Experience Southern elegance at The Swan House in Atlanta — where history, charm, and a delicious luncheon come together in one unforgettable afternoon. From delicate tea sandwiches and classic Southern chicken salad at the Swan Coach House to strolling the grand halls of the historic mansion, it’s a day steeped in grace, beauty, and timeless Southern hospitality.
There’s something almost magical about springtime in the South — when the azaleas blush pink, the dogwoods drape themselves in white blossoms, and every soft breeze carries the scent of something new and beautiful blooming.
And right in the heart of Buckhead, Atlanta, along historic West Paces Ferry Road — a street where stately mansions and old Southern charm seem to linger like sweet tea on a hot afternoon — stands a place that feels like stepping back in time: The Swan House.
For years, I’d driven past that grand estate, its sweeping staircases and marble columns glancing through the trees as I headed to Lenox Square or downtown Atlanta. But until recently, I’d never actually stepped inside. Funny how you can live in a city for years, pass by a place a hundred times, and never really experience it. But oh, what a treat it was to finally walk through those doors.
Built in 1928 for Edward and Emily Inman, The Swan House is a masterpiece of Southern Renaissance architecture, now beautifully maintained by the Atlanta History Center. The tour itself felt like walking through a Southern storybook — every room a chapter, every marble column and antique furnishing a lingering echo of gracious living.
A few weeks ago, I spent a perfectly lovely spring afternoon visiting both The Swan House and the charming Swan Coach House with a group of ladies. And let me tell you, it was a day steeped in Southern grace and old-world elegance.
Before we even sat down to lunch, the gift shop captured me — or maybe it was the scent of lavender calling my name. They’re known for their lavender soaps, hand lotions, and candles, all wrapped up in their signature purple ribbons and gold foil swan sticker. I couldn’t resist picking up a few for my daughter and a dear friend. (If I can find a photo of those pretty packages, I’ll be sure to add it — they were just too lovely not to mention! Here’s a photo of the beautifully wrapped lavender candle!
And the ladies working in the shop? Warm, welcoming, and embodying that signature Southern hospitality.
Lunch at the Swan Coach House:
Let’s talk about lunch. If you’re a fan of true Southern elegance and tradition, the Swan Coach House is a must. White linen tablecloths, fresh pink roses gracing every table, and the quiet clink of delicate china. It’s the kind of Southern luncheon you dream about — a place where generations of women have gathered in their Sunday best to celebrate friendship, family, and fine food.
I ordered their signature Swan’s Favorite, and if you go, I highly recommend you do the same especially if it’s your first time. My plate included:
- Signature Chicken Salad served inside delicate, buttery house-made timbales
- A crisp serving of petite lettuces with a light champagne vinaigrette
- Their famous Frozen Fruit Salad — sweet, creamy, and flecked with juicy grapes
- And two golden, crisp cheese straws — because no true Southern plate is complete without them
All of this paired beautifully with a pot of their Earl Grey specialty hot tea and a basket of warm mini muffins brought to the table.
While I couldn’t resist ordering the Swan’s Favorite, there were plenty of other tempting dishes at the table that day. One of the ladies ordered the Chicken Pot Pie, and let me tell you, it looked like pure Southern comfort in a dish — golden, flaky pastry wrapped around tender chicken, green peas, and carrots, all in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home, even in the middle of a grand dining room.
Swan House Famous Chicken Pot Pie-delicious flaky crust!
Another friend chose the Grilled Salmon with roasted vegetables — a fresh, light option with zucchini, mushrooms, and a bright lemon broth that made the whole plate feel like springtime on a platter.
Next time, I’ve got my eye on a few more Southern-inspired bites. The Mac and Pimento Cheese Fritters with Vidalia onion bacon jam sound like a little bite of heaven, and the Coach Ham Biscuits with their sweet and spicy mustard glaze are calling my name.
And if you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, the Spring Salad is a gorgeous, colorful mix of fresh strawberries, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and honey ginger roasted beets tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Before we get to dessert, I’ve got to say — as delicious as the food was, it was the staff that really made the experience. From the warm welcome at the hostess stand to our sweet-as-sugar server who made us feel like old friends, everyone was all smiles and Southern charm. And I could’ve sworn I heard a few “bless your hearts” floating through the air — or maybe that was just my imagination, but either way, it felt like home wrapped up in a pretty linen napkin.
Swan Coach House Desserts:
If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, the desserts at the Swan Coach House will have you swooning. On my last visit, one of the ladies ordered the French Silk Swan — a chocolate mousse topped with a cloud of whipped cream and shaved almonds, all shaped like a graceful swan. It looked so divine, but after savoring their signature Frozen Fruit Salad, I was too full to even think about it. But you can bet next time I’m ordering one (or two) — and I might just bring my daughter, Ashley, so we can share.
Swan House famous dessert-French Silk Swan
In fact, with a dessert lineup like this, you almost need a partner in crime. I’m already planning my next visit and thinking we might just have to order all three — the French Silk Swan, the Bourbon Pecan Pie with its velvety chocolate fudge sauce, and the Flourless Chocolate Torte, a perfectly rich, raspberry-kissed confection that just begs for an extra fork. After all, life is short, and Southern desserts are meant to be savored.
Specialty Drinks:
While the Swan Coach House is known for its elegant lunches and refined teas, their specialty drink menu adds a charming touch of Southern hospitality. From the Classic Mint Julep, sweetened with a touch of sugar and fresh mint, to the refreshing Georgia Peach, each sip is a little taste of Southern sunshine. And for those who prefer a lighter option, the Swan Coach House Punch offers a delightful burst of fruit-forward flavors — a perfect companion to a leisurely afternoon spent on the veranda.
Afternoon Tea:
If you’re craving a taste of timeless Southern elegance, treat yourself to an afternoon tea at the Swan Coach House. Their Tea for Two includes delicate tea sandwiches — cucumber cream cheese on white bread, pimento cheese on wheat, chicken salad on white bread, and egg salad on pumpernickel — each as refined as the surroundings. Freshly baked scones and Southern ham biscuits arrive with a choice of lemon curd or clotted cream, followed by a selection of petite sweets and pastries. And for a little something extra, you can indulge in a slice of quiche, a shrimp salad timbale, or a cup of their warm, comforting soup.
Lovely Afternoon Tea-Southern Elegance at its finest.
The Swan House’s afternoon tea is something I’ll definitely be back for. It’s the kind of Southern afternoon that makes you want to linger a little longer, savor every delicate bite, and feel like you’re stepping right into a scene from Steel Magnolias — where the tea is steeped strong, the conversation flows like sweet syrup, and every bite tastes like a memory wrapped in lace and laughter.
Swan House Estate Tour:
The After lunch, we drove up the path to The Swan House itself, where we enjoyed a guided tour through the grand halls and sweeping staircases that have witnessed nearly a century of Southern history.
Standing on that grand staircase, I couldn’t help but imagine the grand parties that once filled those marble halls — gowns brushing the steps, music pouring from the high ceilings, laughter lingering in the corners. Today, The Swan House serves not only as a museum but also as one of Atlanta’s most elegant wedding venues — the kind of place where Southern dreams are made real against a backdrop of timeless beauty.
Swan House Wedding Venue
So, if you’re planning a visit to Atlanta, make sure to leave room for a little time travel at The Swan House. Trust me, it’s one of those places where even a simple afternoon can feel like a step back in time — a day of Southern charm, lavender-scented memories, and the kind of grace you just can’t rush.
Planning Your Own Visit:
If you’re looking for a truly special outing, The Swan House and Swan Coach House offer the perfect Southern escape:
- A Mother’s Day brunch
- A summertime girls’ day out
- A historic afternoon wrapped in Southern grace
It’s a place where white linen, pink roses, lavender-scented memories, and gracious Southern hospitality stay with you long after you’ve gone.
For hours, tours, and lunch reservations, visit the Atlanta History Center website to plan your own unforgettable day at The Swan House.
Swan House: For Tours
📍 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
📞 (404) 814-4000
🌐 Atlanta History Center – Swan House
Swan Coach House: For Lunch
📍 3130 Slaton Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
📞 (404) 261-0636
Final Thought:
In a world that moves too fast, places like The Swan House remind us to slow down, sip the tea slowly, admire the roses on the table, and savor every gracious, sun-dappled moment.
Until the next delicious stop,
– Aletia
Now, if you’re like me and love bringing a little Southern charm into your own kitchen, be sure to check out some of my favorite recipes on the blog. You’ll find Southern classics that are perfect for a garden party or a leisurely afternoon on the porch. Sign up for the blog so you won’t miss a single bite of these upcoming recipes.
Easy Sour Cream Angel Biscuits
If you enjoy a little sweet tea with a side of Southern drama, be sure to check out my Honeycutt family series. It’s all the sass, secrets, and sweet moments you’d expect from a good ol’ Southern tale — and it’s just getting started.
Spillin’ the Sweet Tea: Southern Fried Drama
Spillin’ the Sweet Tea: Southern Fried Drama-The Macaroni and Cheese Catastrophe
Spillin’ the Sweet Tea: Southern Fried Drama-The Mashed Potato Miracle
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