The Dream Castle For Rent

It is not every day one sees a sign proclaiming a castle is for rent, but such was the case as I traveled my favorite Peachtree Street, a street I have spent much of my life on, whether living or driving. Almost everyone who has lived in Atlanta has seen what has become known as The Castle on Peachtree Street, and many of those have been in it at one time or another. Most know it as Rhodes Hall, but the official name on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places is Rhodes Memorial Hall, and it is located at 1516 Peachtree Street. It was added to the Register of Historic Places March 1, 1974.
“Built in 1904, Rhodes Hall has been an Atlanta landmark for generations. While it was originally the residence of Rhodes Furniture founder Amos Rhodes, today it is a house museum and one of the most unique venues in Atlanta for social and corporate events. The upper floors of the “castle on Peachtree” are also headquarters for The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.” (From: http://www.georgiatrust.org/historic_sites/rhodeshall/)
The one night of the year it is always in use is Halloween, a night when it comes alive. It has been, and continues to be, used for many weddings.
“Rhodes Hall is a 2012 and 2013 winner of the Bride’s Choice Awards™. This prestigious award is determined by reviews from past clients and recognizes the top 5 percent of local Wedding Professionals from the WeddingWire Network.” (From: http://www.georgiatrust.org/historic_sites/rhodeshall/weddings.php )“Rhodes Hall, one of Atlanta’s few remaining mansions on Peachtree Street, is located just north of Pershing Point. Built in 1904, prior to the development of Ansley Park, Rhodes Hall was designed by one of Atlanta’s most celebrated young architects for one of the city’s wealthiest men. Constructed of Stone Mountain granite in the Romanesque Revival style, it holds state-wide significance for both the quality and style of its architecture.
Between 1901 and 1906, Amos Giles Rhodes assembled an estate of 114 acres on Peachtree Street at Brookwood, stretching across Tanyard Creek and including most of the present-day Brookwood Interchange at I-75/85. In early 1902, construction commenced on Rhodes’ great granite castle which he and his wife, Amanda, called “Le Reve” or “the Dream.” The home is believed to be inspired by Amos and Amanda’s travels through the German Rhineland in the 1890s. Costing nearly $50,000, the structure was finally completed in 1904 and was one of the most opulent of the large mansions overlooking Atlanta’s famous thoroughfare.” (From: http://www.georgiatrust.org/historic_sites/rhodeshall/history.php )
There has not been a time I have passed it without dreaming about one day participating in a chess tournament inside the “Rook.” It would seem to have been built for chess. At my age if that ever happens it will have to be a Senior tournament.