At home with the Lady of Savannah: a Paula Deen home tour

Carolina Buia, Shine staff

I recently headed to Savannah, Georgia to meet and tour the home of culinary sensation Paula Deen. Hope you enjoy the home tour as much as I did. Check it out below.



The strongest impression as one rambles along Savannah's historic district is the Spanish moss clinging from the tall oak trees. Like a gauzy sheath, it lends the city a romantic and ethereal atmosphere.

For a city of just over 130,000 people, Savannah is quite spread out. Most visitors only become acquainted with the historic district and its 22 green park squares that like petits fours break up an awesome mix of Victorian, Neoclassical and modern architecture. The downtown district is dotted with art galleries, antique shops, old churches, and plenty of restaurants doling up Southern soul food. Stand out eateries include the Soho South Cafe, Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, Vic's on the River, and of course Paula Deen's The Lady and Sons.

On this episode Paula takes us on a tour of the home that launched her brand. It's where she lived for six years, it's where she spent countless hours cooking and baking for fans and family, and it's where she gathered around her farmhouse table during holidays. Paula also opens up about launching her culinary career in her early forties. Cooking was not only a way to make a living, but a recipe for healing. The kitchen was where Paula dug herself out of an acute agoraphobia (fear of being in a crowd or public place) brought on by the death of her parents and a failed marriage. It's hard to believe that a woman so gregarious and funny had a hard time being around people.


Though born in Albany, Georgia, Paula tasted success while living in Savannah. With only two hundred dollars and the help of her sons, she launched a catering business of bagged lunches for working professionals. That business led to a restaurant. That food caught the taste buds of some Food Network Yankees, and the rest is for the culinary books. Paula's first cooking show was shot in Milford, NY, but since the beginning she was pining to bring it to Savannah. "You know when someone says he or she has IT," starts Paula. "That is what Savannah is like. She has it. She has it all." Six years ago, as she built herself this home overlooking Turner's Creek, she made sure to equip it with a professional, studio kitchen. A few peach cobblers later (and through-the-roof ratings) and her bosses agreed to move her show South.

Though I only spent a day with the Lady of Savannah, I have these last thoughts. Paula is genuine. Genuinely funny, outspoken, intelligent and thoughtful. Her wit is blade sharp, so you have to be ready with a comeback. Her eyes are so blue, they are almost electric. I have to point this out because I don't think I've seen eyes so stunningly blue. And I am not trying to butter her up. Speaking of: Butter really is her favorite ingredient. Why is her food is so darn good? Butter. She not only inspires and entertains the young and old, but she bakes a mean peach cobbler. Like Savannah, this woman has it all.

For more on Paula Deen, including her peach cobbler recipe, visit pauladeen.com or click here to view her cookware collection for Walmart.


Please visit more episode of Make Home a Haven and check out many more exciting home tours.