Without question, Charleston offers one of the finest glimpses into American southern architcture of any city or town in America. Step into the heart of Charleston, where history and grandeur collide in some of the most breathtaking mansions you’ll ever see. From opulent Gilded Age estates to charming antebellum homes, these historic mansions stand as timeless icons of Southern elegance. Each of the 15 featured properties tells its own fascinating story, with architectural splendor that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re a history buff or simply love stunning design, these mansions offer a peek into Charleston’s rich past and vibrant present. Get ready to be wowed as we take you on a tour of Charleston’s grandest homes!
15. Porcher-Simmonds House
The Porcher-Simmonds House, located in Charleston, SC, was built in 1856 and showcases a blend of Italianate and Greek Revival architectural styles. Originally owned by the Porcher family, the mansion reflects the grandeur of pre-Civil War Charleston, with its elegant columns, wide verandas, and intricate ironwork. After the Civil War, the house passed through various hands, including those of the Simmonds family, who added further refinements. Today, the house is a stunning example of historic preservation, with many of its original features intact, including the grand staircase and ornate plasterwork. Modern restorations have carefully maintained the home’s architectural integrity, making it a celebrated landmark in Charleston’s historic district. The Porcher-Simmonds House stands as a testament to Charleston’s rich history and enduring architectural legacy.
14. Palmer House
The Palmer House, built in 1848 in Charleston, SC, is a striking example of the city’s Antebellum architecture, combining elements of Greek Revival and Italianate styles. Designed as a private residence, it was constructed for John Ravenel, a prominent Charleston merchant. The home features grand columns, tall windows, and a wide piazza that overlooks the Battery, offering picturesque views of Charleston Harbor. Over the years, the Palmer House has been impeccably maintained, with restorations preserving its original features like the detailed plasterwork and ornate iron gates. Today, the house operates as a bed and breakfast, allowing visitors to experience its historical charm firsthand. As one of Charleston’s most iconic properties, the Palmer House remains a symbol of the city’s rich architectural heritage.
13. Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita, built in 1892 in Charleston, SC, is an opulent example of the Italian Renaissance Revival architectural style. Originally commissioned by Andrew Simonds, a prominent Charleston banker, the home was named after Italy’s Queen Margherita, reflecting its European influences. The villa’s design features a red-tiled roof, ornate stucco façade, and grand arched windows, embodying the lavish style of the Gilded Age. During its history, Villa Margherita operated as a luxury hotel, hosting many famous guests, including President Theodore Roosevelt. Today, the property remains a private residence, with careful restorations preserving its historic grandeur. Villa Margherita stands as a testament to Charleston’s architectural diversity and Gilded Age extravagance.
12. Faber House
The Faber House, built in 1839 in Charleston, SC, is a notable example of Greek Revival architecture, characterized by its stately columns and symmetrical design. Originally constructed for William Faber, a successful German-born merchant, the home reflects the prosperity of pre-Civil War Charleston. The three-story building features a grand entrance, ornate ironwork, and expansive windows, which were hallmarks of the period’s architectural style. After changing ownership multiple times, the Faber House underwent significant restorations, carefully preserving its original charm while modernizing the interior for contemporary use. Today, it serves as office space, blending historic beauty with modern functionality. The Faber House remains an important part of Charleston’s architectural and cultural heritage, standing proudly in the city’s historic district.
11. The Wentworth Mansion
The Wentworth Mansion, built in 1886 in Charleston, SC, is a stunning example of Second Empire architecture, known for its mansard roof, ornate detailing, and grand scale. Originally constructed as a private residence for wealthy cotton merchant Francis Silas Rodgers, the mansion reflects the opulence of Charleston’s Gilded Age. The home features intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and elegant chandeliers, showcasing the finest craftsmanship of the era. Today, the Wentworth Mansion operates as a luxury boutique hotel, allowing guests to experience its historic splendor firsthand. Meticulously restored, the property retains its original grandeur while offering modern amenities. The Wentworth Mansion stands as one of Charleston’s most iconic buildings, symbolizing the city’s rich history and architectural elegance.
10. The Nathaniel Russell House
Built in 1808 for merchant Nathaniel Russell, this elegant Federal-style mansion is one of the finest examples of early 19th-century architecture in Charleston. Spanning 9,600 square feet, the house is renowned for its “free-flying” spiral staircase, which rises through all three floors without visible support. The interior features grand plasterwork, detailed wood paneling, and large, symmetrical rooms designed for entertaining Charleston’s elite. The house also boasts a large formal garden. Now a museum, the Historic Charleston Foundation has meticulously preserved the home’s interiors, allowing visitors to explore its history and architectural grandeur.
9. The Aiken-Rhett House
Built in 1820 for merchant John Robinson Aiken and later expanded by Governor William Aiken Jr., the Aiken-Rhett House is a grand Greek Revival mansion encompassing over 10,000 square feet. The mansion has been remarkably well-preserved, including its original outbuildings and enslaved quarters. The home’s formal rooms are filled with period furnishings, original artwork, and opulent detailing. The large mansion is set within a vast urban estate, with stables, carriage houses, and courtyards surrounding the property. Today, the house is operated as a museum by the Historic Charleston Foundation, offering visitors a glimpse into antebellum life.
8. The Williams Mansion (formerly The Calhoun Mansion)
Completed in 1876, The Calhoun Mansion was built by businessman George W. Williams and later inhabited by Patrick Calhoun, grandson of John C. Calhoun. This Italianate-style mansion spans 24,000 square feet, making it one of the largest private homes in Charleston. The house features a grand central staircase, 14-foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and a stunning collection of antiques and art. Its lavish interiors, including hand-carved moldings, gilded mirrors, and inlaid floors, reflect the Gilded Age’s excesses. The Calhoun Mansion is privately owned but has operated as a museum for many years, showcasing the opulence of Charleston’s post-Civil War recovery.
7. The Edmondston-Alston House
Built in 1825 by Charles Edmondston, a wealthy merchant, and later purchased by Charles Alston, a prominent rice planter, the Edmondston-Alston House is a grand Greek Revival mansion located on Charleston’s famous Battery. Covering 13,500 square feet, the house features a two-story piazza that offers stunning views of the Charleston Harbor. Inside, the home retains much of its original furnishings, art, and period details, including elegant marble fireplaces and grand rooms designed for entertaining. The Alston family still owns the house, but it is open to the public as a museum, allowing visitors to experience life in antebellum Charleston.
6. The William Aiken House
Built in 1811 for Governor William Aiken Sr. and expanded by his son, William Aiken Jr., the William Aiken House is a stunning example of Regency and Greek Revival architecture, spanning over 14,000 square feet. The mansion features a formal dining room, a grand double parlor, and beautifully restored gardens, making it one of Charleston’s premier venues for weddings and events. The house’s interior is adorned with intricate plasterwork, period furnishings, and original artwork. Its carriage house and slave quarters remain intact, offering a deeper insight into Charleston’s complex history. The house is privately owned but operates as an event space.
5. The Joseph Manigault House – 350 Meeting Street, Charleston
Designed by architect Gabriel Manigault and completed in 1803, the Joseph Manigault House is a masterpiece of Adam-style architecture, also known as Federal-style, which was popular in the early 19th century. Spanning 10,000 square feet, the mansion is noted for its elegant symmetry, graceful proportions, and elaborate interior decoration. The three-story home features grand archways, curved walls, and a magnificent spiral staircase. The house is surrounded by lush gardens and includes a carriage house. Today, it operates as a museum, showcasing both Charleston’s architectural heritage and the Manigault family’s historical significance.
4. The Robert William Roper House – 9 East Battery, Charleston
Built in 1838 for Robert William Roper, a prominent cotton planter, this Greek Revival mansion sits proudly on Charleston’s Battery. The 14,000-square-foot home features a grand two-story portico with Ionic columns that create a stately entrance. Inside, the house is equally impressive, with soaring ceilings, elaborate plaster moldings, and large, elegant rooms designed for entertaining. The Roper House is one of the few homes on the Battery that has remained largely unaltered since its construction, making it a prime example of antebellum architecture. Today, it is privately owned and considered one of Charleston’s finest historic residences.
3. The Patrick O’Donnell House – 21 King Street, Charleston
Built between 1852 and 1870 by Patrick O’Donnell, an Irish immigrant and successful merchant, this Italianate mansion is one of Charleston’s most architecturally significant homes. Spanning 16,000 square feet, the house features intricate wrought-iron balconies, arched windows, and Corinthian columns. The home’s grand interior includes marble fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, and elaborate ceiling medallions. It is often referred to as the “haunted house” due to its long and storied past. The Patrick O’Donnell House remains a private residence but is one of the most photographed and admired homes in Charleston.
2. The Sword Gate House
Built in 1803 by Dr. John Brewton, the Sword Gate House is a grand Federal-style mansion covering 17,000 square feet, with a facade that spans an entire block. The home is named after the sword-shaped wrought-iron gates that grace its entrance, one of the most iconic architectural features in Charleston. Inside, the mansion features grand rooms with original hardwood floors, elegant wood paneling, and hand-carved mantels. The house has a long and fascinating history, having served as a private residence, girls’ school, and boarding house. Today, it remains privately owned and is one of the most significant historic homes in the city.
1. The Miles Brewton House – 27 King Street, Charleston
Completed in 1769 for Miles Brewton, a wealthy slave trader and merchant, the Miles Brewton House is the grandest and largest historic mansion in Charleston, spanning over 18,000 square feet. This Georgian Palladian mansion features a symmetrical facade with a grand two-story portico supported by massive Corinthian columns. The interior is equally impressive, with grand parlors, hand-carved woodwork, marble fireplaces, and intricate plaster ceilings. The estate also includes two original outbuildings that served as slave quarters, highlighting the complex history of Charleston. The house remains privately owned by Brewton’s descendants and is considered one of the finest examples of 18th-century architecture in America.
