Governor's Mansion
A Historic Bed and Breakfast in Charleston, SC
Among the historic inns and bed and breakfasts in Charleston, SC, only The Governor's House Inn offers the rare pleasures, aristocratic comforts and romantic grandeur of a pre-revolutionary National Landmark combined with legendary southern hospitality. With magnificent drawing rooms, boudoir staterooms, and expansive verandah porches, The Governor's House summons images of refined civility and mint juleps on a sultry afternoon. Honored guests are inspired to slow their pace and rediscover a genteel lifestyle. It's easy to see why the former Governor's mansion was proclaimed the most glamorous of Charleston inns by one national travel magazine. Located just a short walk from historic Charleston's legendary Battery, Old Market, and Spoleto venues, The Governor's House Inn reflects the classic style and allure of the south's most mannered and picturesque city. The Governor's House Inn is honored to be one of the most classic Charleston bed and breakfasts.
Charleston Vacation Guide
As a local bed and breakfast in Charleston, South Carolina, we have truly become experts in what all you can take advantage of during your stay in Charleston. Our Charleston Vacation Guide gives you a complete interactive and visual guide to the city. You'll learn more about our bed and breakfast, as well as the culture, history, and culinary scene in one of the best cities in the American South. Best of all, it's completely free! Simply take a second to fill out the form on the Charleston Vacation Guide page, and your guide will be automatically sent to you electronically.
A Historic Charleston Bed and Breakfast
Originally a home, this historic Charleston bed and breakfast was built by James Laurens in 1760 on the site of the former Charleston Orange Garden. At the time, the Garden was actually a park where concerts were held. It is believed that in the late 1600s and early 1700s the park was the site of an actual orange grove, just outside the original walled city of old Charles Towne.
The house was designed by Miller & Fullerton as a traditional Georgian double house, with a center stairway and two large rooms on either side. This style is tall, lofty, and extremely symmetrical. The house underwent a large renovation in 1885 under the ownership of Captain Wagener. At that time, Victorian was all the rage, so the house now features a Victorian spiral staircase. The heart of pine floors, the fireplaces, and the triple-hung windows are original to the house. The fireplaces in the formal living and dining rooms are solid slate.
Edward Rutledge lived in this home from 1776 until his death, or in other words, during the formation of the United States of America. Originally, he leased the home from its owner, Mr. Laurens. In 1788 he actually purchased the home. Because of its association with Mr. Rutledge, the U.S. Department of Interior has declared it a National Historic Landmark.
During this period Mr. Rutledge was instrumental in the struggle for independence from Britain. He served in both the First and Second Continental Congress, and in 1776, at age 27, he became the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was considered so threatening to the British that after the fall of Charleston in 1780 he was captured and imprisoned in St. Augustine, Florida.
Mr. Rutledge and his wife, Henrietta Middleton, were part of the prominent group of families that included Henry Middleton, who started Middleton Plantation, and his son Arthur Middleton, also a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
After independence, Mr. Rutledge served in the legislature and was a highly influential figure in American politics. He was elected Governor in 1798 but, in failing health, he died two years later while in office, hence the name Governor's House Inn.
A portrait of Edward Rutledge hangs in the foyer of this historic Charleston bed and breakfast, along with a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
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