crowds. (The “crowds,” aka her closest friends, of course.)

While your introverted friend can claim the garden suite for himself, they might have to share it as it’s the perfect place for us to laze during our afternoon siesta. Forgive our interruption!

This may not be the biggest house on the avenue like we’re sure it was in George Washington’s day, but it’s one of the cutest, even from the back. Its historic bonafides and modern amenities are just the icing on the cake of this beautiful three story Savannah gem.

Book your stay: General Lachlan McIntosh House, Savannah, GA: $1,150/night via Vrbo