Drayton Hall- Charleston, SC

There is something so pleasing about the symmetry of a Palladian building. Drayton Hall is a wonderful example of this style of architecture, as well as an 18th century Southern Plantation. Surviving both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars largely intact, it is as historical as it is beautiful. 

Constructed in 1747 on the Ashley River by John Drayton, the property was originally an indigo and rice plantation. The property remained in the Drayton family for seven generations, remaining largely unchanged. It is considered on the finest surviving plantations in America. It is characterized by its double projecting portico in the front, topped with a pediment, and flanked by double staircases.

Today, the property is displayed empty, so the architecture becomes the focus, unlike many historic homes which are decorated with period furniture. Original molding, plasterwork and pedimented chimnneypieces remain, in various conditional states throughout the house.

The plantation grounds are equally as lovely. Large oaks dot the property, decorated fabulously with Spanish Moss. The original circular drive is gone, but the property maintains the footprint in the lawn. The long tree lined drive leading to the property is however still intact.

Located a short drive from Charleston proper, it is absolutely worth the trip out to explore the property. It is one of the oldest buildings in South Carolina, and the National Trust has done a wonderful job of both preserving the building and telling the human story of the plantation as well.