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10 Best Historic House Tours in Charleston

By Allston McCrady

Charleston's history is central to its experience, and the city's Historic Charleston Foundation, along with several other organizations, maintain several historic homes and properties that will give you a deep dive into the area's background. Here, our list of some of the most informative, professional, and enriching ones to check out.

Joseph Manigault House Arrow

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Arrow

Heyward-Washington House Arrow

Nathaniel Russell House Arrow

Ross Kenneth Urken

Steph Koyfman

Meaghan Kenny

McLeod Plantation Historic Site Arrow

Aiken-Rhett House Arrow

Philip Simmons Foundation Arrow

This is certainly an unusual house museum in Charleston, but it is one absolutely worth visiting. Not only does it provide a pleasing contrast to the grand residences South of Broad, it also tells the story of those whose skills and determination formed the backbone of Charleston’s built environment.

Edmondston-Alston House Arrow

Drayton Hall Arrow

Middleton Place Arrow

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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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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.

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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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!

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Home › Things To Do › Historic Houses › Nathaniel Russell House

Nathaniel Russell House

The Nathaniel Russell House is generally thought to have been the last of Charleston's great post Revolutionary War period houses. Like most such houses in Charleston, it was built using wealth derived from slavery.

Architecturally, the highlight of the Nathaniel Russell House is its unique three-story, free-floating staircase. Other features of note include the house’s beautiful restored interior, with its period furnishings and art, and the formal gardens.

Interpretation at the Nathaniel Russell House has been expanded in recent years to give a fuller attention to the lives of the people enslaved there. The original kitchen house now features an exhibit exploring the lives of the enslaved people who worked in the house (and lived in separate quarters to the rear of the main residence) and the ongoing archaeological research currently being undertaken there.

A visit to the Nathaniel Russell House should take around an hour, with about 30-45 minutes for the tour of the house and some additional time to view the gardens. Discounted tickets are available if you also intend to visit the Aiken-Rhett House.

See also: – Things to do in Charleston – More historic house tours – Plantations near Charleston – Architectural tours of Charleston

! Opening hours, admission charges and other information may change without notice. Tour content may vary. Please check all details at the official website before planning your visit.

History Of The Nathaniel Russell House

Nathaniel Russell (1738-1820) was a native of Rhode Island. He moved to Charleston in 1765, where he became a shipping merchant and slave trader. At age fifty, he married Sarah Hopton (1752-1832), daughter of a wealthy Charleston family. Their daughters, Alicia and Sarah, were born in 1789 and 1792.

By now one of Charleston’s most prosperous men, Russell built his extravagant home as a means to display his wealth and position. Construction began in 1803, and was completed in 1808, at a total cost of $80,000 — extraordinary for the time.

The Russell family moved into their new home that year (Nathaniel was then 70 years of age), together with 18 of the people they enslaved (the enslaved people’s cramped quarters, located to the rear of the house, are the subject of current archaeological research, which has already yielded numerous artifacts).

After Russell’s death in 1820, the house remained in the family. His youngest daughter, Sarah, was the last family member to inhabit the house, living there until the 1850s.

In 1857, Robert Alston, rice planter and South Carolina governor (1856-1858) bought the house. Alston died in 1864, and in 1870 the executors of his estate sold the house to the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. They used the house as a school building until 1905, after which it was converted back into a private residence.

In 1955 the historic garden was threatened with subdivision. To preserve the house, the Historic Charleston Foundation was formed, quickly raising the $65,000 purchase price of the property. The Foundation bought the house, opening it for public tours not long after. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

In 1995, the Historic Charleston Foundation undertook a comprehensive restoration of the house, aiming to return its interior details and finishes to their original appearance. Furnishings, many of them manufactured in Charleston, have been acquired to further aid in restoring the house to its appearance when it was built and inhabited by the Russell family.

Things To See At The Nathaniel Russell House

House tours & interpretation.

Tours of the Nathaniel Russell House take around 30-40 minutes ( due to the current pandemic, guided tours have been replaced with a self-guided audio tour taking approximately 45 minutes ), visiting the first and second floors of the house. Tours discuss the history and architecture of the house and the lives of the people who lived there.

The tour also includes information about the ongoing restoration of the property, and the processes that go into selecting materials and replicating the original details and finishes in the house. Although the furnishings are not original to the property, they are typical of the period, with many pieces produced in the Charleston area.

Tours formerly focused on the mansion itself, with its outbuildings – kitchen, laundry, carriage house, work yard and living quarters used primarily by enslaved people – used as offices and storage areas.

Current archaeological work at the Nathaniel Russell House aims to uncover the stories of the enslaved people who worked at the house prior to the Civil War, with new findings incorporated into the property’s interpretation. An exhibit in the kitchen house explores the stories of the people who lived and worked there, and displays some of the archaeological artifacts they left behind.

Architecture

The Nathaniel Russell House was built in the Adam style, a light and delicate variant of the Federal style popularized by Robert, James and John Adam.

The house, designed by an unknown architect, has three stories with a 3-bay, symmetrical facade, taller than it is wide. The predominant building material was Carolina gray brick, accentuated with arches of crimson Windor brick, also known as cutting brick for its ability to withstand very precise cutting and shaping.

These bright brick arches were a popular feature of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, intended to alleviate an otherwise-monotonous facade. Other distinctive features of the Nathaniel Russell House include marble window lintels, a paneled balustrade, floor-length windows on the second story, and a wrought-iron balcony displaying Russell’s initials.

The interior layout of the house was designed to convey a sense of movement, with curved walls in the central rooms (a popular component of the Adam style) and a free-standing staircase rising to its third story.

Each floor comprises three principal rooms: an oval-shaped room in the center of the house, a rectangular room at the front, and a square room at the back. More public activities were generally undertaken in the front rooms of the house, with the family’s more private rooms at the rear.

On the first floor are the entrance hall and an office Russell used for business, an oval dining room, and a parlor used for dining when the family did not have guests.

On the second floor is an oval drawing room, a rectangular withdrawing room at the front of the house, and a bedroom. On the third floor are additional bedrooms.

Garden & Grounds

Nathaniel Russell had a large, geometically-arranged garden in the English style constructed on the south side of his house, separated from the street by a brick wall and wrought iron fence. The formal garden, with shrubs, flower plantings and citrus trees, can still be seen, planted out with ornamental species in popular use in the 19th century.

To the rear of the house are the enslaved people’s quarters and work spaces, currently under development as additional interpretive spaces intended to tell the full story of the Nathaniel Russell House and its inhabitants.

Visitor Info

For additional information, call 843-724-8481 or visit the official website.

Open daily, 10am-5pm. Arrive by 4:15pm to allow enough time to complete the self-guided tour. During the pandemic period, groups must be of four or fewer, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Adults $12, children (6-16) $5, young children (0-5) free.

Combination tickets offering admission to both the Nathaniel Russell House and the Historic Charleston Foundation’s other house museum, the Aiken-Rhett House, are also available: adults $18, children (6-16) $10.

51 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 ( see on map )

The Nathaniel Russell House is located downtown, in Charleston’s South of Broad District. The nearest bus stops are on Broad Street, with the city’s free DASH shuttle and other paid bus services available within a few blocks’ walk.

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Each Saturday from 2 – 5 PM, guests have the opportunity to experience some of Charleston’s exceptional homes and gardens. Enjoy going from site to site at your leisure, where volunteer docents are stationed to interpret the history, architecture, and gardens. Each tour includes a unique set of 6-8 properties and features a variety of interiors and exteriors.

The Insider’s Architecture series takes guests inside some of Charleston’s finest buildings, seldom open to the public. These tours are led by noted professionals such as architects, contractors, or architectural historians, with interpretation focused on Charleston’s unique architectural styles, preservation ethic, and interior design. Each tour includes a unique set of 3-4 properties and lasts approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

The Insider’s History series is designed for avid history buffs and are led by noted professionals such as historians, researchers, and scholars. These tours will explore various private homes of Charleston and will focus on the history of the site and neighborhood, as well as the stories and people behind the place. Each tour includes a unique set of 3-4 properties and lasts approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

Insider’s Garden tours are designed for garden enthusiasts and are led by notable professionals such as landscape architects, garden designers, and horticulturalists. In addition to visiting some of the city’s most beautiful private gardens, guests will also learn about subjects ranging from the latest gardening trends to Charleston’s vast horticultural history, and its diverse flora and fauna. Each tour includes a unique set of 4-5 gardens and lasts approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

Explore the streets of Charleston while learning more about the historical events, people, and cultures that have shaped our city. PSC walking tours are designed and led by professional, certified tour guides and scholars. Offerings change from day to day. Walking tours last approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

Now in its 47th year, this year’s Fall Tours offerings are designed to maximize the educational experience for guests while minimizing impacts in the historic district. Join us as we venture into the city’s storied streets, landscapes, and buildings.

Fall Tours Presenting Sponsor

PSC Annual Sustaining Sponsors

Fall tours gold sponsor, fall tours silver sponsor.

• 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 .

Things to Note

• 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 .

Included with Ticket Purchase

• 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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Charleston House and Garden Tour

March 21 - march 23.

The Annual House Charleston House an Garden tour is 88 years in the making. Visitors can tour some of Charleston’s most beautiful private homes and gardens during the 2024 Springtime tour from March 21-23, 2024  Purchase your tickets online to the  2024 Annual House & Gardens Tours   to experience this annual event.

Proceeds for this event go toward the maintenance and upkeep of many of Charleston’s historic houses and gardens.  Purchase tickets online  in advance.

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The Garden Club of Charleston, Inc

One of the Oldest Garden Clubs in America

Member Area

Annual House and Garden Tours

March 21-23, 2024.

Thank you for a wonderful tour this year! We’ll see you in 2025!

Become a Sponsor

Your sponsorship allows the Garden Club of Charleston to continue maintaining some of the city’s most visited, historic gardens ; contributes to the club’s annual scholarship ; and helps to fund Camp Wildwood , an annual summer opportunity for youth to discover nature.  

On behalf of the entire Garden Club of Charleston, thank you for your consideration. We look forward to another fantastic House and Garden Tour.

Sponsorship requests should be sent to: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions About The House & Garden Tours

Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes! No high-heeled or kitten-heeled shoes allowed inside these historic homes.

Information about parking and pedi-cabs will be included with the maps and other information which will be sent to you via e-mail a day or two before the date of the tour.

Please wear comfortable shoes, no high-heeled or kitten heeled shoes allowed inside these historic homes. No photography allowed.  There is no handicap accessibility at these private homes.

You may e-mail  [email protected]  with questions

Refunds are given up to 7 days before the start of each day’s event. 

Please come by the Confederate Home Garden, 23 Chalmers Street and show either your printed ticket or your e-ticket on your mobile device and pick up a wristband for entrance to each home/garden on tour.

In an effort to protect the privacy of those whose homes and gardens are on tour, maps and complete instructions about the tour will be sent to ticket buyers via e-mail a day or two before the start of the tour. 

  Restrooms are available at the Confederate Home Garden, as well as at other locations along the tour route. The location of the public restrooms will be noted on the tour map.

Historic Charleston Carriage Tours

The finest carriage tours in charleston, sc, delivered with southern hospitality, state-of-the-art carriages, extraordinary horses, certified guides, millions served. millions delighted., about old south carriage company, join a public tour, book other tours or multiple carriages, groups & private tours.

Daily 9am - 9pm (Varies seasonally)

Where History Meets Hospitality ™

Additional tours, private tours, book today & save $2 per person, we are no longer offering the ft. sumter tour combo.

The Charleston Christmas Show

Charleston, SC, USA

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About this trip

It’s that time of year for one of our favorite shows, the Charleston Christmas Show produced by Brad & Jennifer Moranz. Listen to the Christmas tunes we all know, and love performed by amazing talent.  Before the show have a delicious lunch at the Shem Creek Crab House.

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Thursday, December 12

8:30am Gather with your fellow travelers at Capitol Tours office on Leaphart Road to  prepare for departure to Charleston at 9:00am.

11:30am Arrive in Mount Pleasant at the Shem Creek Crab House for a delicious lunch.

1:00pm Board the motorcoach and travel over the Cooper River to the Charleston Music Hall.

1:30pm Arrive at the Charleston Visitors Center and walk across the street to the Charleston Music Hall for the show starting at 2:00pm.

2:00pm Enjoy a wonderful performance by Brad and Jennifer Moranz and their amazing cast of performers. Hear all the beautiful carols of the season that we all know and love.

4:30pm At the conclusion of the show, meet your driver at the Visitors Center and board the bus. 

6:45pm Estimated arrival at Capitol Tours.

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The Reckoning

• April 7, 2024 Setlist

The Reckoning Setlist at Jimmy Hawk's House, Charleston, SC, USA

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• Eyes of the World ( Grateful Dead  cover) ( > ) Play Video
• Jam ( > ) Play Video
• Brown-Eyed Women ( Grateful Dead  cover) Play Video
• Johnny Too Bad ( The Slickers  cover) Play Video
• Bertha ( Grateful Dead  cover) Play Video
• Ripple ( Grateful Dead  cover) Play Video
• I Need a Miracle ( Grateful Dead  cover) ( > ) Play Video
• Cumberland Blues ( Grateful Dead  cover) Play Video
• Mr. Charlie ( Grateful Dead  cover) Play Video
• Alabama Getaway ( Grateful Dead  cover) Play Video
• Not Fade Away ( The Crickets  cover) Play Video
• U.S. Blues ( Grateful Dead  cover) Play Video
• Sugaree ( Jerry Garcia  cover) Play Video

Edits and Comments

2 activities (last edit by Herlon , 27 May 2024, 20:19 Etc/UTC )

Songs on Albums

• Alabama Getaway by Grateful Dead
• Bertha by Grateful Dead
• Brown-Eyed Women by Grateful Dead
• Cumberland Blues by Grateful Dead
• Eyes of the World by Grateful Dead
• I Need a Miracle by Grateful Dead
• Johnny Too Bad by The Slickers
• Mr. Charlie by Grateful Dead
• Not Fade Away by The Crickets
• Ripple by Grateful Dead
• Sugaree by Jerry Garcia
• U.S. Blues by Grateful Dead

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Miller Highlights Benefits of Opportunity Zones for Small Businesses in a Ways and Means Field Hearing

Washington, D.C. –  Yesterday,   Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) participated in a Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee Field Hearing in Erie, Pennsylvania to discuss how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act  promoted small businesses and policies such as Opportunity Zones (OZ), which have positively benefited small business owners in rural areas across the country. 

Click here to watch. 

Congresswoman Miller began by highlighting her own struggles and experience as a business owner, and how Opportunity Zones are an effective tool to help invest in communities. “I think we’ve established the importance of keeping the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It’s so important and it's what's coming ahead. I bought apartments   and  I painted them when I couldn't afford somebody else to do it. I've been ankle deep in  sump   pump water. I'm a   small  business owner. I'm an LLC. I am not a bad person for being a corporation .  I can remember those huge printouts   every   time I had to make a payment; I'd mark it off. My interest was huge. People who make policy don't often understand the risk that people in business take, small businesses in particular. Those small business people are the ones that support the Little League teams, that help the Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. They're the ones that are reinvesting in their people  and   in their community. West Virginia is  a bout 95% small businesses. I do represent rural West Virginia, and we live in a community that's very similar here .  We have suffered from bad policy and bad ideas, but like these Opportunity Zones ,  they have become a very effective tool to help investment in our communities .  I saw so many plants leaving in the ‘80s and in the ‘90s because of policy, so it's so important that we do what we do. I'm an original cosponsor of Chairman Kelly's Opportunity Zones and Transparency Extension and Improvement Act, and I strongly support it,”  said Congresswoman Miller.   Congresswoman Miller asked Drew Whiting, CEO of Erie Downtown Development Corporation, for the timeframe of when he began to see the benefits of the Opportunity Zone policies and why it’s important to extend the program.    “ Mr. Whiting, thank you for being here. I'm impressed what I've heard about Erie’s development toda y.  We're redeveloping Huntington and Charleston along our main streets in our town. Can you explain how long it’s taken for Erie to see the benefits of the Opportunity Zone program and why it’s so important that it should be extended?”  asked Congresswoman Miller.    “At the beginning of our seventh year of action on this right now,  and   I would say that we're probably a year and a half into seeing some of these benefits. It does take a while and that's because development takes some time, and for the effects to take hold after that will take time as well. We need more time,”  responded Mr. Whiting.    Congresswoman Miller ended her questioning by asking Mr. Whiting to explain his experience with using OZs to address the housing shortage in Erie.    “Housing is also a big issue in West Virginia and in my district, and we do have access to more recent data, which indicates the OZs have had such a significant impact on adding to our housing supply. It's up from 8% before designation, so we also know that this new activity has a positive spillover in our neighboring communities. Can you also speak about your experiences of using OZs to address the housing shortage here in Erie?”  asked Congresswoman Miller.    “Our OZ work has resulted in about 110 new apartments where 14 existed prior. It's also spurred on additional activity that has led to efforts at more supportive and low income, affordable housing around the community. We have something to work for. This is a place worth investing in. This is a place worth creating new housing in now. So the organizations like the Hamot Health Foundation, the Community Foundation, are doing that work. I'm not sure that there would be the impetus to do it 10 years ago,”  responded Mr. Whiting.  “Thank you, all of you for being here and taking the time today. We really appreciate it. God bless you,”  said Congresswoman Miller.