In the heart of historic downtown Senoia, along Broad Street, sits the “1871 Tilted House.” Like many buildings from the Reconstruction era, time left its subtle marks on the structure, giving the home its nickname. Today, however, the Tilted House stands stronger than ever thanks to a meticulous modernization/restoration project that honors its past while preparing it for the future.
The project was undertaken by Senoia residents Skip and Cindy King, who have developed a quiet reputation for restoring historic properties with a careful balance of craftsmanship and respect for architectural heritage. Rather than simply renovate old homes, the Kings approach each project as a stewardship of history-preserving the details that give a building its soul while thoughtfully updating it for modern life.
The Tilted House itself dates to 1871, built in a region still emerging from the aftermath of the Civil War. Like many homes of that period, it was constructed with materials and techniques that valued both function and beauty. Some of the homes original wallpaper can be viewed at the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum on Couch Street.
Among the home’s most fascinating treasures are five fireplaces, each carefully restored using the geometry described in The Lost Art of the 18th Century Fireplace by Vrest Orton. This historic design method focuses on precise proportions within the firebox and smoke chamber to improve airflow and efficiency. The fireplaces not only serve as architectural centerpieces, they also revive a nearly forgotten art of early American hearth construction.
The flooring beneath your feet carries an even older story. Much of the home features old-growth heart pine harvested in the late 1700s and sourced from Mississippi. Dense, richly colored, and impossible to replicate with modern lumber, the wood adds warmth and the occasional glimpse of cottonseed oil revealing itself from the antique wood when the sun shines through the sole plate glass window in the master suite.
Step outside and the grounds themselves feel like a quiet Southern garden retreat. More than 50 plantings-including azaleas, antique azaleas, gardenias, climbing roses, mature hollies, snowflake camellias, and Chinese fringe trees create a landscape that blooms through much of the year and frames the property with color and fragrance.
Towering above the garden is perhaps the property’s most extraordinary natural feature: a 350-year-old Orange Osage tree facing Broad Street. Believed to be the third-largest specimen of its kind in the United States, the tree predates the house itself by nearly two centuries. Its sweeping limbs serve as both a natural landmark and a reminder of the deep roots that run through Senoia’s landscape.
The Kings also looked beyond Georgia for architectural inspiration when enhancing the property’s exterior. The brick wall along Broad Street draws influence from the historic estates of Charleston, South Carolina, where brick garden walls provide privacy and timeless character. Anchoring the entrance are custom metal gates featuring welded scabbards on each side, inspired by Charleston’s famous Sword Gate House, a historic property commissioned by Abraham Lincoln’s granddaughter.
Inside the home, historic character blends comfortably with modern amenities. One of the most unique spaces is the restored Parson’s Room, once associated with clergy who occupied the home in its early years. Today, the room has been thoughtfully reimagined with a loft half bath and a home theatre featuring Sonos surround sound, creating a gathering place where history and modern entertainment meet.
Altogether, the home offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms across 3,222 square feet, along with the Parson’s Room and a bonus room for added flexibility. Located squarely within Senoia’s historic downtown district, the property also carries existing commercial zoning, opening possibilities that range from residential living to boutique commercial use.
The Tilted House is more than simply a restored structure—it is a living story of craftsmanship, landscape, and community. Through the careful work of the Kings, a home that once leaned quietly through the decades now stands as one of Senoia’s most distinctive historic treasures.
The property is currently listed for sale with Andrew Lowe of Brick and Branch Real Estate, offering a rare opportunity to own a remarkable piece of Senoia’s architectural and cultural heritage.