Tyler Perry once filmed at this unique Macon bed & breakfast mansion. Take a look inside
Macon, GA has 78 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic places, but only one is for lodging and still open for business today.
Burke Mansion was built in 1887 as a single family home for the Burke family.
“The house itself was once described as ‘one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture I’ve seen’ by an architectural columnist,” said Paul Griffin, Burke Mansion Bed & Breakfast manager.
Some people may recognize the Burke Mansion even if they have never been to Georgia. A portion of Tyler Perry’s Netflix film “Jazzman’s Blues” was filmed at the bed and breakfast in 2021.
Griffin said T.C. Burke, the man responsible for building the Burke Mansion, was prominent in the community. He was one of five owners of the Macon Academy of Dance; he had a hand in the opening of St. Joseph’s, Mt DeSales, and many of Macon’s other developments.
The historic mansion boasts more than 25 original stained glass windows and all of the original woodwork still exists in the house. In addition, it has a private carriage house with its own entrance that essentially serves as a full two bedroom, two bathroom home.
In the early 1900’s, additions were made and designed by renowned architect Neel Reid. One of the suites available at the bed and breakfast is named in honor of his work and friendship with the family.
Other suites include the Martina and Mae Suite which was the Burke children sewing room, the Mary Burke Suite, and the T.C.Burke Suite. The Fulbright Guest Cottage is located in the back of the property and has a dedicated parking space.
Griffin said the Burke Mansion Bed & Breakfast is unique in many ways.
“With only six guest suites between the main house and carriage house, it’s a more intimate environment that feels more like visiting family rather than staying in a hotel,” he said. “It also gives guests a window into the workmanship and luxury of the time that the Burke’s lived. It’s still a beacon of comfort and serenity to the community and beyond.”
Lodging includes a cooked to order breakfast each morning and what Griffin describes as a ‘comfortable historic backdrop that is sure to relax anyone’. Burke Mansion also offers event space for weddings, parties, and other social gatherings.
However, the mansion isn’t the only lasting impact the Burke family has had on the community.
Upon the death of Burke’s daughters Mary and Martina, the sisters’ estate established the Thomas C. Burke Foundation in memory of their father. The Burke Foundation has assisted with many projects including the building of Burke Hall in 1977 at Mount de Sales Academy.
Griffin said the foundation also continues to give funds for oncology patients in Middle Georgia as well as donates funds and in-kind donations to many local non-profits such as the Historic Macon Foundation, Visit Macon, the Magnolia Soap Box Derby, and event space to even more charitable events.
Burke Mansion Bed & Breakfast is at 1085 Georgia Ave. and can be reached at 478 - 238-1731.
“We are available for any special event or lodging the community or tourists might need,” Griffin said. “We’ve even partnered with La Petit Mariage to offer full wedding services for elopements, micro-weddings, as well as traditional weddings.”
