Drayton Hall

As someone who is fascinated with history and architecture, I recently found myself back in Charleston. This is my paradise. When planning your visit to Charleston, I highly recommend venturing 13 miles from downtown to Drayton Hall, an iconic 18th-century Palladian estate that sits on 300 acres along the beautiful Ashley River's edge.

Drayton Hall was never a working plantation. John Drayton, the youngest son born on Magnolia Plantation, wanted his land to be a place for his English-inspired country house. John’s family had come to South Carolina from England via Barbados in the late 17th century. When the home was completed in 1742, the manor was built in likeness to estates in Britain at the time with a picturesque landscape to complement the main house.

Drayton Hall is one of the only homes in the area that was not burned during the Civil War, perhaps because Mr. Drayton placed yellow ribbons around the properties entrance which signaled smallpox. Was the home used as a smallpox hospital, or was it quarantined? Well, we don't know because there is no definitive proof, but the story is as interesting as the home's beauty. Seven generations succeeding John Drayton, the home is now in the care of the Preservation Trust, and they have made the decision to treat the land differently than the previous Drayton family members. As many historical sites have been remodeled and are staged to represent certain periods of time, Drayton Hall is the only authentic survivor of the Ashley River’s colonial past that is intact and in near-original condition.

A visit to the property and paid admission gives you access to:

1) Guided House Tour – professionally guided tour of the home

2} Gates and Almeida Museum Galleries – rotating exhibits of historical artifacts

3} A Sacred Place – the historic African American cemetery

4} Educational Presentations – revolving interpretative program presented twice daily

4} Lenhardt Ornamental Garden – a formal garden

5} Self-Guided Nature Walks - take a leisurely walk around the estate’s grounds.

6} The Shop at Drayton Hall – a beautiful boutique with Lowcountry gifts and regional treats

7} Rudi’s Café – breakfast, lunch and wine and cheese selections

This is a great chance to have an educational experience, as well as a romantic stroll through the property with time to enjoy wine and charcuterie tray picnic by the river.

(All photos by me)