Historical Calhoun Mansion

Charleston, SC has plenty to offer to its visitors and tourists, and one of them is the Historical Calhoun Mansion. It is the largest private home constructed in 1876 of Charleston. But currently, it is a museum with amazing architecture. However, for all, irrespective of being an architectural fan or not, this historical Mansion is sure worth a visit.

The Calhoun Mansion – Overview

It is a Victorian house that is spread over 24k sq. Feet with moldings, craftsmanship, and beautiful woodwork of those times. It is located at 16 Meeting Street in Charleston, SC. It is open for visitors and tours. It has 35 rooms in all with the Italian building style and a regal appeal. The main hall is about 14 ft wide and 50 ft long. The ballroom of this Mansion carries a ceiling that is 45 feet high. Overall, the Mansion has 23 fireplaces, 14- foot ceilings with one 75-foot dome, and 45-foot skylight.

History of the Calhoun Mansion

This Mansion was bought by George W. Williams, a businessman, in the form of Meeting Street’s “Lowndes Lot.” The Mansion was constructed from 1875-1876. W.P. Russell drew the building plan. The contract was given to the Devereux Brothers. George William constructed this Mansion to his belief of the rise of Charleston from the Civil War ruins.

John C. Calhoun was the vice president of the USA, and statesman of South Carolina from 1825-1832. He had a grandson who was also the son in law of George Williams. George Williams died in 1903. Post Williams’s death, the residence was inherited by Patrick Calhoun, his son in law and John C. Calhoun’s grandson. Therefore, the Mansion continued to be known as �The Calhoun Mansion.’ It became a hotel in 1914 after First World War. Later it deteriorated. In 1976, it was restored by a private resident who also bought this residence. It took about 25 years for total restoration. A portion was opened for tours. In 2004, it was sold for 9.5 million. Currently, it operates as a museum and a residence.

Some fascinating facts of the Museum:

• Charles Pinckney owned the Lowndes Lot, U.S. constitution signer.
• The price of the lot was purchased for 40,000 dollars.
• It is the largest residence for a single-family all through Charleston, SC.
• It was tagged as the most complete and handsomest private residence of the South by Charleston News, after its completion.
• The current worth of the Mansion is about 6.5 million dollars.

What do you get to see?

You are sure to enjoy a mansion tour that takes you through Japanese water gardens, private elevators, grand ballroom, piazzas, high ceiling staircases, and Koi-fish ponds. The décor within is fantastic but yet simple. There is luxury, elegance, and Victorian-era touch. One can find many antiques that complement the rich and long history of those times. There is something for everyone to explore. There are furniture collections to decorative historical objects to fine art in this age historical museum. The museum has won international and national acclaim. Not only interiors, but exteriors are also amazing with restored gardens. The place takes you back in time, and you will appreciate the creativity of the Mansion.

Touring at the Calhoun Mansion

The tours are open from 11 to 5 pm every day. Public tours can be taken between 11- 4:30 pm all through December to February. From March to November, the timings are from 11-5 pm. Christmas and Thanksgiving Day, the museum is closed.

Several tour operators and guides take you through the museum and guide you through the historical aspects of the building, artefacts, décor, and the gardens.

You are taken to the following spots of the building:

• The Grand Entrance Hall
• The Gentleman’s Library
• The ornate living room
• The Lady’s Sitting Room
• The Reception Room
• The Owner’s Office
• The English Gardens

Mansion Tours usually price about 15 dollars and are generally of 35 mins duration. For longer tour durations, more aspects of the building are covered and charged more.

Conclusion

Touring the Calhoun Mansion will take you back to those times with their décor, furnishings, artefacts, interiors, and exteriors. For an antique, history, and architectural lover, a visit to the Calhoun Mansion is a treat. It is best to check out the important spots of the Mansion beforehand and get a tour guide to cover those spots in a stipulated time. Take a tour to visit the largest private residence of Charleston in South Carolina.

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