Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange: Hours, Address, Hills & Dales Estate Reviews: 5/5
Hills & Dales Estate
Hills & Dales Estate
5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Hills & Dales Estate is the historic home and garden of textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway. Located in LaGrange, Georgia. The centerpiece of the estate is a beautiful Georgian-Italian style home built in 1916. Designed by the noted architectural firm of Hentz & Reid it is one of the finest homes built toward the end of the country house era. The home was occupied by two generations of the Callaway family and contains all of the families' original furnishings. Formal gardens surrounding the home and were created by the original owner of the property, Sarah Coleman Ferrell prior to the Civil War. Within the gardens visitors will see many of Sarah's religiously inspired planting including a large planting of the word "God" and her personal motto "God is Love." The extensive formal boxwood garden also feature an herb garden, greenhouse, fountains and garden sculpture. The 35-acre estate, complemented by a Visitor Center containing family artifacts and displays, opened to the public in 2004. In May of 2010 twenty additional rooms on the second and third floor of the home opened for tours.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
78 within 3 miles

505 Eats
20
0.6 miQuick Bites • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

The Cart Barn Grill
248
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Grill

Mare Sol
237
1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

A Taste of Lemon Restaurant
252
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Country's Barbecue
172
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Barbecue

Beacon Brewing Company
31
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub

Bull's Hibachi Sushi Express
26
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian

Venucci
138
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Your Pie
18
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Italian • Pizza

Splendid Events Restaurant & Catering
14
1 mi$
Attractions
14 within 6 miles

Bellevue
90
0.6 miHistoric Sites

Biblical History Center
261
1.7 miHistory Museums

Wild Leap Brew Co.
90
1 miBreweries

Sweetland Amphitheatre
23
1 miTheaters

Troup County Archives and Legacy Museum on Main
24
1 miHistory Museums

LaGrange Art Museum
23
1.1 miArt Museums

Ye Olde Red Door Antiques
5
1 miAntique Shops

Lafayette Theatre Company
2
1 miTheaters

Pretty Good Books
1
1 miAntique Shops

Great Wolf Lodge
265
Water Parks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
248 reviews
Excellent
217
Very good
30
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Fred B
Acworth, GA3 contributions
Jul 2021
My wife and I came to LaGrange for a July 4th getaway and Hills and Dales was at the top of our list. Our visit consisted of a guided tour of the mansion, followed by a self-guided walking tour through the formal gardnens. The standard tour covers three floors of the main residence, but the upper floors were off-limits due to renovation, so we saw only the main floor, but that was still interesting in itself. There were not many visitors that Friday so the guide actually gave my wife and I a private tour. What I enjoyed most were the gardens, they are very well designed and well-tended for, there is something new to see every few yards. I did notice a few gaps in the boxwoods, probably due to disease or neglect from an earlier period, but these were few and far between, and the gardeners are evidently making efforts to remedy the issue. The staff was very helpful and friendly, wanting to engage in conversation and didn't appear to be rushed. Visitors enter through the visitor center and then are shuttled to the main residence and gardens in electric carts, or can choose to walk. At the end of your tour you return to the entrance the same way. The carts ran efficiently and we never had to wait.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Equity
Naples, FL490 contributions
Dec 2020
My wife and I enjoy visiting and touring historic homes and estates in our travels and Hills & Dales Estate is one of the finest in America. It is on a par with Hillwood, the estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post in Washington, D.C. We toured the estate a few days ago on a trip to Callaway Gardens, about 15 miles from Lagrange, GA.
The house and gardens, originally built by Fuller Callaway, Sr., are a gem!! They are lovingly cared for and welcoming to visitors. The guided tour at the time we took it was limited to the first floor, but there is a lot to see. Our tour guide was marvelous and knowledgeable. She knew every detail about the sources of the building materials, decor and construction of each room.
The gardens are a sight to see. One tours them with a map. In the spring and summer months they must be fantastic when everything is in bloom, and that will be a reason for us to return. What was most interesting is that the gardens were cared for by two generations of Callaway women for over 60 years each! It was their life's passion and it certainly shows. It is also recommended to visit downtown Lagrange, a charming small city with a beautiful town square with a statue of Lafayette. We had a take-out lunch on a bench in the park there.
The house and gardens, originally built by Fuller Callaway, Sr., are a gem!! They are lovingly cared for and welcoming to visitors. The guided tour at the time we took it was limited to the first floor, but there is a lot to see. Our tour guide was marvelous and knowledgeable. She knew every detail about the sources of the building materials, decor and construction of each room.
The gardens are a sight to see. One tours them with a map. In the spring and summer months they must be fantastic when everything is in bloom, and that will be a reason for us to return. What was most interesting is that the gardens were cared for by two generations of Callaway women for over 60 years each! It was their life's passion and it certainly shows. It is also recommended to visit downtown Lagrange, a charming small city with a beautiful town square with a statue of Lafayette. We had a take-out lunch on a bench in the park there.
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Margie M
Alabama51 contributions
Jan 2021
This is a must see for anyone visiting Lagrange area. The staff is so knowledgeable and friendly! They go out of their way to make your visit memorable. The house is absolutely beautiful and such great care has been taken to preserve the history and beauty of this place. Our tour guide was so good, the house seemed to come to life as she shared the history of this magnificent home. The gardens are magical! We visited last weekend during the winter so I can only imagine how beautiful they will be in the spring. We plan on visiting often (we became members) and enjoying this incredible place.
Written February 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mineral48503
Columbus, GA10 contributions
Oct 2020
The place was wonderful and staff (volunteers??) well trained. But we specifically appreciated how kind and accommodating they were. I am currently immunocompromised due to chemo and this was my first outing in months. We hoped an outdoor garden would be" Covid safe", but of course I wanted to tour the house. Due to Coronavirus, they have only recently resumed house tours and with limitations. However, given my situation even that concerned us so we were content to stick to the garden. But they were so kind and took advantage of the current state of few visitors and offered a private tour for my husband and me. They even ran the movie (which is also good by the way) just for us. I imagine they couldn't make these accommodations under normal conditions, but I so appreciate that when they could they did. We wouldn't have been able to see the house otherwise. And we are now members. Can't wait to return.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laurie C
Panama City, Florida, United States63 contributions
Jul 2021
I have spent time in the LaGrange area for the past five years but I had never visited Hills and Dales. My first and definitely not my last visit - I converted my day pass to an annual pass as I left. I was a little short on time and now wish I had started in the greenhouses - but if I had, I may not have seen anything else! I can't wait to see how the estate changes with the seasons! I highly recommend to plant lovers and gardeners, also history buffs. It may not be the Biltmore House but well worth a visit!!! And the staff was wonderful.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Irma V
5 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
We came for the holiday tour through the house and gardens. It was a lovely experience and I definitely recommend. We were not able to view the second floor due to Covid restrictions limiting the group size, so we will visit again one day to do so. Was wonderful to learn about the history of the house, the grounds, and the families living here. The Christmas tree with the original decorations was a great hit. Thank you to all the volunteers for their hard work in retaining this treasure ❤
Written January 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lisa E
Dubuque, IA53 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
The history of this house and the gardens was so interesting. The house was built in 1916 and lived in by same family through 1998. The gardens were designed and mantained by four generations of women. The staff who gave tours and work the gardens were so friendly and informative. They all seemed to love their jobs!
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Linda Crumpton
Newnan, GA5 contributions
Oct 2020
This was a beautiful place to visit and learn about the Callaway family and their contributions to the area. they were quite the philanthropists. the gardens are beautiful and the home tour very interesting. if you are in the area I would highly suggest visiting. Parking is free and a trolley will ride you to the house if you prefer.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
campbell8515
Winston Salem, NC29 contributions
Apr 2022
Callaway family was so giving / kind to the community . Grace, tour guide, most informative, garden staff kept the gardens clean neat. we talked to garden spvr who had been there 28 yrs..another worker ., 10 yrs there, explained boxwoods w/ much knowledge. Azaleas lovely , greenhouse w;/ orchids nice., 14 min video most impressive, tram to house from visitor center good views of the estate grounds.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nancy A
95 contributions
Sep 2021
This home is a magnificent home and gardens You can’t take pictures inside the house and it’s a shame, it was just gorgeous. It wasn’t ostentatious like some of the big old homes, just very well done and very pretty, livable. The gardens were amazing. It must take an army of people to keep everything trimmed and in such good condition. It’s one of the best homes and gardens that I’ve been to.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SMSchmidt22
Belleville, Illinois14 contributions
Is your facility available for rental/events?
Carley M
LaGrange, GA47 contributions
The visitor center is beautiful and has la lovely patio/balcony area and room for rental.
What are your open days & hours
Norma W
Columbus, GA1,355 contributions
Your question did NOT go to Hills & Dales. Their hours March-June are Mon-Sat,10-6, Sun 1-6; Jul-Feb, Tues-Sat 10-5. Closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas. Info is on their website.
What times are yours today? How much does it cost? How long does tour take?
Kathy S
Cumming, GA42 contributions
Our tour took about an hour 15 minutes or so. Part of this tour is self guided, the garden portion. So you can adjust depending on your schedule. It was 15 dollars for admission.
William L
Columbus24 contributions
Is there any provisions for the handicapped??
Hi William,
We are thrilled you are interested in visiting the estate. We work hard to make the estate accessible to those who need assistance. We offer wheelchairs at no cost, and tram rides to and from the home. The guided home tour includes access to all three floors, and a photo album of the top two floors is available for those unable to navigate the stairs. Please give us a call at 706-882-3242 for more information or visit the Accessibility page on our website.
Hounddog8734
Anniston, AL11 contributions
Why are children under 7 not allowed to tour the house? It's discrimination!
I agree. We came 2 hours with a 3 month old baby and we couldn't go in. What is a 3 month old baby going to do??
Lori A
Benicia, CA
Hi, I will be visiting in July, probably the 6th after attending an event in Atlanta. My Great grandmother was Nancy Ferrell, and my father, Frank L. Ward II, spent summers with her at the estate. I grew up hearing so many stories of my Grandmother and the home and gardens. I have a few old photos and press material I'll bring, and I would love a tour, thank you, Lori
Hi Lori, We are excited to know you will be coming to the estate in July and look forward to seeing the material you will be bringing and hearing your stories. We will provide you with a tour of the house and of the garden. Thanks for contacting us.
Judy
Tellingasiseeit
Florida197 contributions
What is the adult fee for the Estate
Thank you Jessica P for answering this question for us. (we regret that children 6 and under are not allowed on the house tour.) And also thank you for your kind remarks.
Judy
Frequently Asked Questions about Hills & Dales Estate
- Hills & Dales Estate is open:
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Hills & Dales Estate:
- (3.19 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton LaGrange
- (0.95 mi) Courtyard by Marriott LaGrange
- (4.08 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lagrange, an IHG Hotel
- (3.29 mi) Hampton Inn Lagrange near Callaway Gardens
- (4.35 mi) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham LaGrange / I-85
- Restaurants near Hills & Dales Estate:
- (0.89 mi) The Cart Barn Grill
- (1.08 mi) A Taste of Lemon Restaurant
- (1.01 mi) Mare Sol
- (0.55 mi) 505 Eats
- (1.03 mi) Venucci