Plantations of South Carolina
Charleston Plantations
Middleton Place - This National Historic Landmark is home to America’s oldest gardens, as well as the Middleton Place House and Plantation Stable yards. As you tour this southern plantation, circa 1741, you will see European-styled gardens replete with camellias, azaleas, magnolias and crepe myrtle along with ornamental lakes and terraces. The house is decorated with period furniture, fine silver and artwork by Benjamin West and Thomas Sally. Lunch is served daily at the Middleton Place Restaurant where you can enjoy 5 star dining.
Magnolia Plantation - Home to the Drayton family since the 1670’s, the Pre-Revolutionary house has museum quality early American furniture as well and art gallery. The gardens are a canopy of colors filled with camellias, azaleas, and herb garden, topiaries and even a maze. You  can also visit the petting zoo, a waterfowl refuge, an antebellum cabin, a plantation rice barge, take a ride on a Nature Train that follows the plantation’s perimeter and walk or bike the wildlife trails.
Drayton Hall - Built in 1738, this is one of the oldest plantations. Today it is property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is kept unfurnished and without modern conveniences like heating, air conditioning or plumbing.
Boone Hall Plantation - With its moss-covered trees, circular smoke house and slave quarters, you may feel they have stepped back in time. However, Boone Hall is actually a replica, albeit and elegantly furnished one.
Pendleton Plantations
Ashtabula Plantation - This 1820’s home was once referred to as “the most beautiful farm in the Up Country.” Today, the house has been restored. You can tour the 4 story museum of antique furnishings.
Woodburn Plantation - This 4 story, 1830’s home was built by then-governor, Charles C. Pinckney. Later, it was owned by Dr. John B Adger who translated the Bible into Armenian. Today it is maintained as a museum by the Historic Foundation.
Photo Credits: Boone Hall by Valencia Isles Photo Club; Middleton Plantation by M. Howry |
