
Lookaway Hall, built in 1895, sits atop a hill in North Augusta and provides a sweeping view of the Savannah River and Augusta's skyline. (Annette M. Drowlette/Staff)
Lookaway has lofty viewpoint
It's probably the most famous and easiest-to-find landmark in North Augusta.
"Everybody knows the big white house in the middle of the street," said Dawn Ekre, of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, referring to Lookaway Hall - an antebellum-style mansion built in 1895 that sits at the fork of Carolina and Georgia avenues.
Each Masters Week, Lookaway becomes an attractive spot for vacationers, because it serves as a bed-and-breakfast inn. For history buffs in town this week, it also provides a glimpse back in time. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"Last year, people called us to stay there," Ms. Ekre said. "A lot of people don't like to be in Augusta because of the crowds."
Sandra Croy, the owner of the home, said Lookaway Hall is booked this Masters. From the front porch, she said, those staying at the home have a bird's-eye view of North Augusta, the Savannah River and the skyline of Augusta.
"It was called Lookaway, of course, because it looks over the Savannah River and the Augusta area," she said. "It's really pretty at night."
The mansion sits atop a hill and easily can be seen seen by motorists as they cross the Savannah from 13th Street in Augusta.
The house was built by Walter Jackson, the brother of James U. Jackson, who founded North Augusta. Ms. Croy said legend holds that the house was built at its spot after the brothers flipped a coin.
She said the men both wanted to build homes but couldn't decide which family lot each should take. The coin toss aided the process.
James Jackson built his home, called Rosemary Hall, across Carolina Avenue in 1902.
"They actually have the same footprint," Ms. Croy said of the two homes.
She said some scenes from the 1996 Disney movie That Darned Cat were filmed at Lookaway Hall.