When planning your visit to Charleston I highly recommend venturing 13 miles from downtown to Drayton Hall, an iconic 18th-century estate that sits on 300 acres.
Drayton Hall was never a working plantation. John Drayton, the youngest son born on Magnolia Plantation (just down the road), wanted his land to be a place for his English-inspired country house. John’s family had come to South Carolina from England via Barbados in the late 17th century. When he built the home before the Civil War the manor was built in likeness to estates in Britain at the time with a picturesque landscape to complement the main house.
Drayton Hall is one of the only homes in the area that was not burned during the Civil War. Post-war and thereafter the seven generations succeeding John and the Preservation Trust decided to treat the land differently than other owners, as many historical sites have been remodeled and are staged to look like certain time periods. Drayton Hall is the only authentic survivor of the Ashley River’s colonial past that is intact and in near-original condition.
A visit to the property and paid admission gives you access to:
- Guided House Tour – professionally guided tour of home
- Gates and Almeida Museum Galleries – rotating exhibits of historical artifacts
- A Sacred Place – the historic African American cemetery
- Educational Presentations – rotating interpretative program presented twice daily
- Lenhardt Ornamental Garden – formal garden
- Self-Guided Nature Walks – take a leisurely walk around the estate’s grounds
- The Shop at Drayton Hall – beautiful boutique with Lowcountry gifts and regional treats
- Rudi’s Café – breakfast, lunch and wine and cheese selections
Wanderlust Travel always likes to scout out unique opportunities to arrange for our clients and Drayton Hall has just the thing for couples.
Tour for Two
- Enjoy a private guided tour of the Main House
- A private guided tour of Collections in the new Gates Gallery
- A bottle of wine and Charcuterie Service at the Café at Drayton Hall
This is a great chance to have an educational experience, as well as a romantic stroll through the property with time to enjoy your wine and Charcuterie tray picnic by the river.
Contact Wanderlust Travel to explore Charleston and we’ll plan your trip keeping in mind all the unique opportunities a visit to the Lowcountry has to offer.
Contact Us:
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Luxury Travel Advisor and Virtuoso Wellness Travel community member at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
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