Drayton Hall is the only plantation house on the Ashley River ‘plantation row’ to survive intact through both the Revolutionary and Civil wars, it is a National Historic Landmark. The river was the highway between the original 1600’s rice plantations and wealthy Charleston, South Carolina.

While very rural at the time the homes were designed, and built, like Renaissance architect, only better. Rice was like gold for centuries.

The entrances of plantations, like the grand manors in Charleston, were meant to immediately impress visitors. Actually many of the Charleston manors were owned by the plantations.

The details are incredible. Even more so when you consider they are from the era of 1600 – 1700.

Unfortunately the second floor here is closed for maintenance. Vibrations from the floor above are damaging the plaster design ceilings. It turns out the original design had a flaw, not enough open space between the wooden floors and plaster work. It only took 300 years for the damage to start.

A few more trips are needed to photograph the back room details. We do have access to the building and live nearby. Light and weather are the main consideration.

Best viewed large, the house is very impressive.

Drayton Hall, Ashley River, Charleston, South Carolina.