2573 Tilson Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30317

About this home

This house has stories to tell. Steeped in rich East Lake history, neighborhood lore whispers that this enchanting 1930s cottage was once home to one of Atlanta's female political trailblazers-providing a rare opportunity to own a piece of local heritage. Perched beautifully on an oversized lot with plenty of elbow room, walking distance to Oakhurst Village, and loaded with surprises, the cottage immediately charms with a stunning front perennial garden, new roof, and an iconic front granite chimney said to have been built using field stones sourced directly from the surrounding neighborhood. Step inside and the story continues through sun-drenched rooms, tall ceilings, original fixtures, and door hardware that have quietly witnessed life for nearly a century. The recently refinished hardwood floors gleam. A large living room centers around a wood-burning fireplace beneath a skylight, accented by loads of windows and direct access to a rear screened porch. A classic arched doorway welcomes you into a seamless eat-in kitchen where custom cabinets, updated SS appliances, quartz countertops, and an original built-in hutch hold echoes of decades of family meals and still houses the original punch bowl passed down from steward to steward. Down the hall, two main-level bedrooms offer easy living including one featuring a wall of built-in bookcases and stained glass inserts alongside a main-level bathroom featuring custom wood trim, built-in shelving, custom tile, and a handmade vanity. Upstairs, two true bedrooms and another full bath give everyone room to breathe or room to grow. The primary bedroom features double closets and built-in shelving. The vintage-inspired upper bath beautifully showcases classic bead board, double pedestal sinks, and ample storage, while the fourth bedroom offers a generous closet and attic storage. The second-story windows have been recently replaced, the NEW ROOF was installed in OCT 2026, and the entire home is freshly painted inside and out. This wonderful home sits on a gorgeous, deep lot complete with a private fenced-in backyard, a private back perennial garden, a storage shed, and an uncovered patio that flows directly into the cozy covered patio space designed for entertaining. A charming walking path winds gracefully through the yard, highlighting the deep lot's ample space if you want to expand the footprint in the future. Highly desirable as a Tier 1 Drew Charter School and positioned just minutes from the historic East Lake Golf Club and the East Lake Family YMCA, this location puts you within walking, biking, or a short driving distance from Oakhurst Village, 2nd+Hosea, Kirkwood, East Atlanta Village, and City of Decatur. Some houses are just houses. This one has a history, a heart, and a whole lot of life left to live. Seller offering up to $10,000 in Seller concessions with an acceptable offer.

How this list price compares in Atlanta

• List price is 64% above the Atlanta median list price of $380,000 (5,381 homes).
• Compared with 2,648 single-family homes in Atlanta: 39% above the median of $449,900.
• List price per square foot is 41% above the Atlanta median of $255/SF.
• 19 homes for sale in East Lake.
• All 5,381 homes for sale in Atlanta, GA.
• 3,375 homes for sale in DeKalb County.

Figures are list prices from current FMLS IDX inventory (Active, Active Under Contract and Pending), not sales prices or appraisals.

Home facts

Property type

Single-family home

Status

Active

Bedrooms

4

Full baths

2

Living area

1,736 SF

Lot size

0.28 acres

Year built

1938

Levels

Two

Main-level bedrooms

2

Parking

Driveway, Parking Pad

Basement

Exterior Entry, Interior Entry, Unfinished

Style

Cottage

Construction

Aluminum Siding, Stone, Wood Siding

Roof

Composition, Shingle

Flooring

Ceramic Tile, Hardwood, Tile

Heating

Central

Cooling

Central Air

Appliances

Dishwasher, Dryer, Electric Range, Refrigerator, Self Cleaning Oven, Washer

Lot

Back Yard, Cleared, Front Yard, Level, Private

Community

Golf, Near Public Transport, Near Schools, Near Shopping, Near Trails/Greenway, Park, Playground

HOA

No

Annual tax

$5,282 (2025)

County

DeKalb

Assigned schools

• HighMaynard Jackson
• MiddleMartin L. King Jr.
• ElementaryFred A. Toomer

As reported in the listing. Verify with the school district.