Hello friends, how goes your day today? Are you feeling a bit of joy that Spring has sprung? At least it is per our calendar! It snowed this morning!!! Just a light flying dust like snow fall; but still cold and requiring a pair of gloves if you venture out...here in the mitten state anyway. To know the calendar date defines a new season, even mentally, offers a chance to start thinking about what is to come: flowers, new yard plantings, the smell of dirt, seeing your neighbors again, opening the windows to allow fresh air to permeate the house, spring cleaning (always cathartic) and walking outdoors. And, this is not exhaustive; you may have things you are anxious to get to as well, no doubt!
Well, today is a good day to talk about a place just visited, that IS experiencing the sunshine and warmth we long for. Have you been to the city of Charleston, South Carolina? It is that coastal/port city known for its history and absolute charm, just for starters. We spent 4 nights at this historic B&B in the photo above. This was the residence of John Rutledge (one of the founding fathers) and brother to Edward Rutledge, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. This house dates to 1760 and it has a very interesting story. John was the older brother of the two and in those days, the oldest son of the family inherited the wealth of the family. Below is a photo of the house directly across the street and was the home of Edward Rutledge. This house was, until last year or so, a bed and breakfast, known as The Governors House. Interesting bit of trivia is that this house is going through a complete restoration, as it was purchased last year by an heiress to the Colgate/Post family. It sold for a sum of just over 7 million!!! And, word has it that she is planning to take the house back to its original colonial state. If we have a chance to go back I will be very excited to see how it turns out! It is said also that she intends for this to be a personal residence. The restoration has begun and it is evident that the entire interior is being stripped and reconfigured. What is interesting is the difference in the homes. One is quite ornate and a proof of wealth for sure, while the one below is modest in comparison (although still imposing and built for someone with means).
Below are just a sampling of homes in the city with elevations and style that shows off their "vintage" appeal. These are residential homes and it is assumed that they are original, dating back at least a couple hundred years. In Charleston, there are strick ordinances that prohibit the destruction of historical homes. To update, there are careful measures that all the updates are in keeping with the integrity of their original structure, as much as possible. We passed by a home that was clearly inhabitable, most likely termite damaged and possibly ruined by the last hurricane/weather elements etc. The owner of the home will have to abide by the historical association to mitigate the repairs while keeping the remodel as close to the original footprint and aesthetic. It is very expensive to live here as some of the homes listed for sale are easily close or over seven figures. The city is rich in history and if you like design, interior decoration, history of the Civil War and the city itself, you would enjoy a visit for sure. March is a great month to visit as the temps are warm and the humidity is low. May is quite a different story as we can attest. Springtime and fall would be ideal. There is much to do in March, with the Charleston Historical Foundation offering yearly home tours as well as ongoing tours throughout the season. The home tour we enjoyed alot included 6 homes and their gardens. It is such a nice way to get inside a home and see what the owners have done to create their style of living. The gracious hospitality offered on the tours is a real treat and very much appreciated. The second home tour included just two spectacular homes, and included insight into the homes renovations and decoration by the interior designer to that home. That was manna from heaven for me. I cannot get enough of that and thoroughly enjoyed their story of making the house a home.
I will continue this wonderful vacation/journey. Next time I will include photos of our Ironworks tour throughout the city. Another infusion of exterior grandeur.
Until next time...have a great week, Jeanine
(just wanted to note that this post was initially started several weeks ago already...and the snow IS gone!!!)
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