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This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

6 Historic Homes in Charleston You Can Actually Visit

January 3, 2020 By Caroline Eubanks Leave a Comment

Many visitors to Charleston come to see the historic buildings that date back to the early days of the city’s founding. While the plantations along the Ashley River are popular, you can also get a look inside some of the lavish homes downtown.

While many are private residences, some are now house museums in Charleston, run by the Charleston Museum, Historic Charleston Foundation, or through independent trusts. Others are open during the seasonal tours of homes . Add these Charleston house museums to your next trip itinerary.

A Note On Plantations:  These homes have a dark history that shouldn’t be ignored. Only you can decide whether this is something you’re interested in doing. Read  this post  for more perspectives on both sides of the debate.

This post contains affiliate links.

Charleston House Tours and Tickets

Each of these homes has its own ticketing process, but you can also purchase combination tickets. For example, the Heyward-Washington and Joseph Manigault houses have combined tickets with the Charleston Museum .

You can also get entry during promotions for Charleston’s Museum Mile like Mile Month. The TourPass Charleston also provides entry into many of these homes at one price. And tours like Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages give a glimpse into the streets behind the famous mansions.

Historic Charleston House Museums

Aiken-rhett house.

The Aiken-Rhett House was built in 1820 in what is now the Mazyck-Wraggborough neighborhood of Charleston for merchant John Robinson.

It was later acquired by William Aiken Sr., a railroad magnate, who passed it on to his son William Aiken, Jr., who was later the South Carolina governor.

Aiken Jr. and his wife expanded the home in the 1830s and it continued to pass down through his family for over 140 years. Around 1975, it was sold to the Charleston Museum and it subsequently opened as a museum. The Historic Charleston Foundation now oversees it.

The Aikens owned slaves and their stories are told on the tours. Among the outbuildings are a kitchen, the original slave quarters, and a carriage block. A number of the original furnishings also survive.

Tickets are $12 for adults and can be purchased in combination with tickets to the Nathaniel Russell House. Tours are self-guided and offered daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The Aiken-Rhett House is located at 48 Elizabeth Street, a short walk from the visitor’s center.

Calhoun Mansion

The Calhoun Mansion was built in 1873 for businessman George W. Williams in the Victorian style. It was constructed with over 30 rooms and a large ballroom.

After Williams’ death, it was inherited by his son-in-law Patrick Calhoun, the grandson of statesman John C. Calhoun. In 1914, it operated as a hotel and in 1932, portions of the property were subdivided. In 1976, it was purchased and restored.

In 2004, it began operating as a museum. It’s also been used in films like North and South and The Notebook . It is decorated in the Gilded Age style and contains artifacts from the period.

Tickets are $17 for adults while children under 11 are free. Tours are held from 11 am to 5 pm every half hour, lasting around 30 minutes. The Calhoun Mansion is located at 16 Meeting Street near The Battery.

Visit the home on the High Society of Charleston tour , which ends at the Calhoun Mansion.

Edmonston-Alston House

The Edmonston-Alston House was built in 1825 for Scottish immigrant Charles Edmondston on the ruins of a fort alongside a sea wall. The modified single house was purchased by rice planter Charles Alston in 1838 and the third story was added.

A number of the Alston family details still remain, including the family crest on the rooftop railing and the dining room table. There are brief mentions of the enslaved people that lived here but the focus is on the high society family.

On the brink of the Civil War, General P.G.T. Beauregard watched from the house as shots were fired from Fort Sumter. The home later passed to Alston’s daughter Susan, who then gave it to cousin Henry Augustus Middleton Smith in 1922. It became a museum in 1973, operated by Middleton Place Plantation. It was recently featured on Outer Banks .

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and children and combination tickets are available with Middleton Place. Tours are held on Sunday and Monday from 1 to 4:30 pm and Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm and last 30 minutes. The Edmonston-Alston House is located at 21 East Battery.

Get your Edmondston-Alston House Admission before you go or book a spot on The Edmonston-Alston House Walking Tour .

Heyward-Washington House

The Heyward-Washington House was built in 1772 for Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington was even hosted here during his 1791 tour.

Heyward and his family lived here until 1794 and his descendant, DuBose Heyward, wrote the novel Porgy that George Gershwin developed into Porgy and Bess .

He sold it to the Grimke family in 1794 and it became home to soldier John and his family, including daughters, and future suffragettes and abolitionists, Sarah and Angeline. The home was purchased by the Charleston Museum in 1929 and opened in 1930 as the city’s first historic house museum.

Among the pieces of Charleston-made furnishings in the house is the Holmes Bookcase, a fine example of colonial furniture. There’s also a 1740s kitchen building and formal gardens.

Tickets are $12 and combination tickets are available with the Charleston Museum and the Joseph Manigault House. Tours are offered Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm. The Heyward-Washington House is located at 87 Church Street, a block from the Nathaniel Russell House.

Visit this home on the Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour , but entry is not included.

Joseph Manigault House

The Joseph Manigault House was built in 1803 in the Adams style and designed by brother Gabriel Manigault. Joseph was a wealthy rice planter and French Huguenot who came to America to escape religious persecution. He inherited many plantations and hundreds of slaves from his grandfather, securing his wealth.

It contains intact outbuildings like the kitchen and slave quarters, stable, and privy as well as fine furniture from Europe and beyond. The dramatic staircase is another incredible feature.

After Manigault’s death, the home was sold in 1852 to George N. Reynolds Jr. before passing to John S. Riggs in 1864. By 1920, the home was slated for demolition, but a group of locals formed the Preservation Society of Charleston to save it. The Charleston Museum purchased it in 1933.

Tickets are $12 and combination tickets are available with the Charleston Museum and the Heyward-Washington House. Tours are offered Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm. The Joseph Manigault House is located at 350 Meeting Street alongside the Charleston Museum.

Visit on the Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour .

Nathaniel Russell House

The Nathaniel Russell House was built in 1808 for slave trader and merchant Nathaniel Russell in Neoclassical design. The townhouse was home to Russell, his wife, two daughters, and likely eighteen slaves to run the household.

Russell wanted only the finest home and had a number of architectural details installed like elaborate plasterwork, heart pine floors, formal gardens, and a grand three-story cantilevered staircase.

In 1857, it was purchased by Robert Allston, governor of South Carolina, and he lived there until his death. From 1870 to 1905, it operated as a boarding school before again becoming a private residence.

In 1955, the Historic Charleston Foundation was created to save the property. It remains one of the best house museums in Charleston.

Tickets are $12 for adults and can be purchased in combination with tickets to the Aiken-Rhett House. Tours are offered daily from 10 am to 5 pm and are led by docents. The Nathaniel Russell House is located at 51 Meeting Street, around the corner from Rainbow Row.

Visit the home on the Badass Broads of Charleston tour , which ends at the house.

Looking for a place to stay during your trip to Charleston’s house museums? The Wentworth Mansion and the John Rutledge House Inn are both historic homes turned inns with modern amenities like daily breakfast and WiFi.

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

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Home › Things To Do › Historic Houses

Charleston Historic Home Tours

Charleston has many dozens of historically-significant properties, the great majority of which are privately owned and occupied and not open to the public.

Several of the city’s most important historic homes, however, are operated as historic house museums, allowing a view into the lives of some of Charleston’s wealthiest residents – and the people they enslaved – in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Most of the houses offer guided tours of around 30-40 minutes duration, usually discussing the history of the house, its occupants and architecture. If you expect to want to visit more than one historic house museum during your visit, look out for combination tickets, which offer admission to two or more properties at a discounted rate.

See also: – Museums in Charleston – Plantations near Charleston – Other things to do in Charleston – Things to do near Charleston – Charleston events and festivals by month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Historic Charleston Foundation’s House Tours

Aiken-rhett house.

48 Elizabeth Street, 843-723-1159

The Aiken-Rhett House, constructed by William Aiken around 1820, remained in the hands of a single family and its descendants for a century and a half. Preserved rather than restored, the house offers an insight into the decline in fortunes of its owners in the years since the Civil War.

Unusually among Charleston’s historic house museums, the Aiken-Rhett House has retained its enslaved people’s quarters and other outbuildings, including stables and kitchens, portraying the other side of life in one of the city’s great antebellum houses.

Self-guided app-based audio tours of the house are made at your own pace, and will usually take around 45 minutes. Combination tickets including admission to the Nathaniel Russell House are available.

Open daily. Adults $15, children (6-16) $7. More details

Nathaniel Russell House

51 Meeting Street, 843-724-8481

The Nathaniel Russell House is considered to be one of the best Neoclassical townhouses in the country, constructed for a wealthy Rhode Island merchant who established himself in Charleston in the mid-18th century.

The house, with formal gardens, is restored to its appearance in 1808. It is furnished with objects of fine and decorative art from the 18th and 19th centuries, including several items owned by the family, and others created in Charleston.

Tours take around 30 minutes, and discuss the lives of family members and the people they enslaved as domestic staff, and the process of restoring the home. Combination tickets allowing admission to the Aiken-Rhett House as well are available for a discount.

Charleston Museum’s House Tours

Heyward-washington house.

87 Church Street, 843-722-2996

The Heyward-Washington House, built in 1772, is one of the oldest surviving residences in Charleston.

It is named for two of the house’s most distinguished occupants: Thomas Heyward, Jr, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and George Washington, who rented the home during a week-long stay in the city as part of his 1791 tour of the South.

Beautiful antique Charleston-made furniture, formal gardens and an 18th-century kitchen building are among the highlights of tours of this historic house. Combination tickets offering discounted admission to the Charleston Museum and/or the Joseph Manigault House are also available.

Open daily. Adults $12, youth (13-17) $10, children (3-12) $5. More details

Joseph Manigault House

350 Meeting Street, 843-722-2996

The Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, is an excellent example of the Federal style of architecture, formerly owned by one of Charleston’s wealthiest rice planting enslaving families, the Manigaults, descended from a group of French Huguenots who settled the city in the late 17th century.

The restored property features early-19th-century and other antique furniture from the collection of the Charleston Museum, with gardens too restored to the style of the period.

Tours of the house take around 30 minutes, and focus on the history of the family and architecture of the house, in the context of the social history of the period. Combination tickets to see the Heyward-Washington House and/or the Charleston Museum as well are available at a discount.

Charleston’s Other Historic Home Tours

Edmondston-alston house.

21 East Battery, 843-722-7171

The Edmondston-Alston House was built in 1825 by Scottish merchant Charles Edmondston. The house was one of the first of the grand houses to be erected along what is now the city’s East Battery, commanding fine views over the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.

Edmondston lost the house in the panic of 1837, with some alterations to the Federal-style home undertaken by new owner Charles Alston. It remains to this day in the hands of his descendants.

30-minute tours visit the Edmondston-Alston House’s public rooms and piazzas. Combination tickets with the Middleton Plantation, who manage tours of the house, are available.

Open Monday-Saturday. Adults $15, children and students $10. More details

Williams Mansion

16 Meeting Street, 843-722-8205

The Williams Mansion (formerly known as the Calhoun Mansion) was built by George Williams in 1876, and is regarded as one of the finest postbellum houses on the East Coast. It is the largest historic private residence in Charleston.

The Williams Mansion is still occupied by its current owner, who has filled the house to the brim with an eclectic mixture of furnishings, paintings and objects from all periods and corners of the world.

The basic tour of the house takes about 25-35 minutes, seeing several of its rooms and discussing the history of the home and its antiques. An alternative longer tour visits the entire mansion and its cupola.

Open daily. Basic tour $17 per person, children under 12 free. More details

© Melanie K Jones 2024

Historic City Tour & Southern Mansion Combo

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Map Marker Departure Location: 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC

Checkmark Easy Cancellations!

Charleston Mansion & City Tour

Take a journey through Charleston’s 300 years of living history with our licensed tour guides. Experience the Old Market area and the historic homes and churches where generations of Charlestonians worked, lived, and worshiped.

Step out of the air-conditioned minibus onto the famous Battery Seawall. See and hear about Fort Sumter, the Harbor of History, and the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown at Patriots Point.

PLUS enjoy a tour through the elegant interior of a fully-restored historic home – the Joseph Manigault House. Come and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of one of America’s most historic cities.

Your Ticket Includes

• 90-minute guided tour of historic Charleston
• Tour of the fully restored historic home
• Charleston’s Historic Home
• The Battery Sea Wall
• Historic Churches
• Old Market Area
• The Four Corners of Law
• Rainbow Row
• Tour a Restored Historic Home (Joseph Manigault House)

Please Note

• Please confirm date and times before submitting reservation.
• Please note that booking times are exact and not an arrival window.
• Changes may be made on a space-available basis.
• Departs from the Visitors Center at 375 Meeting Street starting at 10:00 a.m. with the final departure of the day at 3:00 p.m.
• Must cancel scheduled tour 24 hours prior to tour departure time in order to receive a full refund.
• Please note the City of Charleston does not allow hop-on-hop-off services.
• House & buses are not handicap-accessible.
• Please note there are no restrooms available on the house tour.
• We are committed to responsible tourism and traveler safety.
• No concealed weapons allowed on any bus or van.

Related Sightseeing Tours

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Historic City Tour

Enjoy your tour through the beautiful city of Charleston and discover over 300 years of history in the streets of this must-visit location on a Gray Line bus tour.

Historic City Tour & Charleston Museum

Enjoy your tour of Charleston as your guide points out important sights, and visit the Charleston Museum to learn all about the South Carolina Lowcountry and natural history.

• Hour Glass 5 hours

Historic City Tour and Fort Sumter Tour

Tour Fort Sumter, “where the Civil War began,” plus visit historic areas around Charleston on this combo bus tour. Points of interest include Battery Seawall & more.

What are the best Charleston House Tours?

Where are the best Charleston homes to tour?  While perusing the streets of downtown and exploring the Holy City, make sure these Charleston historic house tours are on your must-do list. 

Charleston’s rich architectural history dates back to the 17th century. The Old Exchange Building represents the early, Colonial style. The Georgian period is characterized by symmetrical facades with a centered front entrance and 5 windows facing frontward. The Heyward Washington House is a great example. Beginning in the late 1700s this style gained in popularity and may be seen in many residences.  The Federalist period followed the Revolutionary war. Home designs incorporated lavish elements such as balconies, shutters, and palladium windows. The Rhett-Aiken House is a noted example of the Federalist architectural period.  As Charlestonians gained wealth they embraced the NeoClassical architectural style and constructed homes of considerable grandeur. This design period gained popularity in the years leading up to the Civil War. Neoclassical architecture is characterized by columns, smooth walls, and arched windows. The Charleston County Courthouse at the “Four Corners of Law” offers a good example of the Neoclassical architectural style in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Gothic Revival, Italianate, Victorian, and Art Deco periods followed. Few cities in the United States are as diversely represented in architectural styles as Charleston, SC. These multiple examples of design are a significant contributor to the rich historical tapestry of the city’s character and charm.

Step back in time, and plan a day to enjoy Charleston historic house tours. See our list of locally recommended Charleston Historic Home Tours below!

The Best Historic Home Tours in Charleston, SC

1. heyward-washington house.

Begin your tour at the infamous Heyward-Washington House . This Georgian-style double home offers the only glimpse at a kitchen building of this period. The home was constructed in 1772. This historically significant dwelling was the home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

George Washington was a guest here during a visit to Charleston in 1791. This home served as the first home in the city to become a museum. The Heyward-Washington garden is a hidden gem behind the enclosed, brick walls.

Meticulously maintained, the garden is an excellent representation of 18th gardening in Charleston. 

• Tours of the Heyward Washington House are available daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Sunday tours are afternoon only, from noon to 5 pm

2. Nathaniel Russell House

The Nathaniel Russell House , a national historic landmark in Charleston, SC is considered one of America’s most important dwellings.

It incorporates elements of Georgian and Neoclassical design.

Wealthy Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell built the home for his family in 1808. The three story cantilevered staircase is a stunning centerpiece in this exceptional residence on the High Battery in Charleston.   

• Tours of the Nathaniel Russel House, an elite 19th-century home are available daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

3. Aiken-Rhett House

After your visit at the Nathaniel Russell House, you must also visit the Aiken-Rhett House . This complex offers an important, and educational perspective of life in the 1800s.

The back buildings, where slaves lived, offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn of the conditions and life endured by enslaved African peoples. This antebellum home was once owned by the powerful and wealthy Governor William Aiken.

T oday, the Aiken-Rhett House is one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the United States. 

• Tours are available daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you would like to save money on house tours at Nathaniel Russell and Aiken-Rhett, buy a combination ticket .

4. Edmondston-Alston House

When visitors think of Charleston, homes on the High Battery evoke an iconic image. The Edmondston-Alston house’s waterfront location commands stunning views of Charleston Harbor.

The Edmondston-Alston House has survived hurricanes, the earthquake of 1888 and the Civil War.

Add this one for a perfect waterside museum tour. Many period pieces of furniture, artwork, and silver are original to the owners of this historic residence.

• Tours are limited so plan in advance.
• Monday's from 1 pm - 4 pm
• Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm

5. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

No list of Charleston house tours is complete without Magnolia Plantation and Gardens . Recently, Travel + Leisure named Magnolia one of America’s most beautiful gardens.

The plantation was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family and is the oldest public garden in America.

Not only can you tour the gardens, but you can also tour the Plantation House where the Drayton family once lived. 

• Tours of Magnolia's Plantation House run daily from 10 am - 3:30 pm

Mansions in Charleston, SC

6. joseph manigault house.

The Manigaults became one of South Carolina’s leading families, working as rice planters and merchants in the 18th Century after fleeing religious persecution in Europe in the 1600’s.

Constructed in 1803, the Joseph Manigault House represents the urban lifestyle of a wealthy Southern rice plantation family.

This brick antebellum residence was designed by the Scottish, Neoclassical architect Robert Adam.

The exterior features a two story porch, elaborate windows and exterior doors. Inside, the interior is crafted in rich woodwork details as seen in the fireplace mantels, cornices, and doors. You’ll find period pieces and furniture from France, Europe and America as well as original color schemes throughout the rooms.  

The Joseph Manigault House, also referred to as Charleston’s Huguenot House was threatened with demolition, but a group of caring Charlestonians organized to save the home. It was purchased by the Charleston Museum in 1933 for purposes of preservation. 

This was the birth of the Preservation Society of Charleston . 

• Tours begin daily at 10:00 am. 
• If you’re looking to tour The Charleston Museum, The Heyward Washington House and the Joesph Manigault House, buy the 3 site ticket . The more you see, the more you save!

7. Calhoun Mansion

Calhoun Mansion is one of Charleston’s most unique house tours. As you wander the halls and rooms of this 19th-century home, you will discover historic art collections, antiques, furniture, and more.  

Not only is the mansion stunning, but the relics inside of it give visitors a glimpse into the lives of the people of Old Charleston. 

• All Tours of the Calhoun Mansion are currently cancelled during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
• When the Calhoun Mansion resumes we’ll update tour offerings and times here. 

Interesting Facts About Charleston History

Charleston's history is riddled with important political figures, unique heritage, devastating fires, and costly wars. Throughout the course of American history, Charleston has played a vital role in our country’s development.

Here are just a few Charleston history facts you’ll learn on a vacation to the area:

• The first theater in America, the Dock Street Theater, was built in colonial Charleston in 1736. It is located on iconic Church Street, Charleston SC.
• America’s first museum is The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773.
• Four Charleston natives – Thomas Heyward Jr., Thomas Lynch Jr., Arthur Middleton, and Edward Rutledge, signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Take a tour around the city and you’ll recognize these old Charleston family names!
• Charleston was the site of the Battle of Fort Sullivan, the first decisive victory in the Revolutionary War
• The first game of golf played in America was in Charleston in 1788
• The Ordinance of Secession, which led to the Civil War, was signed in Charleston in 1860.
• The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor in 1861

How to Learn More about Charleston History

With so many great ways to learn about the Holy City, there is something for everyone in Charleston. You’ll find a wide variety of historic places to visit and educational things to do. Here are just a few recommendations:

Take A Charleston Sightseeing Tour

Charleston sightseeing tours are an easy and fun way to learn about Charleston from an expert. Many of the area’s local guides are Charlestonians with ties to the city that go back 5, 8, or even 10 generations! Others are historians who have developed an extensive knowledge of the Lowcountry through years and years of study. Whether you take a guided walking tour, fun boating excursion, classic carriage ride, or unique and spooky ghost tour, these options provide education and excitement all in one.

Visit a Historic Site or Museum

Another great way to learn about Charleston is by visiting a historic site or museum. The Charleston Museum, America’s first museum, is a great place to start. Then, head to any of these other  great museums in downtown Charleston :

• The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
• The Gibbes Museum of Art
• Old Slave Mart Museum
• Postal Museum
• Karpeles Manuscript Museum
• The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Education Center

In addition, Charleston has a wide variety of important forts and military sites, original historic homes, and century-old buildings to explore. Whether you take a ferry onto the Charleston Harbor, or you wander Charleston’s old, cobbled streets, you can visit these educational sites near downtown Charleston:

• Historic Charleston City Market
• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
• Fort Sumter or Fort Moultrie

If you are looking for fun ways to explore the Charleston peninsula, read our blog on the city’s best walking tours !  If your dreams include owning a piece of Charleston history, contact Pam Harrington Exclusives for a current list of historic Charleston homes for sale.

Historic Homes in Charleston, SC for Sale

Owning a historic home in Charleston offers a unique opportunity to be a part of America’s history. You are helping to continue and preserve the historical charm of Charleston.

Pam Harrington Exclusives is a leader in Charleston real estate , serving historic Charleston and the islands for over 45 years.

When it comes to buying a historic home in Charleston, it is vital to work with a realtor who understands the nuances of historic home ownership from the Charleston BAR building restrictions, to historic tax credits, and other specialty considerations.

When you are ready to become a part of our history, we are here to assist you.

Meet Our Sales Team

Charleston Real Estate

Charleston Historic Homes: A Journey through Time and Architecture

History buffs will know Charleston, South Carolina, is a tapestry of American history. The past is woven through its streets and the very bricks and mortar of its buildings. As one of America's oldest cities, its array of architectural styles is the history storyteller. From the sturdy, practical designs of Colonial homes to ornamental Victorian mansions, the historic homes in Charleston, SC, are a journey through time and architecture. You’ll explore the history hiding behind the Georgian symmetry, Federalist elegance, Neoclassical grandeur, and the pointed arches of the Gothic Revival. For those who love the evolution of American architecture and the historical contexts that shaped it, Charleston is the place for you!

Visit Charleston to see the many well-preserved homes unique to this fascinating city. Let’s explore some of the best ways to see them and which ones should be on your list.

The Best Ways to See Charleston Historic Homes

Self-guided tours of historic homes in charleston, sc.

If you like to set your own pace or split up your sightseeing over multiple days, consider embarking on a self-guided tour. This approach allows you to explore and dive deep into the fabric of Charleston’s historical and architectural majesty at your leisure. You can map out your must-see spots or simply walk around downtown Charleston, traveling at your own pace and lingering at your favorite places.

Guided Historical Tours Led by an Expert

For those with an insatiable appetite for stories, a guided tour may be your perfect adventure. With expert guides, you will learn more than you would on your own, allowing you to ask questions about what you see and discover all the history behind each home.

If you are looking for a great overview of the city, the Historic Carriage Tour can take you through it with an enchanting ride on a horse-drawn carriage. This tour is a fantastic way to see the architecture throughout the city and hear notable stories about the historic homes, the people who owned them, and so much more. A tour can give you a good perspective of where you will want to visit again during your stay

The Charleston Festival is a great way to experience multiple historical homes in one event. From March 14 to April 14th, this festival opens doors to charming private houses, meticulously manicured gardens, and more by offering street tours, garden tours, and historical architectural tours. Check out our spring blog post for more seasonal activities.

Charleston's Historic Homes You Simply Can't Miss

The Aiken-Rhett House: A Preservation of Antebellum Life

The Aiken-Rhett House , unaltered since the 1850s, is a captivating snapshot of antebellum society. This historic home in Charleston, SC, invites visitors into the world of William Aiken Jr., a key figure in the city's history. Its preservation offers an authentic look at a bygone era, including intact slave quarters, stables, and carriage blocks, which are essential for understanding the full scope of Charleston's past. Architecturally, it harmonizes Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles, reflecting the prevailing tastes of its time. This house serves not only as a monument to the wealth and social prominence of its original owners but also as a poignant reminder of the complexities of pre-Civil War Southern life.

Ticket Pricing: $15.45 Hours: Mon-Sun: 10 am-5 pm Address: 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403

Want to learn more about its owners and history? Read our blog on Charleston's 19th-century Gem, The Aiken Rhett House.

Heyward-Washington House: Where the Revolutionary Era Comes Alive

Nestled within the heart of Charleston, the Heyward-Washington House stands as a testament to the city's deep revolutionary roots. This Georgian-style residence, which once welcomed George Washington during his 1791 tour, links directly to the nation's fight for independence. Thomas Heyward Jr., the site's namesake, signed the Declaration of Independence, giving this home a vital historical significance. Visitors stepping into this house are greeted by an impressive collection of Charleston-crafted furniture, highlighting the local craftsmanship of the era. The very walls of the Heyward-Washington House echo with stories of early American valor and vision, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of the Revolutionary Era. Ticket Pricing: $15.00 Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am-5 pm Sun: 12 pm-5 pm Address: 87 Church St, Charleston, SC 29403

Nathaniel Russell House: A Masterpiece of Federal Architecture

The Nathaniel Russell House , completed in 1808, stands as a pinnacle of Federal and Neoclassical architecture, renowned for its iconic grand elliptical staircase that spirals through the heart of the home. This architectural gem reflects the opulence and refined taste of its original owner, Nathaniel Russell, a prominent merchant of his time. The home’s interior is carefully preserved, displaying beautiful ornamentation and a variety of period furniture that captures the essence of early American sophistication. Visitors can explore the elegant rooms, each telling a part of the Russell family’s story, while the surrounding garden offers a tranquil retreat, echoing the home's neoclassical elegance.

Ticket Pricing: $15.45 Hours: Mon-Sun: 10 am-5 pm Address: 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Williams Mansion (Formerly Calhoun Mansion): The Largest Single-Family Residence in Charleston

The Williams Mansion , once known as the Calhoun Mansion, is a testament to the grandeur of Victorian architecture in Charleston. Constructed in 1876, this opulent home stands as the city's largest single-family residence, making it one of the most well-known Charleston, South Carolina historic homes. It showcases an elaborate exterior and an interior made of intricate woodwork, stained glass, and timeless furnishings. Its rooms are a gallery of the Gilded Age's luxury, each space lavishly decorated to reflect the wealth and tastes of the era. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the mansion has served multiple roles throughout its history, from a private residence to a public space that echoes the cultural and social complexities of post-Civil War Charleston. This historic home embodies the Victorian era's extravagance and is a highlight for those exploring the architectural diversity of Charleston.

Ticket Pricing: Prices will be released in Spring 2024 Hours: Reopening Spring 2024 Address: 16 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Edmondston-Alston House: A View into Charleston's Maritime History

Overlooking the Charleston Harbor from its prestigious position on The Battery, the Edmondston-Alston House merges its architectural elegance with a storied maritime past. The house was erected in 1825, and enhancements were made in 1838 when Charles Alston purchased it. Inside, visitors are treated to a rich display of the family's original silver furnishings and artworks, encapsulating the lifestyle of Charleston's sea-linked aristocracy. The house serves as a historical landmark and a narrative vessel, charting the course of the city's naval heritage through its preserved interior and panoramic vistas. This residence is more than architecture, though—it stands as a silent witness to pivotal Civil War moments, notably General P.T. Beauregard's observation of Fort Sumter's bombardment in 1861 from its piazzas.

Ticket Pricing: $15.00 Hours: Mon: 1 pm-4 pm Tues-Sat: 10 am-4 pm Sun: Closed Address : 21 E Battery, Charleston, SC 29401

Drayton Hall: The Oldest Preserved Plantation House in the U.S.

Drayton Hall's construction dates back to the 1740s by John Drayton, a prominent rice planter. The home has been remarkably preserved and is now under the stewardship of the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust. The Trust's mission emphasizes the importance of understanding colonial America and the South's evolving narrative through meticulously guided tours of the estate. These tours encompass the main house, the historic African American cemetery, the Lenhardt Garden, and more. The main house itself presents a collection of original family pieces, decorative arts, and artifacts, offering a tangible connection to the past. Drayton Hall is also a hub for education, hosting a variety of programs, workshops, and special exhibitions. All of these efforts exist to spark dialogue and interest in the preservation of historic structures and artifacts, highlighting the ongoing efforts to conserve this integral piece of American history.

Ticket Pricing: $31.00 Hours: Wed-Mon: 9 am-5 pm Tues: Closed Address: 3380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414

Joseph Manigault House: A Reflection of Charleston's French Influence

Constructed in 1803, the Joseph Manigault House epitomizes the French influence permeating Charleston's architectural landscape. Designed for a wealthy rice planter of French Huguenot descent, this home showcases the Adam-style Federal architecture, marked by elegance and symmetry. Inside, the opulent decor and furnishings reflect the refined lifestyle of Charleston's early 19th-century elite. The Joseph Manigault House is a testament to the blend of French architectural heritage and Southern charm that defines Charleston.

Ticket Pricing : $15.00 Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am-5 pm Sun: 12 pm-5 pm Address: 350 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403

This unique city is bursting with history just waiting to be retold, so let Charleston's Historic Homes transport you into different eras as their architecture tells a story. Consider a guided tour if you want to learn even more about the historical events that took place within their walls!

Ready to find the best places to explore, dine, and more in Charleston? Our blog articles will help you create the perfect itinerary for your interests.

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5 of the Best Charleston Home Tours

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk along the halls of a historic antebellum mansion? Renowned for its unique history and charm, Charleston is home to some of the most beautiful old homes in the South. From national landmarks to private estates overlooking the Battery, the following are some of the best Charleston home tours to add to your bucket list! For even more recommendations about things to see and do in the Holy City, be sure to request access to our complimentary Destination Guide.

Access the Destination Guide

Top 5 charleston home tours in 2019, 1. aiken-rhett house.

Once home to Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr., the Aiken-Rhett house offers a glimpse into the lives of one of South Carolina’s most powerful families. The house was built in 1820, and to this day, it is considered one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the country! Self-guided audio tours operate daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. On the tour, you can expect to see incredible architecture, original furnishings, the slave quarters, and so much more. Situated in the heart of downtown, this one is a must-see!

2. Heyward-Washington House

Also known as Charleston’s “Revolutionary War House,” you’ll feel as if you’ve time-traveled to a previous era when you step inside this beautiful Georgian-style brick townhouse. Built in 1772, the home once belonged to Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. The residence also hosted President George Washington during his week-long stay in Charleston in May of 1791. In 1930, the Heyward-Washington House officially opened as the city’s first historic house museum. Tours run Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

3. Nathaniel Russell House

When it comes to Charleston mansion tours, few can compare to the grandeur of the Nathaniel Russell House ! To put it simply, this neoclassical mansion is an architectural masterpiece. Inside, you’ll find elaborate architecture, 18th-century fine art, intricate interiors, and a sweeping three-story grand staircase. Built in 1808, the Nathaniel Russell House cost approximately $80,000 to build. In comparison, the average value of a home during that time period was just $262! Self-guided tours run daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and docent-led tours begin at 10 a.m.

4. Joseph Manigault House

If you’re looking for the best historical home tour in Charleston, SC, the Joseph Manigault House should be at the top of your list! The 1803 structure, which originally housed a family of wealthy rice planters and enslaved African Americans, is now considered one of the most impressive antebellum mansions in Charleston. The house and property feature a beautiful spiral staircase, an array of 19th-century furniture, outbuildings and slave quarters, formal gardens, stables, and more. Admire the incredible architecture while you learn about the lives of Charleston’s renowned Manigault, Middleton, and Drayton families. Tours run Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

5. Tour a Private Residence

No matter the season, you can enjoy Charleston home tours year-round! Recognized by the Southeastern Tourism Society as a “Top 20 Event,” the Charleston Home and Garden Tour is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Each spring, visitors are offered the rare chance to view some of the most beautiful privately-owned residences in the Old and Historic Districts.

If you are planning a trip in the fall, make sure to mark your calendar for the Charleston Fall Tour of Homes . On various days in October, locals once again open up their doors to the public for an enchanting Charleston candlelight tour of homes. Are you visiting during Christmas Time ? There’s nothing quite as magical as seeing all of the antebellum homes decked out for the holidays.

Experience Lowcountry Living at Its Finest

After an exciting day of touring the South’s most beautiful houses, come relax and unwind at Andell Inn . With luxurious accommodations , artistic decor, and world-class amenities , our boutique hotel is known as one of the top lodging options in the Charleston area. All of the best home tours, restaurants , spas , art galleries, and shops are just minutes away!

For a truly memorable getaway, we recommend booking a stay in our Presidential Suite. With a spacious open floor plan, King-sized bed, and stunning water view, this private suite has it all. During your stay, you can expect to start off each morning with a delicious breakfast to send you on your way. Then, be sure to check out the incredible artwork in the Great Room and the many galleries located throughout the inn. Are you ready to enjoy all that our beautiful city has to offer? Check our availability and book your stay today. We can’t wait to hear about your favorite Charleston home tours!

Table of Contents

Charleston’s historical house museums are a treasure that all should experience when they visit Charleston. Below you’ll find our picks for the top house museums in the city.

Your Guide to Visiting the Top Charleston Historic House Museums

Aiken Rhett House Museum

 Full admission is included with  TourPass Charleston

Self-guided tours. Last tour begins at 4:15 p.m.

History of the House

Built in 1820 by merchant John Robinson, the Aiken-Rhett House is nationally significant as one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the nation. Vastly expanded by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830s and again in the 1850s, the house and its outbuildings include a kitchen, the original slave quarters, carriage block and back lot. The house and its surviving furnishings offer a compelling portrait of urban life in antebellum Charleston, as well as a Southern politician, slaveholder and industrialist. The house spent 142 years in the Aiken family’s hands before being sold to the Charleston Museum and opened as a museum house in 1975.

When the Foundation assumed ownership in 1995, we adopted a preserved-as-found preservation approach, meaning the structure and contents are left in an “as-found” state, including furniture, architecture and finishes that have not been altered since the mid 19th century. The only restored room in the house, the art gallery, showcases paintings and sculpture the Aiken family acquired on their European Grand Tour.

While many dependency buildings in Charleston have been demolished or adapted, the Aiken-Rhett slave quarters – with their original paint, floors and fixtures – survive virtually untouched since the 1850s, allowing visitors the unique chance to better comprehend the every-day realities of the enslaved Africans who lived on-site, maintained the household and catered to the needs of the Aiken family and their guests.

Heyward Washington House

Charleston’s revolutionary war house.

Built in 1772, this Georgian-style double house was the town home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. A patriot leader and artillery officer with the South Carolina militia during the American Revolution, Heyward was captured when the British took Charleston in 1780. He was exiled to St. Augustine, Florida, but was exchanged in 1781. The City rented this house for George Washington’s use during the President’s week-long Charleston stay, in May 1791, and it has traditionally been called the “Heyward-Washington House.” Heyward sold the house in 1794 to John F. Grimke, also a Revolutionary War officer and father of Sarah and Angeline Grimke, the famous abolitionists and suffragettes. It was acquired by the Museum in 1929, opened the following year as Charleston’s first historic house museum, and was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1978. Here you will see a superb collection of historic Charleston-made furniture including the priceless Holmes Bookcase, considered one of the finest examples of American-made colonial furniture. The property also features the only 1740s kitchen building open to the public in Charleston as well as formal gardens featuring plants commonly used in the South Carolina Lowcountry in the late 18th century.

Want to Really Experience Charleston? Buy a TourPass!

Want to save money and visit all that Charleston has to offer? If so, then we recommend purchasing TourPass Charleston. You can purchase a 1-day pass which will more than pay for itself by visiting only 3 attractions. 

Nathaniel Russell House Museum

  Full admission is included with  TourPass Charleston

A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was built over a five-year period and completed in 1808 by Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell. The house cost $80,000 to build, at a time when the average value of a home was $262. The homes graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel with each cantilevered step supporting the one above and below it.

The graceful interiors with elaborate plasterwork ornamentation, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charlestons elite in the early days of the American Republic. The homes graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel with each cantilevered step supporting the one above and below it.

Restored to its original splendor using forensic analysis and cutting-edge conservation technology by our curatorial staff, we ensure the highest standards of old-world expertise to replicate the finishes, fixtures and textiles appropriate for this 200-year old townhouse.

Because restoration is an ongoing process, visitors have the opportunity to see and learn about the meticulous care, craft and consideration that goes into every detail. The 18 enslaved Africans that lived on and maintained the property during the Russell occupancy are an integral part of the history of this one-of-kind house. An exhibit in the original kitchen house features archaeological artifacts, educational panels and stories of the people vital to the history of this property.

Joseph Manigault House Museum

Charleston’s huguenot house.

A striking spiral staircase accents the impressive central hall, and many of the rooms are restored to their original color schemes. All feature historic pieces from the Museum’s collections including a selection of American, English and French furniture dating to the early 19th century. Outside, a classical Gate Temple overlooks a period garden, and the locations of adjacent historical outbuildings (e.g., kitchen and slave quarters, stable, and privy) are marked with interpretive signs. Descending from French Huguenots who fled religious persecution in Europe in the late 1600s, the Manigaults prospered as rice planters and merchants during the 18th century and became one of South Carolina’s leading families. Joseph Manigault inherited several rice plantations and over two hundred slaves from his grandfather in 1788, and also married well. Arthur Middleton, father of his first wife, Maria Henrietta Middleton, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Following Henrietta’s death, he married Charlotte Drayton, with whom he had eight children. The Charleston Museum purchased the house in 1933, and has preserved and interpreted it ever since.

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• Charleston Walking & Storytelling Tour

African-American History & Philip Simmons House Tour

• Strong Women of the South History Tour
• Family-Friendly Ghost Tour
• One Bar & Tarot Cards

Pice: $35 per person Private Groups: $280 for up to 10 people

Duration: 2 hours

Starting Location: 30-1/2 Blake Street. We meet on the sidewalk in front of the Philip Simmons House Museum across the street from Trident Technical College’s Palmer Campus.

The African-American History & Philip Simmons House Tour is an exploration of Charleston’s 350 year old African community. Our experience starts at the Philip Simmons House where one of the greatest African-American artists of the 20th century created a lifetime of beauty. Led by museum docents, witness the humble life of a great Charleston artisan.

We continue our experience by walking down America Street, the center of Charleston’s African-American community. Along the way, learn about and witness the trials and tribulations of the past and present.

We stop briefly at the edge of the African-American community to give a powerful visualization of class division that still exists in the city today.

We continue to walk through the East Side around Wragg Square. Learn about how free people of color came together to form flourishing communities and houses of worship. Learn how the Emanuel 9 Shooting brought the entire world together in the fight against racism.

“I’ve been to Charleston twice before and had never seen or heard the aspect of Charleston’s history and the community as experienced during the tour. Definitely recommend!”

“This was a true history lesson that covered topics outside of Charleston but linked to its history. Stories of potential despair presented by my guide Larry with a sense of optimism that was really uplifting.”

“This is an absolute MUST for anyone visiting Charleston. I learned so much and was moved to tears several times. Larry is a wealth of knowledge, passion and empathy. HIGHLY recommended!”

Additional Information

Parking and transportation options.

• Free parking is available on the right side of Blake Street across from the museum.
• Uber/Lyft/Taxi Services are available both downtown and in the surrounding areas.
• Public transportation from CARTA . You can find the best route using the Transit App .

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• Bring a bottle of water with you and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• We do stop for refreshments and restroom breaks as needed.
• $1 per ticket purchase is donated to the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art .
• $5 per ticket purchase is donated to the Philip Simmons House museum .

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• Admission to the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art located at 161 Calhoun Street inside the College of Charleston CATO Arts Building.
• Admission to the Philip Simmons House museum located at 30-1/2 Blake Street. (Walk down the driveway and the museum is in the back.)

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Drayton Hall Preservation Trust fosters a deeper understanding of colonial America and the evolution of life in the South by discovering, researching, conserving, and interpreting the history, context, and culture of Drayton Hall. Learn More

Explore The Estate

Drayton Hall’s preservation philosophy was groundbreaking for its time and is unique among historic sites today.

Drayton Hall is one of the most remarkable houses in North America; in fact, it is the earliest and finest example of Palladian architecture in the United States.

The long-admired landscape of Drayton Hall shows how influences of the past have sculpted the features of the present.

Thanks to multidisciplinary research, we can understand how Drayton Hall’s creators and inhabitants lived their lives and shaped the Atlantic World.

Drayton Hall’s collections include fine arts and historical artifacts that tell the site’s story from its prehistory to the present.

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Rare 18th-century objects.

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3380 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414

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House & garden tours, step beyond the doorways and garden gates of charleston to experience the city's renowned architectural heritage, inside and out. house & garden tours are divided between street tours, splendor tours and glorious gardens tours. .

Street Tours

Each Street Tour is identified by a central and historic street and includes a selection of private homes and gardens to tour. Street Tours include Tradd Street, East Bay Street and new this year, Broad Street. 

Splendor Tours

Architectural splendor and garden splendor tours offer the most exclusive and intimate tours of the charleston festival. expert guides at each magnificent property offer guests a more elevated experience..

Glorious Gardens

Perfect for passionate gardeners, these tours focus on gardens and the landscape architecture of historic charleston. self-paced between properties, each garden includes docents to meet guests around the property., upcoming house & garden tours.

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Rainbow Row & the Historic District: Tour of the Colorful Houses in Charleston

I LOVE how colorful Charleston is! Last week I posted about the best places to shop and eat in Charleston , and I love that even the stores and markets are colorful. Charleston is the closest thing I’ve seen to Burano Island in the U.S. so far. So if you want to see some beautiful pastel-colored houses without paying for a flight to Italy , you should take a tour of the colorful houses in Charleston! 🙂

If you’ve seen my posts on houses in New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama , you’ll know how much I love historical houses. I’ve been to Charleston a few times, and seeing all the pretty homes is probably my favorite thing to do there! Charleston is known for its colorful houses, and you’ve probably heard of Rainbow Row – the row of colorful Georgian houses on East Bay Street. If you like taking tons of photos like me, I think you’ll like Rainbow Row.

You can take a tour of the area if you want, or you can just take a leisurely walk by the houses like my friends and I did. For a little history on the homes, they were built around the 1740s by merchants who would use the ground floors for their stores and lived in the floors above. During the Civil War, the houses were neglected until a woman named Dorothy Porcher Legge bought some of the houses and painted them pink. People started buying the homes and painted them other colors, but no one seems to know exactly why they were all painted rainbow colors.

Rainbow Row is actually only 14 houses, but there are tons of other colorful historical houses in Charleston! We walked along the water and into the historic district to see some more houses.

These houses along the water were built “sideways” to help with airflow in the house before air conditioning was invented. The “front door” actually leads onto the porch before you go into the actual front door!

Recognize this building from the post where I announced my upcoming trip ? 🙂

Anyone else wish they could afford any of these gorgeous homes? Even if you can’t afford them, if you love beautiful historic houses as much as I do, I definitely recommend taking a tour of the colorful houses in Charleston! 🙂 It’s one of the best places to take photos in the city!

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34 Comments on Rainbow Row & the Historic District: Tour of the Colorful Houses in Charleston

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Wow! The style of the buildings are so cute, but the colours just make them – wonderful!

The colors are amazing to see in person!

These buildings are stunning! Need to add Charleston to my bucket list now! 😀

http://www.violetdaffodils.com xx

It’s such an amazing city! 🙂

Oh wow, they are such pretty houses! My Mother In Law has visited Charleston a few times and always said how beautiful it is, but this is the first time I’ve seen some pictures. Now I want a colourful house with a big wrap around porch! 🙂

Charleston definitely has some great home inspiration! 🙂 I hope you’ll be able to visit, it’s even prettier in person!

I am a huge fan of historical houses and the colorful colors in Charleston make me love them even more! You captured them prettily, Julia ????

Thank you! 🙂 Historical houses are my favorite!

I’d never heard of Charlestown before this post but it reminds me so much of the Caribbean! I am definitely adding this gem to my forever growing travel list now!

I can see the similarities! It’s definitely one of the more colorful towns in the U.S.!

Lovely pictures! Looks like such a pretty place! would love to visit one day.

Thank you! 🙂

It’s so interesting to read how one lady’s actions consequently transformed whole street! That’s so fascinating. Hope to visit Charleston one day and enjoy this unique place. Beautiful images! ????

Thank you! 🙂 Isn’t it awesome the difference one person can make?

I LOVE Charleston! My brother went to college there so I’ve spent a lot of time there (lucky me ????) You captured some beautiful pictures!

Thank you! 🙂 I wish I could visit more often!

OMG these heritage homes are gorgeous. I had no idea there was so much colour in Charleston. I’d love to visit one day.

It’s a beautiful city to visit!!

Wow! Your pictures are stunning! I’d love to live in the little pink house with the black shutters! Or any of these actually… 🙂

Your pictures are absolutely stunning! I may have to add Charleston to my travel list. And living in one of those houses would be amazing!

My mom and I did a horse and buggy tour when we were there a few years back and the houses were just incredible, especially the ones along the water. I’m hoping to take a road trip through the Carolinas soon and see Charleston again! Such a pretty and historic city.

That sounds so fun! Charleston is definitely worth visiting again!

This makes me so nostalgic! I lived just outside of Charleston for a few years and I really love how the colors contributed to its charm, you captured it so well!

Thank you! It must have been a great area to live in!

Imagine if all the London instagrammers had just an afternoon here!! Insta would be transformed!! This is such a pretty Street I would absolutely love to visit!!

These houses to make fantastic photos for Instagram!! I’ve been posting them like crazy!

I’ve never been to Charleston, but I had no idea it was so colorful. I’ll need to add it to my list of places to visit!

It’s definitely one of the most colorful cities I’ve been to in the U.S.!

I loved Charleston and hope that I am able to go back and visit again. Rainbow Row and the water district are beautiful.

I hope you can go back, too! It’s such a pretty city!

Wooow, I had never seen pictures of Charleston but it looks so beautiful! A heaven for photographers. Rainbow Row looks awesome, and I like the unique way in which the houses were built sideways. What a dream it must be to own one of those! Thanks for sharing beautiful pictures of your travels as usual 🙂

Julia x http://www.juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

Thanks! It’s a really beautiful city and you should visit if you get the chance!

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Charleston House – 5 key highlights not to miss

Charleston House was the country retreat of the influential literary and artistic Bloomsbury Group and offers a wealth of inspiration for creative interiors

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Charleston House occupies a special place in 20th-century Anglo-American modernist cultural history as the creative and intellectual hub of the ‘Bloomsbury Group’ of artists, writers and other intellectuals.

Known for their unconventional lifestyle, Bloomsbury members, including artists Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, and famous literary figures such as Vanessa’s sister Virginia Woolf, EM Forster, and Maynard Keynes, shared certain beliefs and ideas, and supported each other in their creative activities. At Charleston House, art and experimental thinking were at the center of their everyday lives.

Set in the beautiful landscape of the South Downs National Park in England, the farmhouse tells the story of the radical decorative style, ideas and relationships of the group, and is among one of the worlds best homes .

With its air of bohemian freedom, through its hand-painted walls, doors and furniture, and fascinating collections – including ceramics, textiles, paintings and sculpture – Charleston House provides myriad elements of interior design inspiration that we could replicate in our own homes. 

When to visit Charleston House

Charleston House is open Wednesdays to Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am-5pm. 

Charleston House – a history

Charleston House became the country home from 1916 of Vanessa Bell, an artist and interior designer, and her lover Duncan Grant, a painter and designer of textiles and pottery.

Vanessa was one of the first British artists to paint fully abstract paintings in the early 20th century. She also designed textiles to carpets, decorated ceramics and furniture, and was one of the key figures of the Bloomsbury Group.

Her artistic hand can be seen throughout the uniquely hand decorated rooms and furnishings of Charleston House, as can that of her fellow artist Duncan Grant, and their style can inspire bohemian living room ideas .

The move to the farmhouse was an opportunity for them to explore new ways of thinking, living and working.

Charleston House was a place that accommodated alternative interpretations of domestic life, and soon became a gathering point for the Bloomsbury Group.

The rooms to visit at Charleston House offer an insight into the decorative art of the Bloomsbury artists. 

Inspired by Italian fresco painting and the post impressionists, the artists designed each room with a different decorative character, with many walls and pieces of furniture hand-stencilled. Also on show are 20th century ceramics, paintings and textiles.

The interiors are a lesson in how to juxtapose unexpected color combinations for rooms and also turn ordinary items of furniture into pieces of art in their own right. 

The following are some of the key highlights not to miss on a visit:

1. The dining room table

The concentric circle design on the round table in the dining room at Charleston House was painted by Vanessa Bell. 

'You can see the circular motifs and dot designs that recur often in her work. These circular motifs reappear all across the house, from fireplaces to window surrounds,’ explains Darren Clarke, Head of Collections, Research and Exhibitions at Charleston House.

Many pieces of furniture and doors are hand painted with the artists' unique designs.

2. Omega Workshops’ dining room chairs

‘The Bloomsbury group were always looking outwardly to Europe and beyond for inspiration, and throughout the house there are lots of objects that hint at the family’s European outlook and reflect their international travels,' explains Darren.

'Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant were introduced to a radical new style of art from the continent by the art critic Roger Fry – which used bright colors and dynamic, abstract patterns. He called this style ‘post-impressionism.

'Together, they set up a design enterprise in 1913 – the Omega Workshops – which created domestic furniture and objects decorated in the post-impressionist style. They wanted these items to be used in everyday life.'

The dining room chairs at Charleston House are an example of items of furniture created by the Omega Workshops. Originally the frames were a deep red color and the cane was golden – a dramatic design that would have stood out in any room.

3. Hand stencilled walls

Each room has a different decorative character. Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell used a very distinctive palette, with strong colors, coco browns and pinks, boldly applied, which was quite shocking at the turn of the 20th century.

Many house guests of the time helped to hand stencil the dining room walls, which feature black wallpaper covered with hand-stencilled oak-yellow chevrons and sponged grey diamonds.

Hand stencilled walls and furniture can also be seen among the other bohemian bedroom ideas in Vanessa and Clive Bell's bedrooms at the farmhouse.

4. Charleston House garden

‘Proudly an artist’s garden, the walled garden is a riot of color,' says Darren.

'Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant would choose new annuals from the seed catalogues so they would have something new to paint every summer – hollyhocks, red hot pokers, Iceland poppies, and globe thistles.' 

It is an artist’s garden, with extraordinary color contrasts, and flower bed ideas with unusual planting companions. 

‘The garden was a space to paint and work in, but also to relax, entertain and play. It is also full of art, with humorous sculptures and decorative objects strategically placed throughout – from a cast copy of a 16th century Venus, to a levitating lady made by Quentin Bell in the 1970s,' adds Darren

5. The artists' studio

‘The studio at Charleston House was built in 1925 and was where Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant worked side by side, until 1939 when Vanessa had a studio built for herself in the attic,' says Darren.

The space was for work and also for play. During the interwar years, the artists threw many large parties here, which spilled out into the garden. 

'At Charleston, it was all about blurring boundaries between art and life – art wasn’t separate to the space, it was part of the space. There are lots of objects and artworks in the studio that connect the family to places they have been, and to people who were important to them.’

Who lived at Charleston House?

From 1916, artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant lived at Charleston House, along with Duncan's lover David Garnett and also Vanessa's two young sons, Julian and Quentin.

Although Vanessa was married to the notable art critic Clive Bell, they had an open relationship and he continued to live in London.

Following the end of the First World War, the house occupants returned to their lives in London and Europe, but for the next 20 years would continue to spend summers at the house with friends and visitors. 

At the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, Vanessa and Duncan returned to live at Charleston, along with Vanessa's husband, Clive Bell.

When did Charleston farmhouse open to the public?

Charleston House and its garden opened to the public in 1986.

The Charleston Trust charity was set up in 1978, following the death of Duncan Grant, to restore and maintain the house.

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11 Charleston, SC, Neighborhoods for Travelers to Visit

V enerable old Charleston is growing like a supercharged kudzu vine: According to U.S. News & World Report 's list of Fastest-Growing Places in the U.S. in 2022–2023 , the South Carolina city ranks 22nd. As the metropolis continues to win over new converts with its unique blend of easy living and creativity, neglected districts are being reclaimed and developed. That means new neighborhoods in the Charleston area are being added to maps and the boundaries of established ones are shifting. Areas that simply used to be suburbs have taken on distinctive characters and become destinations in their own right, with nightlife, next-level dining, and much more.

In short, you need more than a map to get a handle on the city, so we've created this guide to Charleston's neighborhoods to help you keep up.

Where exactly is downtown Charleston?

Located on the Charleston Peninsula, downtown Charleston consists of the Cannonborough/Elliottborough, Radcliffeborough, Mazyck-Wraggborough, King Street Historic District, Harleston Village, Ansonborough, the French Quarter, and South of Broad neighborhoods. (Visitors will probably be most familiar with King Street, which is home to a high density of local shops, restaurants, and bars.) Geographically speaking, downtown Charleston is bound by a system of waterways: Cooper River to the east side of the city and the Ashley River to the west side, with both coming together in the Charleston Harbor. Due to its popularity and views/easy access to Charleston Harbor, this is one of the most expensive housing areas in the Lowcountry-and one of the most visited by those passing through.

1) South of Broad

Walking the streets of this mostly residential neighborhood is like moving through the physical manifestation of Southern gentility. Massive antebellum townhouses with gallery porches modestly turn to the side so that they don't look directly out at the cobbled streets. Sidewalks curve abruptly to leave room for the trunks of ancient live oak trees.

High brick walls can't quite contain the pleasant sound of the fountains and birds inside. Where the walls break at front walks and driveways, pedestrians can peek at elegant gardens and admire the intricate design of the wrought-iron fences. The South of Broad neighborhood is where you'll find East Bay Street's Rainbow Row and many of the historic house-museums, like the Heyward-Washington House and the Williams Mansion .

Things to do in South of Broad

• Edmondston-Alston House
• Heyward-Washington House
• Nathaniel Russell House
• Rainbow Row
• St. Michael's Church
• White Point Garden

Where to shop in South of Broad

• Burbage's Grocery

2) French Quarter

French Huguenots, refugees from religious persecution, arrived in Charleston in the late 17th century and many of them settled and set up businesses and workshops in this neighborhood. On the quarter's streets today, you'll find the sole French Huguenot Church in the United States, as well as many of the city's art galleries and restaurants. The Old Slave Mart Museum , the South Carolina Historical Society Museum , and the Gibbes Museum are here, too, and along a tourist-trafficked stretch of Bay Street by the City Market, you'll find the pier where the cruise ships dock.

Things to do in the French Quarter

• Charleston City Market
• Circular Congregational Church
• French Huguenot Church
• Gibbes Museum of Art
• Old Slave Mart Museum
• South Carolina Historical Society Museum
• St. Philip's Church
• Waterfront Park

Where to eat and drink in the French Quarter

• Blind Tiger Pub

Related: The 9 Best Things to Do in Charleston

3) Harleston Village

This sprawling neighborhood covers the area north of Broad Street all the way to Calhoun Street and west of King Street to the Ashley River. Much of the district is taken up by the lovely campus of the College of Charleston . (The central Cistern Yard, accessed through the picturesque Gate Lodge and surrounded by some of the city's most historic buildings, merits a visit.) You'll also find affluent residential streets full of stately townhouses and walled gardens, as well as hotels and, of course, lots of churches.

Things to do in Harleston Village

• College of Charleston
• Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

Where to shop in Harleston Village

• Queen Street Grocery

Where to stay in Harleston Village

• John Rutledge House Inn
• Wentworth Mansion

4) Lower King

Along the length of King Street between Broad and Calhoun streets, some of the low-rise older buildings are still occupied by locally owned antique stores and galleries, though many storefronts are devoted to national brands like Williams-Sonoma and Madewell.

If you're strolling along, be sure to browse in the independent shops. In particular, the shop at the Preservation Society of Charleston carries goods by local makers and books by local authors. Along Lower King, you'll also find some restaurants and larger hotels, like the Charleston Place .

Where to eat and drink in Lower King

• Charleston Grill
• Millers All Day
• Peninsula Grill

Where to shop in Lower King

• David Skinner Antiques and Period Lighting
• Charleston Shoe Co.
• Under the Almond Trees

Where to stay in Lower King

• The Charleston Place
• The Restoration

5) Ansonborough

Ansonborough, stretching north of the City Market and east of King Street to the Cooper River, is crisscrossed by narrow streets with stately old townhouses, some shops, bars, and restaurants (mostly along East Bay and Meeting streets), carriage horse stables, and hotels.

The historic Charleston quarter has more shade and is more residential than others this far down the peninsula, so walking or biking around provides a nice break from the business area and gives you a glimpse of how people have adjusted to life in a historic place.

Things to do in Ansonborough

• Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Temple

Where to eat and drink in Ansonborough

Where to stay in ansonborough.

• Zero George Street

6) Marion Square

Though not an officially named neighborhood, Marion Square, with Calhoun Street on its southern boundary, has a cluster of businesses and notable hotels giving the area a distinctive air. On or near the park are the Dewberry , the Frances Marion , Hotel Bella Grace , and the Hotel Bennett , as well as the original site of the Citadel Military College , a pink castle-like structure now part of the Embassy Suites. Just east of Marion Square, the formidable Mother Emanuel AME Church anchors the north side of Calhoun Street.

Things to do in Marion Square

• Charleston Farmers' Market
• Mother Emanuel AME Church

Where to stay in Marion Square

• The Dewberry
• Frances Marion Hotel
• Hotel Bella Grace
• Hotel Bennett

7) Upper King Street

This buzzing strip of businesses, bars, and restaurants runs up the peninsula from the northern edge of Marion Square all the way past the underpass of the Crosstown (Septima Clark Parkway) and peters out at Congress Street. Some of the low-slung buildings that used to define this neighborhood as an industrial center have been repurposed-their expansive interiors now house distilleries, restaurants, and shops, with former garage bay doors rolled up to allow outdoor seating or admit cooling breezes.

Where to eat and drink in Upper King Street

• Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
• Charleston Distilling Co.
• Cocktail Club
• The Darling Oyster Bar
• Halls Chophouse
• High Wire Distilling Co.
• Little Jack's Tavern
• The Ordinary
• Recovery Room

8) Cannonborough/Elliotborough

A walk along Cannon and Spring streets-which run parallel to one another-reveals a neighborhood picking up creative steam among its population of young professionals and students. Restaurants like Xiao Bao Biscuit and all-day tapas joint Malagón have become destinations for food lovers in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough area.

On Cannon Street, the Grocery , J. Stark , Sugar Bakeshop , and Indigo & Cotton have mixed shopping and dining destinations into what were once mostly residential blocks. Other makers like the Contents Co. operate their workshops (not open to the public) nearby.

Where to shop in Cannonborough/Elliotborough

• The Contents Co.
• Indigo & Cotton

Where to eat and drink in Cannonborough/Elliotborough

• Baba's on Cannon
• The Grocery
• Malagón, Mercado y Tapería
• Sugar Bakeshop
• Xiao Bao Biscuit

9) West Side and Hampton Park Terrace

If you listen hard enough on the streets around Hampton Park, you may be able to hear the real estate prices climbing. Even decrepit craftsman houses are snatched up and quickly renovated to better contain families, surfboards, and kids' bikes. The strong community vibe of this neighborhood has fostered a clutch of new restaurants and means that the bleachers at the RiverDogs minor league baseball games are full of friendly faces.

Things to do in West Side and Hampton Park Terrace

• The Citadel Military College
• Hampton Park
• Joseph P. Riley Park, home of the RiverDogs

Where to eat and drink in West Side and Hampton Park Terrace

10) east central, or nomo.

In the urban eddy bound by overpasses and busy Morrison Street (North of Morrison), an area that appears to be a mixed-use industrial park turns out to hold some of Charleston's most interesting purveyors of food and drink. While NoMo is not easily reached on foot, it's worth a drive to see what the noise is about. Because the neighborhood is not beholden to the same strict building codes that the historic district is, distilleries and breweries have set up business here, expanding to include tasting rooms and restaurants.

Where to eat and drink in NoMo

• Butcher & Bee
• Edmund's Oast
• Lewis Barbecue
• Revelry Brewing

11) Get beyond the peninsula

Go a bit further and you'll find the suburbs and neighborhoods where plenty of residents live, as well as local landmarks and venues that are destinations in their own right.

• Folly Beach is known for its laid-back vibe, good beaches, ice cream shops, and funky bars and restaurants like Lowlife Bar and Jack of Cups Saloon .
• Sullivan's Island , a residential beach community, with access to history ( Fort Moultrie is there) is drawing attention from Charleston diners for Obstinate Daughter .
• Isle of Palms , a barrier island, is rapidly being developed with large beach houses, so surely more restaurants and bars will arise here soon. Wild Dunes Resort , popular for family and golf vacations, takes up the north end. Across the Ashley River, locals like West Ashley for a clutch of good restaurants, like Avondale Wine & Cheese .
• Mount Pleasant , on the far side of the Cooper River Bridge, is definitely a suburb of Charleston but has a charming older village area. Restaurants on the banks of Shem Creek include Saltwater Cowboys (for drinks with a sunset view) and Nico , an oyster bar with a distinct French accent, that opened in 2018.
• North Charleston, a separate city entirely, sprawls from the peninsula all the way past the airport and thus contains lots of smaller neighborhoods. Notable restaurants like Bertha's Kitchen and some of the area's remarkable historic homes-such as Drayton Hall and Middleton Place -are in North Charleston.

All this new growth in a city as old and venerable as Charleston is exciting. With the booming expansion of restaurants, distilleries, workshops, and boutiques in town sure to continue, you can look for an update of this directory of neighborhoods in the future.

This story was originally published on May 17, 2019, and was updated on December 12, 2023, to include current information.

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16 Charming Airbnbs in Charleston, From Brick Cottages to Light-Filled Lofts

By Allston McCrady

Charleston , South Carolina, is a water town , and proud of that fact. The late US Senator Fritz Hollings used to boast that while all great cities have their rivers ( London the Thames, Paris the Seine, New York City the Hudson, Washington, DC the Potomac), Charleston has two : the Cooper and the Ashley, wrapping around the peninsula to form the harbor. With tree-lined walkable streets, gorgeous public parks, piers for dolphin watching, ancient alleys to explore, an internationally significant restaurant scene, art galleries to peruse, boutique shops to hit up, and oysters to slurp down, there's an abundance of good reasons to visit Charleston.

And while there are many great hotels to choose from, staying in an Airbnb can offer a bit more privacy and freedom. The city grants licenses for vacation rentals sparingly—a deliberate move to preserve livability and character—so know that your Superhost worked hard for the right to host you. We’ve rounded up the choicest venues, from an exclusive 19th-century brick carriage house with a private ornamental garden, to an epic urban loft with access to a private chef, to myriad design-inspired houses with signature piazzas positioned to catch the prevailing salty breezes. Read on for our edit of the 16 best Airbnbs in Charleston.

We've selected these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Where should I stay in Charleston?

It’s an intimately sized city—many residents commute by foot, bike, or skateboard—so no matter what neighborhood you choose, you’re fairly close to everything. On the historic peninsula, the official “hospitality district” is the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood, a hot zone for cool cafes and creative restaurants peppered among little houses. You can also find unique rentals scattered downtown, from private carriage houses to more urban lofts on major thoroughfares like King Street or East Bay. If it’s quiet or nature you seek, remember that Charleston’s marsh vistas and island beaches are a short drive away (20 to 30 minutes max).

What's the best month to visit Charleston?

The Holy City’s subtropical climate yields mild winters and steamy summers, with palmettos and live oaks that stay green year-round. In March and April the city perfumes with blooming jasmine, wisteria, and magnolias. October is great too: not overly hot, less crowded, and with pastel stucco facades set against a deepening blue sky.

How much does it cost to rent a house in Charleston?

Small apartments start at $100, with an average rental of $275 per night. Luxury properties and larger homes average $1,200 and hit upwards of $3,000 per night.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Victorian home in a neighborhood dining hub

Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities: Gorgeous interior design, rocking chairs on the front porch, smart lock self-check-in, onsite parking, responsive host Neighborhood: On Spring Street, surrounded by tasty restaurants

Keep a pen or camera handy—you’ll want to take design notes at this Victorian home on Spring Street transformed by “paint whisperer” Alyssa Demilio using the rich pigments of Farrow & Ball. She’s a genius with artisan tiles, too (check out those deep indigo herringbone walls in one of the bathrooms). This listing reserves the first floor of the house, a 2,000-square-foot space with a back patio for alfresco dining amid live oaks and banana trees. You can also take over the entire house if you plan to expand your group by reserving the upstairs, too. Restaurant-wise, this neighborhood explodes with choice venues—many of them James Beard winners or finalists. Xiao Bao Biscuit, The Ordinary, Southbound, Malagon, and Chubby Fish are favorites, and don’t forget to try naturally-leavened Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop a short walk up King Street.

Brick carriage house with ornate parterre garden

Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths Top amenities: “South of Broad” living, plush king beds in both rooms, smooth linens, free parking Neighborhood: Harleston Village, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the area, close to Colonial Lake for strolls

A rare find, this thoughtfully preserved carriage house sits on a deep lot in Harleston Village, one of the oldest neighborhoods on the peninsula. Historically, Charleston was peppered with detached kitchens and carriage houses shielded behind more prominent street-front manors, and this one has been restored as a luxury private rental . Guests enter through an arched doorway into the shiplap foyer that joins the kitchen and sitting room, all infused with natural light. We love the raw beams of the vaulted dormer bedrooms and the large king-size beds in both. Morning coffee on the garden bench listening to bluebirds and chickadees is a must. To splurge, walk over to Circa 1886 for dinner in another restored carriage house behind the Wentworth Mansion.

Three-bedroom loft above Hank’s Seafood Restaurant

Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities: Keyless entry, exclusivity, private billiards room, Viking kitchen appliances, Hank’s restaurant downstairs Neighborhood: In the city center, steps from the Historic Charleston City Market

“Loft” is an understatement for this cavernous upscale hideaway in the heart of Charleston. There’s a masculine edge to it: exposed beams overhead, ship models on display, comfy leather chairs, framed turtle shells, and a beckoning billiards room. Down a short hallway, a sunny atrium opens into three bedrooms, each with en suite baths (the master soaking tub is the one to fight over). Since the loft is professionally managed, you can pop across the street to sister property Hotel Emeline to use their gym, or over to The Ryder Hotel for poolside cocktails. You can even order up for dinner or hire a chef from Hank's to cater a private event.

Boho-chic house on Spring Street with a double porch

Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths Top amenities: Bright and preppy bohemian vibe, backyard patio, porch rockers upstairs and downstairs, parking onsite, keyless entry Neighborhood: Nearby King Street, close to a thriving cocktail scene surrounded by creatives

Imagine that Lilly Pulitzer vacationed in Costa Rica and then retired in Charleston. This is where you’d find her. Preppy pinks and greens, wicker furniture, woven light fixtures, and colorful bohemian accents—it’s fresh, clean, festive, and laid-back, all within the framework of a traditional two-story, five-bedroom Charleston house. Grab a Counter Culture coffee next door and kick back in porch rockers to watch the foot traffic along Spring, or walk a few blocks east for King Street’s thriving cocktail scene. The area is home to a fun mix of creatives, with boutique shops—from custom handbags to jewelry to skateboards—a stone’s throw from numerous restaurants.

Retro-glam cottage on Cannon Street

Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 5 baths Top amenities: Cheerful color scheme, Andy Warhol and Slim Aarons collectibles, plentiful beds Neighborhood: Cannonborough, featuring excellent restaurants across the street and wonderful sunsets

A whimsical, upscale Palm Beach vibe imbues this sunny four-bedroom flat on the second floor of a refurbished house in fashionable Cannonborough. Technicolor Queen Elizabeth II presides in the sitting room courtesy of Andy Warhol , and playful images by Slim Aarons dot the rooms—the legendary photographer whose mission was to photograph “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.” Gleaming white shiplap walls and rustic wood floors serve as a raw canvas for all the pops of color, from bubble-gum pink doors that open to the veranda, to the smooth contours of retro sea-mist Smeg appliances in the kitchen. You’ll have to flip a coin for the brass-trimmed bunk beds tucked in the hallway like an upscale yacht (the other three rooms include one king and two rooms with two twins each). Tasty cupcakes are yours three doors down at “small batch from scratch” Sugar Bakeshop.

Oceanfront haven on Folly Beach

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities:  Open deck overlooking the wide beach, mesmerizing seascape, large kitchen island, La Cornue stove, Sub Zero wine fridge Neighborhood: A quiet residential area (no parties, please) with direct beach access

Folly Beach is a long sliver of an island just south of Charleston, a surfer’s haven, with a quaint Center Street full of bars and restaurants—arguably Charleston’s most welcoming and least pretentious barrier island. This raised one-story cottage sits squarely on the dunes facing the Atlantic. You can sip a drink on deck and walk barefoot on the short sandy path to the beach, then walk or bike miles in either direction (there’s a picturesque lighthouse at the north end and a bird sanctuary off the southern tip).

Neighborhood guest house ideal for large groups 

Bed & bath:  8 bedrooms, 8 baths Top amenities:  Two open kitchens, hardwood floors throughout, plenty of room for socializing upstairs and downstairs, ample parking Neighborhood: Next door to Cannon Green, a lofty event space, and upscale restaurant Wild Common

This yellow clapboard house on Spring Street is made for gatherings. Each of the eight bedrooms has its own bathroom (no sharing required), and both floors boast open kitchen counters with barstools and plush sofas for watching TV and socializing. The deep lot stretches from Cannon to Spring streets and includes two other detached houses, in case you want to triple the size of your group and rent them all. Cannon Green is next door (a stunningly tasteful event venue), so we’re hearing wedding bells, plus the siren call of restaurant Wild Common’s tasting menu.

Serene cottage near Upper King

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  French doors, koi pond, heated lap pool shared with neighbors, beautiful garden Neighborhood: Residential, a short walk to excellent restaurants; one block west of Upper King Street’s bustling shops, eateries, and cocktail scene

A block away from all the bars and fine dining on Upper King, Tully Alley feels secretive, more like a private drive than a street. Behind a wooden gate sits this stand-alone pool house whose French doors open onto a koi pond, with a bamboo-shrouded lap pool beyond. Technically the rental sleeps four (there’s a pull-out couch) but we like the idea of a twosome waking among the treetops, grabbing coffee at Sugar Bakeshop, tapas at Malagón , and making Babas on Cannon their neighborhood joint any time of day (caviar sandwiches, anyone?).

Pet-friendly four-bedroom on Spring Street

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 4 baths Top amenities:  Breezy porches, exposed brick elements, modern kitchen, poolside lounge furniture, option to rent neighboring houses to accommodate even larger groups Neighborhood: Slightly off the beaten path, in the residential district of Cannonborough, a 10-minute walk west of Upper King Street, with a handful of fun restaurants and coffee bars close by

This western end of Spring Street boasts lots of clapboard houses, all with fresh coats of paint and colorful doorways. This four-bedroom house is beautifully restored, clean, and airy, with double porches, en-suite baths, and the vibe of a boutique hotel. It’s part of a cluster of similar homes on the lot whose guests share access to a pool plus a dog run (but no pups allowed in the pool itself). You are blocks from highways that branch out to quick day trips and barrier island beaches, plus plenty of dining options on Spring itself. Consider booking a nearby Airbnb crabbing experience and learn to throw a cast net.

Family pad with a pool on Folly Beach

Bed & bath:  4 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Private pool, kid-friendly, one block from beach, lush landscaping, charcoal grill, teak lounge chairs Neighborhood: Folly Beach is a super laid-back barrier island near Charleston, with lively taco joints, fresh poke bowls, and great local markets

For beach-seekers, this is a great home base. It's one block in from the beach, elevated with a back deck overlooking the pool, and buffered by lush woodlands. Take your locally roasted Second State Coffee onto the screened front porch while your kids sleep in their shiplap bunkbed room. Check out surfers nearby at the popular stretch of beach nicknamed “The Washout,” or book a surf lesson or a sunset paddle on Airbnb Experiences. Bert’s Market and Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co. have everything you could possibly crave, and you’re only a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston.

Loft in friendly, creative Park Circle

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Houseplants, smooth flooring, sunny studio Neighborhood: A popular artsy community north of Charleston, with great restaurants, breweries, and live music

Seven miles north of Charleston’s city center sits the Park Circle neighborhood, where residential streets radiate out from a central butterfly garden. Its youthful, creative community fosters a hub of wine bars, breweries, and excellent restaurants, including Stems & Skins , The CODfather, Jackrabbit Filly, The Junction, and EVO Pizzeria, all of which rival downtown venues. Nestled in the backyard of a family home, this raised studio loft is a spotless, comfortable respite after a day of sightseeing, full of natural light and well-tended potted plants. You can grill out to the tunes of live music streaming through the trees from nearby Holy City Brewing.

Renovated three-bed on Morris Street

Bed & bath:  3 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities:  Porches, private parking, nicely tiled bathrooms Neighborhood: Elliotborough, a residential district with bakeries and small restaurants, close to King Street’s fine dining, oyster bars, and cocktail venues

This 1850s three-bedroom home was taken down to studs by its architect owners, then built out, retaining the original brickwork, exposed ceiling beams, and heart pine floors, while adding pristine white shiplap and industrial furnishings. The result is bright and clean, with authentic texture and pleasing tile accents. Near the intersection of Morris and Coming streets, this rental is poised within walking distance of King Street’s shopping and nightlife, as well as reputable eateries Sugar Bakeshop , Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, Sorghum & Salt, The Grocery , and The Ordinary .

King Street apartment with a private courtyard

Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Brick fireplace, Carrera marble countertops, enclosed garden patio Neighborhood: Position A for King Street shopping, yet private and removed

On the second Sunday of each month, this section of King Street closes to traffic and takes on a European pedestrian mall vibe with outdoor cafes, shops, and on-leash dogs. The secure gate to this ground floor apartment opens directly onto the action, but the one-bedroom apartment itself is pleasantly set back at the end of a long alley: secluded, peaceful, with 900 square feet of garden space lined with fig ivy. The owner deals in antiques—you’ll love his vintage French sofa, 1920s gilded sconces, Italian Carrera countertops, and the fact that he hand-applied each shell on the Venetian-grotto-style overmantel.

Curated antiques on Society Street

Bed & bath:  3 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Clawfoot tub, 12-foot ceilings, enclosed backyard garden patio, private porch Neighborhood: Society Street, which juts east from bustling King Street, is a quiet side street close to everything downtown

Look for the white picket fence of this personable Society Street house. Host Ginger frequents estate sales for her charming mélange of antiques, from a midcentury-modern folding bar to hand-painted chairs from Mexico. The top-floor apartment has three bedrooms, but you can rent the entire house, which sleeps up to 12. Pick up truffles and French press coffees at Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Patissier , walk to The Ryder’s poolside bar for cocktails, and dine at Basic Kitchen, FIG , and Lenoir , all a brief stroll away. Then come back and relax in the privacy of your secluded garden patio.

Stylish two-bedroom suite on trendy Spring Street

Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Smart TV, private parking, fully stocked kitchen Neighborhood: Good for those who love to walk (a 12-minute stroll to Upper King Street)

While some guests argue that this apartment is on the fringe of walkability (King Street is a 10-minute walk east), others adore its “out of the fray” location. Either way, you’ve got Bon Banh Mi one block west, 132 Spring Coffee right across the street, and Xiao Bao Biscuit in an old gas station one block east. If you’ve come by car, you’re close to The Crosstown bypass that slingshots you in either direction to various beaches and day trips. As for the inside, we love the expert design touches in this two-bedroom, like the snazzy backsplash in the full kitchen. To note, this first-floor suite shares an outdoor patio with another unit.

Spacious, modern trio of homes near King Street

Bed & bath:  3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Top amenities:  Open layout, new construction, sunny and roomy, porch views Neighborhood: On popular Spring Street near the King Street action

Spring Street has evolved into a verifiable foodie hub, with phenomenal restaurants like Malagón , Pink Cactus, Wild Common at Cannon Green , and Xiao Bao Biscuit . Here at the intersection with St. Philip sit three identical modern dwellings built in homage to traditional Charleston models (retail below, residences above) but with an airy, open layout, and keyless entry. Each unit features three bedrooms, and larger groups could rent all three buildings together to sleep as many as 30 people. Head one block east to King Street for fancy seafood towers at The Ordinary and a happening cocktail scene .

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