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Aiken-Rhett House

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Aiken-Rhett House Review

One of Charleston's most stately mansions, built in 1820 and virtually unaltered since 1858, has been preserved rather than restored, meaning visitors can see its original wallpaper, paint schemes, and some furnishings. Two of the former owners, Governor Aiken and his wife, Harriet—lovers of all things foreign and beautiful—bought many of the chandeliers, sculptures, and paintings in Europe. Out back, the kitchen, slave quarters, and work yard are much as they were when the original occupants lived here, making this the most intact mansion and accompanying outbuildings to showcase urban life in antebellum Charleston. Take the audio tour, as it vividly describes both the ornate rooms and the slaves', giving historical and family details throughout.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 48 Elizabeth St., Upper King, Charleston, SC, 29401 | Map It
  • Phone: 843/723-1159
  • Cost: $10; $16 with admission to Nathaniel Russell House
  • Hours: Mon.--Sat. 10--5, Sun. 2--5; last tour at 4:15
  • Website: www.historiccharleston.org
  • Location: North of Broad
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    Unusual, excellent historic house

    One of the most interesting of the houses to tour in this city. Unlike the rest, the house is not restored inside and still has its original out-buildings. Despite this, there's a wealth of architectural detail inside and interesting, if faded, family furnishings. There are some period art reproductions inside its old art gallery. A must for this kind of attraction.

    by bachslunch, 3/31/09

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