History

Lillian Gardens, formerly Something Special Events, was built in 1859 just two years before the start of the Civil War and is rich with historical significance.

The Davis family built the beautiful antebellum home that would serve as a makeshift hospital for soldiers during the war; however, the Davis family sold the home to the Banks family around the turn of the century. The wrap-around front porch, oak floors, stained glass windows, and the beautiful, winding staircase were added to the home at this time. One of the Banks children, Virginia, later married Dr. St. John and lived in the home for about 80 years. After their passing, the home was sold to Virginia Davis and her daughter, Martha Sue, who opened a tearoom and named it “Something Special” which enjoyed success for over a decade and became a cherished landmark within the Newnan community.

Michael Meyer purchased the home in 1996 and re-opened as “Something Special Events” in 1997, a venue that offered event services including weddings, parties, and community affairs. In 2000, Mr. Meyer performed extensive renovations and restorations by adding the ballroom, music room, and library. As a Master Gardener, Mr. Meyer also created the magnificent gardens surrounding the historic home. Restoration on the groom’s suite brought Something Special Events the Preservation of Trust Award by the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society. Something Special Events also received the Best Special Events Facility of the Southern Arc Award from the readers of Lifestyle Magazine.
The current owners, Ashley Keeley-Bercich & Philip Kirby, purchased the home in 2016 with the desire to continue offering special event services while preserving a piece of local history. Lillian Gardens was born. Before long it became the full-service venue Ashley had envisioned, the setting for numerous picturesque weddings which embraced the home’s history.
In March 2021, an EF-4 tornado ripped through the small town, devastating many nearby homes and institutions. The home and gardens incurred extensive damages. With the help of a loving community and a few key individuals, Ashley and the Lillian Gardens family were able to pivot, get creative, and stay in operation. Although quite the challenge, a series of temporary solutions were put in place by May that allowed events to continue under tents in the new garden space while reconstruction was underway. It was a long year of recovery, but beautiful memories were made nonetheless.

Lillian Gardens now boasts a new second story balcony in the New Orleans’ French Colonial style, beautifully preserved interiors, and Honey TM A Bridal Boutique. The grand old pecan tree that was once the centerpiece of the garden has been replaced with an elegant stone fountain that anchors the surrounding lush southern plantings. Although the choice was made in less than ideal circumstances, the renovations and changes have established a new layer of elegance and charm. While preserving historical integrity, a thoughtful chapter has been added to the home’s story.

Residence view on Greenville Street Newnan, Georgia circa 1920
Philip R. Kirby and Ashley Keeley-Bercich, owners of Keeley-Kirby Events LLC, purchased the home in 2016 with the desire to continue offering special event services while preserving a piece of the local history. They incorporated the original name, and Something Special at Lillian Gardens was born. While the exterior property has retained its southern antebellum charm, the interior has been renovated to reflect modern Victorian elegance.