The History of Row Houses in Charleston

Row houses are a distinctive part of the architecture of many of the oldest cities across the United States. The style first appeared in Europe at the Place des Vosges in Paris, early in the 17th century, concurrent with the founding of America. It followed settlers across the Atlantic to the colonies, where early cities were founded near the water or on peninsulas. These connected homes make the most of limited land. Accordingly, they are prominent in port cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston.

 

WHAT IS A ROW HOUSE?

A row house is a single-family dwelling of at least 2 stories that shares one or both walls and roofline with a neighbor. While this definition also applies to townhouses, they differ in that row houses are very similar in architectural design and the facades are aligned. Townhouses, on the other hand, can be staggered from the street and may differ vastly in style.

Brownstone row housesOne well-known example of a row house is a New York brownstone, named after the reddish-brown color of sandstone on the exterior. Throughout Europe, row houses are called terraced houses. But across the US South, “row house” is a more generic term referring to any long contiguous group of residences. While there are a few brownstones in Charleston, row houses are more common along our historic streets.

 

CHARLESTON’S ROW HOUSES

A number of streets in downtown Charleston are adorned with beautiful row houses that date to the city’s earliest residents. Many of Charleston’s row houses have balconies with elaborate iron railings.

One such row has earned worldly distinction: Rainbow Row. This stretch of 13 homes is located on East Bay Street, just South of Broad. The collection of different pastel colors used on each individual residence led Robert Ripley of “Believe It Ot Not” fame to coin the term Rainbow Row.

While Rainbow Row is one of the most photographed areas in downtown Charleston, it has not always been that way. The homes were built in the middle of the 18th century as modest residences. Merchants working Charleston Harbor could conduct business downstairs and live upstairs.

99-101 East Bay Street Row HousesAfter the Civil War, the area was so rundown it was deemed a slum and stayed in disrepair for almost a century. Then in 1931, Judge Lionel Legge and his wife Dorothy purchased a block of the homes. It was Dorothy’s idea to paint the homes in colorful pastels, to reflect the city’s Colonial Caribbean affinity. She painted their primary residence at 99-101 East Bay Street pink.

Eventually, the entire row was repainted in various pastels. There is a longstanding legend that the homes were painted different colors so that drunken sailors could find their way to the proper front door. However, since the homes receive a generous amount of sunshine, it is more likely Legge’s motivation was to make the houses cooler in the hot South Carolina summers.

Whatever the original reason, these charming Charleston row houses have captivated the imagination and love of locals and tourists alike.

 

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French Quarter Art Walk

Disher, Hamrick & Myers is proud to be located in the heart of the city’s original commercial district on Broad Street in the French Quarter of historic downtown Charleston. And one of our neighborhood’s favorite events is coming up. The first Friday in March, May, October and December is the Charleston Gallery Association’s French Quarter Art Walk. Over 40 galleries and shops stay open from 5-8 in the evening to welcome art lovers and guests. Many serve wine and light refreshments and host artists and exhibit openings. USAToday named the art walk one of the  10BEST “Free Things to Do” in Charleston.

ART WALK INSIDER TIPS

All the participants are within walking distance and maps can be picked up at any location. You may start at any one and visit as many as you wish at your own pace. Strike up a lively conversation with a gallery owner or artist. Discuss your reaction to a painting or sculpture, and maybe even find a piece to add to your own collection. Art prices are very accessible, ranging from prints and original pieces available for under $50 to larger pieces of fine art and jewelry priced in the tens of thousands of dollars. There is truly the opportunity for everyone to find something they can afford and enjoy.

French Quarter art walkArchitecture buffs should be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to see inside and behind the buildings normally only glimpsed from the street front. To make the most of your experience, venture off the beaten path to shops and galleries that are located in alleyways or on the second or third levels of buildings. The streets will be bustling with locals and visitors of all ages.

After the art walk, treat yourself to a cocktail or dinner at one of the French Quarter’s restaurants, like the upscale Oak Steakhouse or Disher, Hamrick & Myers’ neighbor, the Blind Tiger Pub. The weather should be pleasantly warm and sunny, presenting the perfect opportunity to stroll the historic streets of downtown Charleston. Beautiful weather, art, architecture, food, drink and company – what more could you ask for on a Friday evening? We look forward to seeing you all there!

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North Central Charleston

North Central is one of several neighborhoods on Charleston’s upper peninsula currently undergoing a residential revival. The area is bounded to the north by Mount Pleasant Street, the south by Congress Street, the west by Rutledge Avenue, and the east by I-26. This up-and-coming, yet still diverse, community is composed mainly of early- and mid-20th century cottages and bungalows. Many of these older structures are undergoing renovations, joining new construction of high-end apartments and condo communities. For now, North Central remains one of the more affordable areas of downtown Charleston. Home and rent prices couple with proximity to Upper King Street and NoMo to make this a highly desirable and quickly-growing neighborhood.

Adding to its convenience, North Central is rated the 9th most walkable neighborhood in Charleston with a Walk Score and bike score of 74. Most errands, shopping, dining, nightlife, and even commuting can be accomplished on foot or 2 wheels. It also borders other emerging neighborhoods of Cannonborough/Elliotborough, Hampton Park, and Wagener Terrace. As a result, it’s attractive to young professionals, college and medical school students, and downtown professional workers, along with families and long-time residents.

North Central mural

A mural on the corner of Senate Street and Strawberry Lane shows the layout of North Central in 1872.

Upcoming projects impacting the vicinity include the proposed Lowcountry Low Line park, which will travel through the area and add community green space. In addition, Historic Charleston Foundation and the City of Charleston have designated preserving the vernacular historic fabric and diversity of North Central as their top priority. Their goals of their Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative include promoting and facilitating:

  1. Historic preservation and revitalization
  2. Affordable housing
  3. Home ownership
  4. Livability and quality of life

With these longer-term initiatives in place, it’s safe to say North Central will only become a more popular and desirable destination to live.

 

WHERE TO EAT in NORTH CENTRAL

North Central is home to some of Charleston’s hippest restaurants and lounges. No matter what you are in the mood for, you have many delicious dining options including:

Rodney Scott’s BBQ – James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott serves up slow-smoked BBQ and all the fixins’.

Huriyali – Nutritious fresh cold pressed juices, smoothies, sandwiches, and salads.

The Park Cafe – Breakfast served daily along with lighter fare prepared tastefully in an understated but refined setting.

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery –  Locally-sourced and seasonal breakfast and lunch, as well as a curated selection of top-notch baked goods.

Moe’s Crosstown Tavern – A “vintage pub” with burgers, wraps, quesadillas, and sandwiches served alongside cold drinks and the latest game on TV.

Faculty Lounge – A low-key cocktail joint offering beer specials, tap wine, and bar snacks, plus dance nights.

 

If you are interested in learning more about making North Central Charleston your home, contact us at 843.577.4115 today.

 

View All Homes For Sale in North Central

 

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The Best Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Charleston This Fall

The fall season is a busy time in Charleston, with plenty of events and activities to do. You’ll enjoy the cooling temperatures that still allow for plenty of time spent outdoors. Charleston is known to be the top city to visit in the Carolinas, one of the best places to live and even one of the top places for dogs–so you can be sure to find a variety of things to do outdoors. From parks, to tours, to water activities, there is always something to do in Charleston. Check out these best ways to enjoy the outdoors in Charleston this fall.

 

SEE FALL COLORS

Hampton Park is the place to to see the beauty of the season with the changing fall leaves. This 60-acre park is one of the largest in Charleston and features beautiful gardens as well as plenty of deciduous trees. You’ll find paved walkways to stroll along with adequate restroom facilities. Use different trails throughout the park to see a wide variety of trees and shrubs that will begin to change color with the cooling fall temperatures.

 

GO SAILING

sailboats outdoors - fall in Charleston

Getting out on the water is a prime activity in Charleston. Consider one of the many charters that will take you sailing. Fall is a great time to sail, as it isn’t too hot on the water. Consider a sunset sail to view the beautiful sunsets over the water as well the coastline in its full fall glory. Dinner options are available for those wanting to eat aboard, as well as more educational opportunities for those wishing to learn the ropes of sailing.

 

TAKE A GHOST TOUR

Taking a ghost tour in the fall is fitting for the spooky season. Charleston is well-known for being not only a historic settlement, but also a place filled haunted buildings. There are many different options for ghost tours, but the most popular is the Haunted Jail Tour. You’ll learn a lot about the history of Charleston as well as past residents…that may still be hanging around.

 

ENJOY A CARRIAGE RIDE

There is nothing better than snuggling up with a loved one and enjoying a ride through downtown. Charleston is known for horse-drawn carriages that take you all around the city. Many different tour companies welcome you on board for a lovely stroll through the historic area. Take a carriage ride during the day to get a great view of the fall colors that dot the area.

 

CATCH YOUR DINNER

friends fishing outdoors - fall in CharlestonKnown for its fantastic fishing opportunities, Charleston is a place you can catch your own dinner. Many fishing guides take you out on the Lowcountry’s tidal waters that supply redfish, speckled sea trout and flounder. Other favorite spots are the reefs near the shoreline, where you can catch varieties like black sea bass and king mackerel. Residents and tourists alike can try their hand at the world-class fishing available in the area’s waters.

 

ATTEND AN OYSTER ROAST

And if you prefer not to have to catch your own dinner, but still want to enjoy a Lowcountry seafood specialty, be sure to attend an oyster roast. Oyster season kicks off in the fall and continues through any month with an R. Most weekends, you’ll find locals and visitors shucking buckets of the steamed bivalves. Just be sure to bring your oyster gloves, knives and hot sauce!

 

GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

The Holiday Festival of Lights opens in early November and has been voted one of the best Christmas light displays in the country. The show is located at James Island County Park and is a driving tour that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car. However, make sure to park and explore all of the other things that the Holiday Festival of Lights has to offer, like the sand sculpture, holiday train and carousel. While it may be the end of fall, the Festival of Lights will quickly put you in the holiday spirit.

Not only does the Charleston area boast many outdoor activities, but the full range of activities caters to a broad demographic. Those looking for a relaxing time outside can take a carriage ride or walk through a park. Thrill seekers can find ghost tours, fishing charters and sailing out on the water for more upbeat activities. Whatever you choose, consider one of these best ways to enjoy the outdoors in Charleston this autumn.

What are your favorite fall activities in Charleston? Let us know (and post your pics!) in the comments.

Author David Wheeler is a landscape design writer and nature enthusiast. He is an avid traveler and loves to spend his time hiking and strolling through magnificent gardens, learning about rare and native flowers across the world.

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Crafts House – Adaptive Reuse From School to Condos

Charleston is a city full of successful adaptive architecture. The American College of the Building Arts campus is in a former Trolley Barn. The DHM Blog has previously profiled the condominiums at 3 Chisolm Street in the old Murray Vocational School. But this isn’t the only area school building repurposed into residences. The Crafts House at 67 Legare Street was originally home to a free school for children founded by antebellum Charleston lawyer, poet, and philanthropist, William Crafts (1787-1826). Crafts was a Harvard University graduate who served in both houses of the South Carolina General Assembly.

Crafts was an advocate for free public education, and as such, purchased the property at the corner of the current Queen and Legare Streets for this purpose. He built his first school, designed by Edward C. Jones, in 1859. He called it the Friend Street School after the road’s original name. That building burned in a fire during the Civil War in 1861. A new Gothic Revival building designed by architects Abrahams and Seyle replaced it in 1881. This style, featuring buttresses and lancet arches, mimics that of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist just across Legare Street.

Crafts House Condos in downtown Charleston

By the turn of the 20th century, the Crafts School accommodated over 1200 students in 14 classrooms. In 1915, a three-story wing (seen on the right side of the accompanying photo) was added by David Hyer, who also designed Buist Academy. The Crafts School served the area’s children until the 1970s. After that, the building was used as administrative offices until the mid-1980s, when it was remodeled into condominiums. Today, the Crafts House features 31 one- and two- bedroom units in the heart of Harleston Village. Residents can enjoy views of St. Michael’s, St. Phillip’s, and St. John’s Church steeples while listening to their sonorous chiming of the hours from the nicely landscaped gardens surround the building.

 

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The Games Charlestonians Play

As with many things in life, Charlestonians take liberties with the ordinary rules of leisurely games. It’s no surprise that the same city where people sit on piazzas instead of porches, order drinks “2, 3 ways” and consider madras bowties formal wear, has created its own versions of several standard activities. Here, we look at 3 of the more popular.

BEACH GOLF

beach golfCharleston’s take on beach golf was invented in the early 1990s by native Thomas “Big T” Alexander. It requires a beach and at least two players, each with a putter and ball. But after this, there are no formal rules. Scoring, course layout and other details are left to the discretion of whoever brings the playing equipment — and refreshments. This player outlines a fairway and green in the sand and establishes par. He or she also decides the order of play, whether a putt can be re-hit in mid-roll if it’s headed into the Atlantic, and if penalties incur. Rules can even change mid-swing. The leader also keeps the score, a job that virtually guarantees a lopsided win.

 

HALF RUBBER

Although it’s been played for at least 90 years, no one can say where half rubber started. Charleston claims to be the official birthplace, but so does Florence, Myrtle Beach and Savannah. As its name suggests, half rubber is played with half of a rubber ball. Some purists say the proper tool to produce this object is a deli-style meat slicer. Just shave off pieces of a rubber ball until the desired shape is reached. (Those pieces make handy coasters.) But if you don’t know a deli owner, a pocket knife will serve nicely. Next, you need about four feet of a broomstick. You can even buy a stick and half a ball prepackaged, but purists may razz you about your store-bought equipment.

Play requires three or more people. If you play with three, it’s every man for himself. If more, you divide into teams. One person pitches, one catches and a third stands between them swinging the stick. The half-ball’s unique shape results in dips and curves. Making contact is so difficult, any hit is considered a single. A miss is a strike, unless the catcher also catches it, which makes it an out. By some rules, a tipped ball caught by the catcher counts as two outs. You’re also out after three strikes or if you hit a fly that’s caught. Three outs and your inning is over. The game continues until reaching a pre-agreed number of innings, until the half rubber disappears down a storm drain, or until happy hour starts.

 

BOCCE

bocce

Egyptians played a Bocce-like game 7000 years ago, but credit for the modern version goes to the Italians. The pallina is a small ball. A player from one team throws it a few yards away and then two teams alternately throw larger balls at it. Points are scored by landing your ball close to the pallina. The more balls you leave inside your opponents’ closest ball, the more points you score. Spocking (or bombing) is the art of hitting an opponent’s close ball and knocking it into the Mediterranean, or whatever ocean you have handy. This aspect of the game also translates nicely to Charleston. While bocce is usually played on a finely manicured lawn, in Charleston, it’s played on the beach. This leads to some interesting play, with challenges such as sand dunes, tidal pools, sunbathers, sand castles, shells and the incoming or outgoing tide.

Beach golf, bocce and half rubber add their charm to the many other unique Lowcountry traditions that once led a Civil War era statesman to describe South Carolina as a place “too small to be a republic and too large to be an asylum.” Regardless of the implications of that statement, Charlestonians are happy with their games and are unimpressed by how anyone plays them anywhere else.

 

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Cannonborough-Elliotborough

Cannonborough-Elliotborough is an up-and-coming transitional neighborhood populated by students, young professionals, and long-time local families. Rife with redevelopment, it offers some of the more affordable housing (both fixer-uppers and renovations) on the Charleston peninsula, as well as a number of hip restaurants, corner stores, and cocktail joints all within walking distance.

 

LOCATION

Located on the downtown Charleston peninsula, the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood is bordered by the Crosstown (Septima P. Clark) Espressway on the north, Bee and Morris Streets to the South, President Street on the east and King Street to the west. Rutledge Avenue creates the boundary between Cannonborough to its west and Elliottborough to its east, but today, the two neighborhoods function as one with no border. Much of the land was originally marsh that has since been filled in. Major roads include Spring, Rutledge, Bogard, and Line Streets. The MUSC campus, College of Charleston, Charleston School of Law, Upper King Street, and the Crosstown–with access to all areas of Charleston–are all nearby.

 

HISTORY

The area was first settled 1785 by Col. Barnard Elliot, a planter and member of the Provincial Congress for whom Elliotborough is named. Cannonborough is named after Daniel Cannon, a carpenter and mechanic who owned several lumber mills in the area. Throughout its history, it has been populated by blue-collar workers and ethnic groups. As agriculture gave way to industry in the mid-19th century, lumber mills, and shipping and rail lines moved into the area to take advantage of its lower costs. With them came blue-collar workers, immigrants of various ethnicities, and freed slaves. German, Irish, Polish, and Jewish residents lived alongside African-American and working-class whites.

During the mid-20th century, Cannonborough-Elliotborough experienced the same “white flight” as other American cities, and became largely African American. The completion of the Crosstown in 1967 disrupted the residential climate of the area and furthered its decline throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Today, the neighborhood is experiencing a revitalization that is returning it to its roots with a mix of workers, students, older residents, and young families. The conversion of Cannon and Spring Streets from one-way thoroughfares to two-way traffic seeks to further encourage community growth.

 

NOTABLE BUILDINGS

Cannonborough-Elliotborough has always been known for its vernacular architecture rather than the grand mansions and gardens in other parts of historic Charleston. However, it does have its own noteworthy structures. For example, it contains a high concentration of the city’s remaining Freedman’s cottages. Charleston single houses and Victorian homes dwell next to more modern structures. While the area is mostly residential, churches and small local businesses also dot the area. And it has a greater concentration of corner stores than other parts of downtown Charleston.

 

CANNONBOROUGH-ELLIOTBOROUGH RESTAURANTS

In the past few years, several of these corner stores and other structures have become home to local favorite joints as well as new and exciting culinary concepts. Residents and visitors alike flock to the area to enjoy restaurants including:

Cannonborough-Elliotborough even has its fair share of fine dining such as:

If you are looking to join a diverse, growing community where property values are still relatively reasonable for downtown Charleston, consider making this neighborhood your new home.

View All Homes For Sale in Cannonborough-Elliotborough

 

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Kiawah & Seabrook Islands

It doesn’t take long to fall in love with the islands.

Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are places steeped in history and Lowcountry legend. Sprawling oaks meld seamlessly with tropical flora. Vast stretches of tidal marsh serve as a buffer between the islands and the world beyond. Whitetail deer, fox, otters and birds of every imaginable feather call the islands home. Sea turtles crawl up their beaches to lay their eggs and return to the sea. Your sense of hearing is soothed and pampered, as the ocean gently breaks on the shore and sea breezes rustle through the pines and palm fronds. These islands are, quite simply, worlds unto themselves. Residents slip free from the bonds of stress that tie them to ordinary life and lie in a hammock of natural beauty, wonder, and recreation.

 

KIAWAH ISLAND

The history of Kiawah Island goes back the the beginning of Charleston itself. The island is named for the Kiawah Indians, who led the first English settlers to the site that is now Charles Towne Landing in 1670. After some time as a lumber farm, it began to be developed in the 1970s and ’80s. Today, it is a world-class resort by any standards. It offers a 10-mile stretch of pristine beach, world-renowned golf courses, two exceptional tennis centers, restaurants, shopping, swimming pools, a 21-acre recreation park, and over 30 miles of paved bike trails.

Kiawah IslandMany who visit Kiawah declare it the most beautiful place they’ve ever seen. But what makes this island so spectacular? It’s actually quite simple: the island’s beauty spans 360 degrees. There are no “less desirable” views; the flora and fauna teem throughout. No matter which way you look, the island has beauty to spare. From the wide, pristine beach to the diverse and wondrous maze of dunes, from the rich and healthy maritime forest to the creeks and marshes that hold countless fresh seafood dinners, Kiawah is a place that demonstrates the value of master planning for the future.

To a golfer, the sport alone is enough to place Kiawah as a resort without peer. Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Clyde Johnson have all designed Kiawah gold courses. The most famous, The Ocean Course, is only the fourth course to have hosted each of the PGAs major championships. Very few golfers in the world would disagree with a Kiawah resident who bragged, “I don’t go on golf vacations…I live a golf vacation.” For non-golfers, Kiawah Island also boasts one of the Charleston area’s most lauded luxury resorts, The Sanctuary Hotel and Spa.

 

SEABROOK ISLAND

Located just 23 miles from historic Charleston, SC, the gated community of Seabrook Island is close enough for commuting, but far enough to feel like a world all its own. It was named after William Seabrook, who owned it in the early 19th century. The island has a natural beauty that’s second to none. More than 4 miles of unspoiled beaches border the Atlantic surf and the tidal flow of the Edisto River. When you leave the sea oats and sand dunes behind, another side of the island’s character unfolds. Along with miles of beautiful beaches, Seabrook Island has two championship golf courses, a first-class racquet club, a marina complex, shops, restaurants, and fishing. Homes are tucked into a lush subtropical forest of live oaks, hickories, magnolias, and palmetto trees.

An award-winning environmental plan protects the wildlife habitat. It has helped make Seabrook Island one of America’s premier bird watching centers. Over 80 species, including federally protected birds, make the island their home. Seabrook is also a special retreat for the equestrian. A network of riding trails winds through the island, and beach riding is at its best. The Seabrook Island Equestrian Center is one of the finest in South Carolina, with boarding, lessons, and a professional staff.

 

LIVING ON THE ISLANDS

Bohicket MarinaAdditional shopping, dining, and activities are available at the entrance to both islands on Betsy Kerrison Parkway at Freshfields Village and Bohicket Marina. Truly, these resort communities offer something for everyone. Some will argue that once a place is discovered as desirable, it loses the things that make it desirable. While that may be true of many beautiful areas in the world, it’s far from true in the cases of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. To the delight of residents (and consternation of competitors), these islands keep getting better.

To make one of Charleston’s private islands your home, call Disher, Hamrick &  Myers at 843.577.4115 today.

View All Homes For Sale on Kiawah & Seabrook Islands

 

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Charleston’s Corinthian Columns

Charleston is a city that’s crazy about columns. It’s been that way since the early days. In fact, a few of our more historic columns have survived challenges that turned other architectural treasures to rubble. Civil War shelling, earthquakes, hurricanes, and the periodic insanity of urban renewal have been flattening buildings for centuries. But occasionally their original columns live on.

A good example can be found in the ruins of the old Charleston Museum at Rutledge Avenue and Calhoun Street. The building is gone with the wind (or fire, in this case), but its columns, with their beautiful Corinthian capitals, have been preserved. Columns like the old Museum’s have become symbols of our community’s grace and grit. Many are in the Corinthian style, an ornate design said to be inspired by a basket left as a graveside offering in the fifth century BC.

According to legend, a Greek architect named Callimachus noticed the way an acanthus plant weaved its leaves up through the basket. He was so taken by this vision, he carved it into a new capital — the decorative topmost section of a column. Instead of the simple lines of the Doric capitals or the swirling arms of Ionic columns, the new design was far more elaborate. It never really caught on with his fellow Greeks, but the Romans fell in love with it. The upper tier of the Coliseum is Corinthian, and Roman builders used the flowery shape throughout Europe to decorate everything from aqueducts to stands for potted plants.

DHM Real Estate Agent Ruthie SolidayHere in Charleston, you’ll see variations of the Corinthian capital in some of our most beautiful residential, civic, and commercial architecture — old as well as new. Many South of Broad single houses employ the classical order on their piazzas, with Corinthian columns on the top level. Throughout its history, Charleston’s architects have maintained a love affair with the Corinthian capital. However, its beauty and strength goes beyond architecture: just take a look at Disher, Hamrick & Myers’ logo. Whether it’s on a real estate sign or a tall entryway column, the Corinthian design is one of the most enduring and popular in Charleston.

 

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Linwood Inn & the History of Hastie House

Linwood Inn, at 200 South Palmetto Street in the heart of downtown Summerville, SC, is the quintessential Southern Victorian estate. It currently operates as the town’s most popular bed & breakfast, featuring 3 guest suites and an efficiency apartment in the historically-significant main house as well as 3 rental homes situated amongst its award-winning gardens. Although the name Linwood Inn does not imply it, the property has family ties to more famous Charleston plantations, Magnolia and Drayton Hall, as well as to prominent families the Draytons, Grimkes, and Hasties. Read on to learn its connections to Charleston history.

The main house was built in 1883 by Julia Drayton Hastie and husband William Hastie. Thus, at that time, it was known as “Hastie House.” The location was chosen because it was one block to the train station where William could take the “Best Friend” (the first regularly scheduled passenger train in the US) to his insurance office at 44 Broad Street in downtown Charleston. It’s also only 5 blocks from Main Street in Summerville. Julia and William lived there with her father, the Reverend John Grimke Drayton. Reverend Drayton was a nephew of abolitionist sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimke. He owned Magnolia Planation and was the first to open it to tourists. He also brought camellias and azaleas from the gardens at Magnolia to Linwood’s romantic gardens. The original kitchen, which now houses a one-bedroom apartment, was on the ground level beneath the house. It also dates to 1883.

The house survived the earthquake of 1886 with significant damage. In the late 19th century, the fresh air coming through the pines made Summerville internationally known as one of the best places to treat tuberculosis and other lung and throat disorders. Accordingly, around this time, sleeping porches were added to the house. They are now enclosed and comprise parts of the Owners’ Suite and Guest Suites.

Linwood Inn & Hastie House in downtown Summerville, SC

Rev. Drayton died at Hastie House in 1891, at which time Julia inherited Magnolia Plantation. However, she continued to live at Linwood until 1901, then moved to Magnolia. In 1914, 2 acres at the back of property were sold. This land had housed servants’ quarters, a shed, stables and the stable yard. The Guest Cottage was built in the 1920s and the Bungalow in 1970. Both of these charming 2-bedroom homes are now available as short-term rentals.

 

LINWOOD INN BECOMES A BED & BREAKFAST

Peter and Linda Shelbourne bought the property in 1979. They have furnished it with comfortable period antiques. Linda is a Master Gardener who lovingly restored the gardens after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The couple has operated Linwood Inn as a Summerville bed & breakfast since 1995. In 2007, they constructed the Hay Barn on the footprint of the original outbuilding of the same name. This 2-bedroom home with soaring fireplace and authentic theming creatively incorporates elements such as an old horseshoe and mill stone embedded into the entry, rakes and ladders repurposed as bath accessories, and hoof prints stamped in the floor.

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