Pleasant Shade / Dugas-Wingfield-Wagner Home (c. 1790)

Reigning majestically over East Robert Toombs Avenue is the historic Dugas-Wingfield-Wagner Home (c. 1790), also known as “Pleasant Shade,” which evokes memories of shaded lanes that once led from the Town Square to this exquisitely renovated Southern mansion graced with massive fluted columns, the largest in historic Washington, Georgia. Gazing out from the large window at the end of the upstairs center hall, one immediately recognizes the remnant lane and is transported back in time to a by-gone era of a much simpler, tranquil way of life.

Many prominent and interesting people have called this place home throughout its long history.  James Wingfield, who arrived in Washington from Virginia with his brothers in the early 1780s, is believed to have begun the home. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Degas, French refugees from Santo Domingo, immigrated here and had their son, Dr. Louis Alexander Dugas, a prominent early surgeon and founding physician of the Medical College of Georgia, in the home in 1806. A historical marker was placed by the Georgia Historical Commission to commemorate the birthplace. Charles Bolton, a wealthy merchant, purchased the home some time in the early 1800s and added the upper story. In a local newspaper column it was stated that the Bolton sons were great sportsmen and “one never seemed to pass the place without seeing horses, grooms, and stylish vehicles.” The side door under a small portico was called the “riding door.” Rev. James B. Dunwoody, a Presbyterian minister who performed the wedding ceremony for Miss Bullock and Mr. Roosevelt, the parents of President Theodore Roosevelt, added the virgin Bald Cypress columns in 1860.

Southern elegance at its finest as soaring Greek Revival columns invite guests in and welcome you home, random width pine floors glisten, fireplaces adorned with mantles bring warmth to most every room (including the kitchen), and original over-sized paned windows (front are floor to ceiling) serve to brighten and flood the home with natural light.

Totally renovated top-to-bottom in 2018 by the current owners, Pleasant Shade boasts 5,590 square feet with 6 spacious bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms! There are two primary suites on the main level with 4 additional bedrooms and 3 full baths upstairs as well as a second floor Library with an interesting entry door. An expansive wide center hall stretches upstairs and downstairs. The main level consists of gorgeous proportioned Double Parlors flanking each side of the entry foyer with exquisite moldings, a large banquet/dining hall (16 x 28), amazing kitchen, side sunroom, and the two primary suites…all renovated and brought up to modern standards for today’s lifestyle of comfort and efficiency. Renovations include Dual Fueled Central HVAC, maximum insulation, top-of-the-line appliances, gas range, central vacuum system, and much, much more, along with new electrical, new plumbing, new roof, new baths, and new kitchen…No expense spared!

The grounds of 1.63 acres are beautiful with mature Magnolias, Pecan, and other trees, flowering shrubs, perimeter iron-style black fencing (over 400 ft), and brick, lighted entries (front & side). There is also a newly constructed 3-car detached garage and other outbuildings on the property.

Nestled along one of the town’s main historic Avenues, Pleasant Shade, enduring the test of time, still stands tall and proud. The home is within walking distance of the historic Town Square, restaurants, cafes, shops, museums, and the oldest public library in Georgia. Historic Washington, Georgia, steeped in HISTORY and CHARM, is located an easy drive to Athens, Georgia (40 miles), Augusta, Georgia (50 miles), other southern towns (Greensboro/Lake Oconee), and within close proximity to some of the state’s largest major lakes and parks. 100 Miles East of Atlanta, Georgia, via I-20.

Details

Property ID
628494

6
Bedrooms

6
Bathrooms

Square Footage
5590

Lot Size
2

Year Built
1790

Style
Greek Revival

Property Website