Landmark Building Showcases Local Designers

Art and local history are two way-cool reasons to visit a landmark building on Atlanta Road in Smyrna where you’ll find a variety of wearable, handmade treasures by local Georgia artisans. It’s the Honeybee boutique, located in a magnificent house more than a century old.

In 1900, Henry and Rosa Gautschy built a modest but elegant, two-story German manor style house. Gautschy molded the concrete blocks right on the property, including the laurel relief blocks, which form two bands around the exterior. The Gautschy home was the first known building of concrete construction in Smyrna, as well as the first with the luxury of indoor plumbing.  

The home was relatively small; just 1566 square feet. The kitchen was likely just off the back but burned many years ago. Today there is a pleasant patio outside on the remaining foundation.

A concrete wall with pillars and classic globe-type finials bordered the home, embedded with the same laurel design. Today, remains of this wall and even a few of the finials are still intact, though bumped, jostled and crumbling with age. 

Inside, a beautiful wooden staircase reaches between the floors, its wrought iron railing repeating the laurel theme. The original hardwood floors gleam, and lovely multi-pane windows remain, however modern bath fixtures have replaced those novel originals from 1900. 

Henry Gautschy ran the Crystal Springs Distillery, located at the present day intersection of Concord and King Springs Road, but may have left the area after prohibition was instituted in 1919. The house has since changed hands at least seven times and has seen a variety of different uses. The original open-air porch and balcony were enclosed sometime after 1966.

Today, The Honeybee boutique enjoys this unique environment, featuring their distinctive women’s apparel and novelties. Co-owners Betsy DiGiorgio and Lisa Rieves didn’t hesitate when they had the chance to open their boutique at the Gautschy house in 2009. “When we found out this house was available, we both knew we must take that leap of faith,” said Rieves.

Supporting local artists is a significant objective at the boutique. Handmade jewelry, belts, T-shirts, and handbags by skilled Georgia craftspeople and designers complement the variety of clothing and accessories in stock. “When we bring in local artists, we give them the platform they need to showcase their talents and chase their dreams...it's a win win for us.” 

Two such artists from Vinings are Teri Shilling, who does the interior sunflowers and window displays, and the Soul Sisters Claire and Nancy Shamburger with handmade jewelry.

Historic buildings that manage to survive the charge of progress for this many years are rare. The shelter of this venerable structure adds its essence to the eclectic offerings and bubbling creativity of the owners, artisans and shoppers who mingle within.  

Betsy DiGiorgio added, “The old house is loved and she just gets better with age!” 

Perhaps Henry and Rosa would clink a glass of those spirits in approval if they could see their home today.