New Haywood was built in 1887 to replace the original white-columned Haywood, which stood at the end of Green’s Grove and was built by Theodrick and Metta Green. The architect was Edmund Lind, known as the architect of the “New South.” He designed the Mary Willis Library and is best known for his design of the Peabody Library in Baltimore, MD. During the period he lived in Washington, he also worked on many local homes, including a major project in 1898 at 211 E. Court St.

On the grounds once stood two very historic buildings. From 1800 to 1816, David and Sarah Hillhouse printed the Washington Gazette in a small frame building, and in 1821 the first Masonic building was erected there. The War-Time Journal of a Georgia Girl, still read today, was written by Metta’s sister, Eliza Andrews. The book details what life was like in Washington during the Civil War.

The house nearest the main house served as a laundry and is now a guest house. The structure in the back was built for the descendants of the formerly enslaved who were longtime house servants. The barn was used for dairy cows.

The exterior of the home has remained the same, while the interior has undergone changes through different owners. The stained glass in the second-floor sitting area is original, as is the mural on the ceiling in the music room. The mural is painted on cloth and has been touched up over time.

The original mantels were replaced, but the current owners were able to locate one of the originals, which is now in the bar room.

Through Metta’s efforts, the Cherokee Rose (now considered invasive) was adopted as the state flower. The owners have been able to locate two of the original rose bushes still remaining.

The latest project is the restoration of the gardens