A long November weekend in beautiful Charleston inspired the senses, along with being a great birthday spot for Elena! The waterfront city brings historic culture through architecture and food, best experienced by strolling through the neighborhoods. Much of the character is shaped by the arrangement of buildings and gardens, from formal to intimate. The sequence of public and private space is altered throughout with the private back yard replaced by semi-private welcoming side gardens. Courtyards with fountains and double porch piazzas are elegant and inviting.
We toured many homes including the 1801 Nathaniel Russell House, one of the America’s most important neoclassical residences. The oval dining room and cantilevered spiral staircase illustrates grandeur at its finest. The 1803 Joseph Manigault House welcomes you through a mint green entrance hall to refined door moldings painted in gray trim with wood doors tying together the various room color palettes. The 1820 Aiken- Rhett House is most striking with a unique conservation approach, preserved rather than restored which leaves much to the imagination. Well preserved antebellum life with beautifully proportioned spaces like the double drawing room with doors opening to veranda. Carolyn Roehm’s restoration of the 1836 Greek Revival mansion Chisholm Alston is stately and graceful. Ready to return to Charleston in the Spring for antiquing!
