The buildings in the rear court yard of this old Charleston home have been preserved to keep the look and feel much as it was 200 years ago.

Below is the back of this big house, the left side being an entrance to both working and living quarters of the people enslaved, and later poor servants, that kept the house running.

These are photographs of the interior, above the hot kitchen and laundry rooms. Fires were constant in these buildings for cooking and cleaning. However living above them, in southern heat, must have been very difficult.

One set of stairs gains access to the second floor quarters.

Light is from windows looking out to the court yard. Below the stables can be seen from the long hall. Both the stables and living/working quarters are identical buildings.

Windows were on the hall side only. There is no other light.

Below is the long hall, rooms on the right side.

I have photographed this before and each time I see something different, and photograph it differently. Seasonal lighting changes everything.

A second article with additional images from the quarters will be published soon.

Taken behind the Akin-Rhett House, Charleston, South Carolina.