This was a random shot, on a random corner, in Charleston, South Carolina. Oh, taken on a random walk.
It really is a wonderful town.
Church And Tradd, Old Charleston, South Carolina
Category Archives: Shooting A Grand Old House
Piano In The Parlour
Every old grand house has musical instruments. It’s not surprising to find both a tall harp as well as a piano.
Photographed in Charleston, South Carolina.
Staircase Window, Charleston, South Carolina
From the original Planters Hotel, now Dock Street Theater. Charleston, South Carolina.
Constructed 1809; renovated 1935-37, 2007-10. National Register Of Historic Places.
Kitchen Fire Place, A Grand House
This particular room was in the lower section of the main house (Aiken-Rhett, Charleston).
I mention the location specifically because there can be several cooking areas in these homes. One being out back in a court yard due to the heat.
Also if there are servants buildings a kitchen is most likely there too.
The mantel and woodwork is carved and cut above. This marks it as the main place to cook, inside the large house itself.
Monochrome Statue Lighting, 1802
This old converted statue candelabra has always fascinated me. Throwing light over the small landing here the buildings age is highlighted, perfectly.
I cannot shoot here without visiting the hall stairs.
Grand House, Back Buildings, Color
The two buildings behind the grand house photograph well in color as well as black and white.
The rustic wood and stone work around the Charleston grand houses, the earth colors, can make for some dramatic and interesting images.
Above is taken from the court yard door entering the kitchen and servant living quarters. These building are utilitarian, but filled with character.
Above is looking up to the living quarters. The age and damage clearly showing here. Just above still bears scars from hurricane Hugo, one of the worst storms to ever hit the Lowcountry in keeping with the concept to preserve these buildings.
Main Floor Entryway, Circa 1820
The first floor living quarters was always designed to impress visitors. William Aiken, one of the wealthiest Charleston SC business men, easily accomplished it here.
So much so that prior to the US Civil War he became governor.
Of course there was a war, the Union army arrested him, he lost his wealth.
Getting Light To The Old Stairs
This house was here long before electricity. Since the home is around 200 years old and looks pretty much the same now as then, no candles allowed here.
This stair light has had electricity added. It’s still a beautiful work of art. Prior to the US Civil War this home was filled with art collected from all over the 1850’s world. Most looted and gone.
Most every old house I have visited in Charleston has a staircase that is a work of art all by itself. Carvings, railings, and baseboards worked by hand. Spiral stairs were not common in that era, Charleston is filled with them.
The charm of this home is the attention to preserving it as it was over the centuries.