There’s something undeniably special about an old house. The craftsmanship, the quality of materials, the charm of details that simply aren’t replicated today—but more than anything, it’s the stories they hold. I’ve made a career out of helping people buy and sell old homes, but my love for them started long before I ever got into real estate.
I grew up in Paris, Kentucky, in a grand old Italianate that had been standing long before I was born. Tall ceilings, wide moldings, intricate transoms—I didn’t know it at the time, but that house shaped how I see homes to this day. It wasn’t just the architecture that made it special, it was the sense of permanence. That house had seen decades of history unfold. And living inside it, I felt like I was part of that story.
I may not be a carpenter or restorer, but I’ve always loved learning about the history behind these homes—what they were built for, who lived in them, how they evolved through time. And now, in my work here in Atlanta, especially in historic neighborhoods like Ansley Park and Druid Hills, I get to share that same sense of wonder with my clients.
The homes I work with aren’t museum pieces—they’re lived in, layered with personal history, often imperfect, and all the more beautiful because of it. I’ve walked through homes where original windows still bear the ripples of hand-blown glass, where worn banisters have been touched by generations of hands. I’ve sold houses that once hosted parties in the jazz age and others that survived through the Depression or World War II. Every one of them tells a story—sometimes documented, sometimes only hinted at by a path in the garden or a date scrawled behind old wallpaper.
What I love about selling old homes isn’t just connecting buyers and sellers—it’s connecting people to place, to time, to something bigger than themselves. When a client walks into a historic house and just feels something, I know exactly what they mean. It's not nostalgia. It’s presence. It's history made personal.
In a world where speed and convenience often win out, old homes remind us to slow down. They reflect an era when materials were chosen with care, when details mattered, and when homes were built to last. And while not everyone is up for the quirks and character that come with owning a historic home, for those who are—it’s a joy I understand deeply.
I often think about the homeowners who came before us—how they celebrated holidays, raised families, marked time inside those walls. Each house is a kind of living time capsule, and every new owner gets to write the next chapter.
I may not restore homes with my own hands, but I believe in their value and their stories just as fiercely. It’s an honor to represent them, and a privilege to help others fall in love with them the way I did, years ago, in that Italianate on a quiet street in Paris, Kentucky.".
Find Your Place in Atlanta’s Historic Legacy
Old homes are more than architecture. They hold the weight of history, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the stories of generations. Choosing one means stepping into a legacy while creating your own. As a Luxury Atlanta Real Estate Expert, Will Letton offers the insight and guidance you need to connect with these remarkable homes and make one part of your story.