To bring their vision for a home in harmony with nature to life, Dan and Mary Emma McConaughey enlisted one of Atlanta’s most respected architects—Herbert Millkey. Deeply influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and the writings of Henry David Thoreau, Millkey shared the McConaugheys’ belief that architecture should blend seamlessly with the natural world. Known for his use of natural materials and clean, modern lines, Millkey brought decades of experience to the project, having led the design of both landmark commercial projects like the Fulton National Bank and significant residential commissions throughout Georgia. His collaboration with the McConaugheys helped translate their dream into a timeless structure that remains a testament to quiet strength, intention, and environmental reverence.
Guided by Thoreau’s philosophy and their own deep connection to the land, Dan and Mary Emma imagined The Falls not as a house, but as a sanctuary—nestled among preserved flora, winding trails, and anchored by a breathtaking 120-foot waterfall. Today, that vision endures, etched into every beam and stone of the home they created. And now, for the first time in decades, The Falls is ready to begin its next chapter. A place born of purpose and poetry, waiting for a new owner to carry on its legacy of history, nature, and the beauty of a life well lived.
a generational opportunity
Welcome to
Perched above a cascading 120-foot waterfall and surrounded by nearly four acres of protected woodlands, The Falls is a rare mid-century modern masterpiece in the heart of Atlanta. Designed in 1969 by renowned architect Herbert Millkey, the home blends natural materials, timeless design, and a deep connection to the land that it was built to honor. It is a true sanctuary, untouched by time.
But the story of the falls begins in a very different world
The 50s & 60s were a time when optimism shaped architecture, design, & the entire built environment. Clean Lines. Bold Forms. And of course…FUNCTION. It’s rare to find a home that embodies everything beautiful & true from that era, but still can inspire & accommodate even the most modern lifestyle of the 21st century.
This is the time when the McConaugheys found themselves looking for their
forever home.
Dan Eugene McConaughey and Mary Emma Welch McConaughey were a remarkable pair whose love story and shared vision helped shape the legacy of what would become "The Falls." Dan, a Navy officer and attorney, was a man of integrity and conviction, founding a law practice in Decatur, Georgia after graduating from Emory Law in 1959. He also held a deep appreciation for the natural world, becoming a founding board member of the Georgia Conservancy. Yet, despite his accomplishments, his heart belonged to Mary Emma—a love he predicted and fulfilled when he famously declared on an early date, “I bet you a dime to a dozen doughnuts that I am going to marry you one day.”
Mary Emma was equally impressive—a classically trained soprano from Marietta, Georgia who dazzled audiences with the Atlanta Pops and the Metropolitan Opera of Atlanta. She earned a scholarship to the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia and was recognized for her talent in regional auditions. But her path shifted when she met Dan at Emory University. The two married in 1956, and by the early 1960s, Mary Emma turned down a career in New York to focus on her growing family. Together, they raised three children and began searching for a unique piece of land to bring their dream home to life.
Their story is one of partnership, vision, and purpose—grounded in love, talent, and an enduring connection to family and place. In 1965, they found the untouched land that would become the foundation of their one-of-a-kind home, The Falls.
Period Correct
The Home
Peace unmatched
The Falls
Protected & Preserved
The Forest
