In the heart of Georgia's marble country, where Sharp Top Mountain stands sentinel, the Historic Tate House rises from its 27-acre estate as a monument to architectural excellence and holiday magnificence. Just 20 minutes north of Downtown Canton, this pink marble mansion is a storied landmark. It transforms into an unrivaled celebration of Christmas grandeur during the holiday season, attracting visitors to experience its unique seasonal showcase.
The Tate House, also known as the "Pink Palace," is significant in Georgia’s architectural history. Built in 1926 by Colonel Sam Tate, a prominent land baron and philanthropist, the mansion is a remarkable example of "Second Renaissance Revival" architecture, using rare "Etowah" pink marble unique to Georgia and Brazil. This distinctive marble, personally selected by Tate, has become a key feature of the mansion, now renowned as an Atlanta-area wedding and event venue, and its place on the National Register of Historic Places cements its historical significance.
The Tate family’s influence began with Samuel Tate, who moved his family to the area in 1834. His son, Stephen Tate, began mining marble, establishing Tate, Georgia, as a center of marble production and securing the family’s place in Georgia's history. When Colonel Sam completed the mansion, he moved in with his brother Luke and sister Florentine, ushering in an era of grandeur defining the estate. Though none of them married, they made the Tate House a familial legacy, symbolizing their achievements and the unique resources of the area.
After years of vacancy after the family’s departure in 1955, Arizona native Ann Laird discovered the mansion in 1974 and restored it over a decade. 2001, Holbrook Properties purchased the estate, with Lois Holbrook and Marsha Mann preserving its legacy. Mann’s dedication has transformed the Tate House into a celebrated event venue and a cherished holiday destination, complete with lush gardens and meticulously restored architectural features.
Each December, the Tate House opens its doors for a much-anticipated series of Christmas tours. What began in 2007 with a modestly decorated tree and a handful of visitors has blossomed into a seasonal celebration featuring 27 meticulously decorated Christmas trees throughout the mansion. Each room presents an expertly crafted holiday tableau under the guidance of a lead designer formerly of New York’s iconic Tavern on the Green. The dining room hosts a tree worth “a hundred thousand dollars,” adorned with over a thousand Christopher Radko ornaments and custom pieces by select artists, each contributing to the house’s enchanting holiday atmosphere.
Marsha Mann explains this is “over-the-top Christmas fantasy,” not simply holiday decorating. The mansion’s elaborate holiday vignettes and custom decorations create a sensory feast for visitors, who are often awe-struck by the scale and detail of the displays. Passersby have even been known to slow their cars to admire the mansion’s spectacular evening illumination.
Looking toward the future, the Tate House continues to evolve as an extraordinary venue. In November 2024, construction will begin on a new 5,000-square-foot English conservatory, set to open in February. With three grand chandeliers, this addition will enhance the property’s appeal for events and tours. Mann shares her excitement, saying, “When we get that conservatory in with those three chandeliers, it’s going to be gorgeous at night.”
The Tate House is already a sought-after destination, with events booked through 2026. Its reputation has grown so significantly that it was recently named one of the top “must-see” places in Georgia by Georgia Magazine and one of “Georgia’s Most Gorgeous Wedding Venues” by The Venue Report. This acclaim and the mansion’s deep historical roots and breathtaking architecture make it a standout among North Georgia’s historic homes.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, the Tate House offers an array of Christmas tour options, from lunch services to royal teas and candlelight tours, each featuring unique culinary experiences. Beyond the Tate House, the nearby History Cherokee Holiday Tour of Homes in Downtown Canton provides an additional festive charm. This tour, taking place on December 6 and 7, includes visits to five historic homes in Canton, each adorned in sophisticated holiday décor, along with two commercial properties highlighting the rich history, stunning architecture, and festive décor of downtown Canton while soaking in the spirit of the season. These historic sites, including the McCanless-Jones-Morgan House, the Dick-Johnston House, and the Meriwether House, offer a glimpse into the region’s architectural heritage and holiday traditions. All tour locations, Including the Jones Mercantile building, are within approximately one mile of each other. For added convenience, rain-or-shine shuttle buses will be available to deliver holiday cheer.
Tour tickets include admission to the Cherokee County History Center, showcasing two seasonal exhibits: “Holiday Sweetscapes: A Gingerbread Journey through Cherokee County” and “A Century of Toys: 100 Years of Play.” These exhibits add cultural depth to the experience, making the tour an educational and festive outing for visitors.
Between the Tate House’s elaborate Christmas displays and the charm of Canton's historic home tour, North Georgia offers an unmatched opportunity to experience the region's architectural heritage at its most festive. This combination creates an ideal weekend itinerary for those who appreciate magnificent marble mansions, intimate historic homes, and the rich history shaping Georgia’s cultural landscape. Visitors can reserve Tate House tours through its website (tatehouse.com), while tickets for the Holiday Tour of Homes are available at historycherokee.org/holiday-homes-tour. Convenient shuttle service between Canton’s tour locations ensures a seamless experience, regardless of weather.
With its storied past, architectural splendor, and holiday grandeur, the Tate House remains a cherished landmark. It invites guests to celebrate both the magic of Christmas and the legacy of Georgia’s rich history.
It was constructed from the same marble quarry that provided stone for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., representing a rare marble material found only in Georgia and Brazil.
This is an over-the-top Christmas fantasy. The dining room hosts a hundred-thousand-dollar tree adorned with Christopher Radko ornaments.