An extraordinary piece of “musical history” has come to the market in Georgia in the form of a newly listed $1.99 million lakefront estate that has played host to all manner of high-profile guests over the years, from President Jimmy Carter to artist Andy Warhol.
The dwelling, which sits on the edge of Lake Sinclair in Eatonton, was once home to record label mogul Phil Walden, who was as famous for the “legendary” barbecues and parties he threw at the property as he was for his impressive contributions to the music industry.
From 1972 to 1975, Walden threw an annual summer gathering in celebration of his label, Capricorn Records, parties that drew in legions of impressive attendees from across a wide variety of industries, from politics to art.
“The barbecues and summer games that Capricorn Records hosted there were iconic back in the ’70s,” says listing agent Bobbi Rapp with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty.
“The attendees at these events and the performances that were held at this house are just a piece of Southern rock ‘n’ roll history.”
Indeed, photos taken at the fourth iteration of the annual event in 1975 capture just some of the magic that unfolded around the 3,451-square-foot house, which was built in 1953, capturing then-Georgia Gov. Carter sporting a “Capricorn Barbecue” T-shirt while mingling with guests on the edge of the lake.
Other photos capture iconic band The Allman Brothers, who were signed to Capricorn Records, performing for guests on the steps leading up to the dwelling, as first reported by Mansion Global.
“These events were like just musical history happening. It’s really cool,” Rapp explains. “There’s a photo of the Allman Brothers playing in front of the house.
“There are all of these pictures of all these stars and rock stars just hanging out, playing volleyball and just enjoying the lake, which I thought was just such a cool piece of history.”
Though the dwelling has undergone significant renovations since those days, the property retains many of the elements that helped it to serve as the perfect summer party venue, including an incredibly beautiful 3.2 acres of waterfront land, as well as dramatic panoramic views over the lake.
“The whole entire front of the house facing the lake is floor to ceiling glass so you really capture how it feels to be on the lake. It’s like it comes inside with you almost,” Rapp says.
“It’s got such an expansive property and it’s gently sloped, all beautiful grass, and just gives you a sense of peace when you’re there because you feel like you’re outside even when you’re inside. It’s fantastic.”
Having undergone its most recent revamp in 2020, the home now has four bedrooms, including a new primary suite, and four bathrooms with almost everything having great views.
“As you walk in the front door, there’s two steps that go down into the living room and you stop at the top of those stairs because you are looking at a bank of windows and the lake,” she says. “Everyone who walks in the house just kind of stops and says, ‘wow.’”
During the renovations, the sellers kept the character of the original home and even some of its rocker history.
“There was one bathroom cabinet that had all these stickers on it, and some had been peeled off, but it was the bands that had been there and played there, like the Marshall Tucker Band and all these cool bands from the ’70s,” Rapp explains.
“We can’t corroborate this, but the word that has been passed down with the ownership of the home is that the terracotta Spanish tile in the kitchen was given to Phil Walden by Eric Clapton.”
An outdoor pavilion with two bathrooms for events still stands as well as a dinner bell the party host would ring when it was time for guests to eat.
“That bell still works and it’s really cool,” Rapp says. “Every time I go down there, I ring that bell just because it sounds so pretty.”
With 1,000 acres of shoreline, four docks with deepwater access, two ramps and the lakeside pavilion, there is plenty of space for all kinds of activities or just doing nothing at all.
“When you’re sitting there in the evening out by the firepit, the peacefulness of this property is amazing,” she says. “I could hear the water lapping and I could hear the rustling of bird wings. It is incredibly tranquil and just soothing to the soul and it’s one of those houses that just feels special.”
You can also imagine its Southern rock history.
“You can just kind of see everybody hanging out at this house, somebody picking up a guitar. It just kind of lends itself to just relaxing, but it also has that kind of, we’re all going to hang out together feeling. It feels a little bit magical that way too.”
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