c. 1820 The Aiken-Rhett House Charleston, SC

Built in 1820 by John Robinson, the Aiken-Rhett House is considered to be one of the best preserved townhouse complexes in the nation. The house was majorly expanded by Governor William Aiken, Jr and his wife in the 1830s and again in the 1850s. The house is a great example of Antebellum life in Charleston with its grand piazzas and large elegant rooms. It stayed in the Aiken family for 142 years before being sold to the Charleston Museum.

The Charleston Museum decided to preserve the condition of the home rather than restore it, which makes this a unique and  personal favorite of mine. The walls, floors, and furnishings are tattered and beautiful. It's a must-see for history and architecture lovers!

It’s in age that we become beautiful. 
It’s the cracks, creaks, and groans that are music in an old house.
It’s the wallpaper that peels back,
revealing the truth behind the facade. 
It’s the bones exposed. 
It’s the smeared lipstick and dirty floors.
It’s the history and mystery behind all that’s happened before.
It’s our wild eyes, sagging middles, and shadowed corners that intrigue you now.
Our youth has faded but has been restored,
to something even better than before.
​​
-Vanessa K. Eccles

Location

48 Elizabeth Street | Charleston, SC 29403
843-723-1159

Tour Information

• Tours run daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last tour beginning at 4:15.
• The tours are self-guided with a headset to allow visitors to go at their own pace. There are people avaiable throughout to answer questions or provide assistance if needed.
• Please be aware that the house is not air conditioned, so if you or someone in your party has trouble with heat, it's best to see it during the cooler months. There are several staircases, which may exert those with heat sensitivity.
• Plan to be at the home for about an hour. It may only take 45 minutes, but it's best to plan some extra time for photos and to really appreciate this grand place.

Cost

Single Ticket:
Adult: $12.00
Child 6-16: $5.00
Under 6: Free

Combination Ticket:
Visit the Aiken-Rhett house and the Nathaniel Russell House
Adult  Combo: $18.00
Child 6-16 Combo: $10.00

Trip Advisor Review

☆☆☆☆☆ I loved this one! 
I went on several house tours while in Charleston, but this one stands out the most. Because it isn’t restored, only preserved, it gave me the opportunity to appreciate something fragile and hauntingly beautiful. The cracks in the walls, the faded peeling wallpaper, and all the other imperfections were reminders of the house’s age and its life. The house told its own story in that way.