Eisenhower’s Retreat Circa 1894 In Tybee Island

New cottages are joining our collection and the Mermaids are excited to share them with you.  Today, we ‘d like to introduce Eisenhower’s Retreat circa 1894 in Tybee Island.

This nostalgic Tybee beach house has been carefully restored with the goal of satisfying a need for stability and permanence. Located only a few steps from the serenity of the Atlantic Ocean, the timeless elegance, simplicity and warmth of our home will create lifelong memories for your family for many years.

Built in 1896 for James Montgomery Dixon, Eisenhower’s Retreat circa 1894 is listed on the list of National Historic Houses by the Department of the Interior (Property ID 11186). The home is part of a row of summer cottages that make up the Historic Tybee Strand District which developed as a result of the construction of the Savannah-Tybee Railroad in 1887 and the construction of Hotel Tybee on the south end of the island in 1891. Dixon Station, a flag stop of the Central of Georgia Railroad, was located on the corner of Butler Avenue and 13th Street, was named after Mr. Dixon who served as long time Tybee mayor during much of the early 20th century.

In 1947, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower stayed with his old military friend, then Tybee Mayor, at the Dixon Cottage while attending the International Monetary Conference being held in Savannah.

Warm summer breezes await! Step back in time and vacation like previous generations have done. Kick off your flip flops and feel the gently worn heart of pine floors under your feet, enjoy a bubble bath in an oversized antique claw foot tub, choose a recipe from our vintage cook books or play an-old fashioned board game.

What secrets does this house hold? The house features 10 foot ceilings, originally designed to let the heat rise while floor length windows that open onto the porch from the facade rooms provided cross ventilation.

While a tin roof and a large wrap around sleeping porch remain integral to the architectural features of the house, modern vacationers appreciate the central air after a day in the hot sun.

The ground level (or basement) features servant’s quarters and changing rooms (for ocean bathing).

The owners maintain that the original kitchen was located in basement of the hip building and dinner was served with the assistance of a dumb waiter to the dining room above.  The wood burning fire place has been restored to working order and the entire home underwent a total renovation and features modern amenities with central air/heat, a recently renovated kitchen with new, vintage-inspired appliances and soap stone countertops.

There are four bedrooms with the original wainscoting and original hardwood flooring. Small cast iron corner sinks in each of the guest rooms were unique to the cottage and have been painstakingly replaced by the owner.  There are two full baths that feature large claw foot tubs and oversized, vintage shower heads.

As with each of our historic and vintage homes we ask that you respect our home’s aging structure and embrace its quirks!  When may we expect you for your visit to Eisenhower’s Retreat circa 1894 in Tybee Island?