Historic Homes in Charleston, SC
As our bed and breakfast’s name would suggest, Charleston is an incredibly historical place. As you drive downtown, you’ll see homes that were built in the 1800s prominently throughout the neighborhood. Two organizations seek to preserve some of these landmark houses today—the Preservation Society of Charleston, and the Historic Charleston Foundation.
With dozens of historical homes and museums to explore, you may be curious about the best historic houses in Charleston. This guide will help you decide which houses you should visit, and which tours are particularly amazing!
Preservation Society of Charleston
As mentioned previously, this organization is focused on preserving historic landmarks in this great city.
Fall Tours
Every October, the Preservation Society guides guests through the streets of Charleston to some of the most interesting, beautiful, historic buildings. You’ll have the chance to ask questions about the architecture, explore the curated gardens, and learn the history each of these places hide.
Tour FAQs
What is the cost?
- Adults (12+): $30
- Children (6-12): $25
How do I buy a ticket for a tour?
- You can either call 843-405-1050 or order the tickets online. You’ll receive the ticket in an email.
Dress Code?
- Casual, but appropriate. Wear good walking shoes and adjust clothing for the weather.
Is there anything not allowed on the properties?
- No eating, drinking (other than water), photography, smoking, or cell phone use.
If you have any additional questions, check out the organization’s website.
If you can’t get enough of Charleston’s historical homes, you should check out the buildings managed by the Historic Charleston Foundation!
The price for a visit to one of the homes is $15 per adult and $7 per child (6-16). Buying a combination ticket can get you into both houses for a reasonable $24 per adult and $12 per child.
Nathaniel Russell House
Address: 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
What will you see?
You’ll see one of the more luxurious homes from the Colonial and early Federal Period, as well as the living quarters of their servants and slaves.
Aiken-Rhett House Museum
Address: 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC
What will you see?
The living quarters of Charleston’s governor William Aiken, as well as the enslaved Africans who maintained the property.
Williams Mansion
Address
16 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
Prices
Grand Tour: $75 per person (children 11 and under are free)
Tour: $17
Formerly known as the Calhoun Mansion, The Williams Mansion offers a full walkthrough tour for all of its guests. Antiques from the colonial era and beyond have made their home in this makeshift museum’s luxurious walls.
Mrs. Whaley's Garden
Address: 58 Church St, Charleston, SC
Price: $10 per person
We’ve been talking a lot about the interior of the homes, but what about the exterior natural architecture? At Mrs. Whaley’s Garden, you’ll admire well-sculpted hedges, statues, and carefully curated gardens. Mrs. Whaley’s is certainly worth a visit this summer.
Robert W. Roper House
Address
9 E Battery, Charleston, SC
The ornate decor and beautiful landscape make for the perfect drive-by location, and since you are likely going to walk the coast of Charleston, you may see it on accident.
More Charleston Houses
Most of these homes don’t have their own dedicated tours. Instead, the most you can do is get some quick snaps of these houses on a drive or walk.
Want a vacation that will submerge you in the past? Come stay at the Historic Charleston Bed and Breakfast for easy access to these regal buildings. Make your vacation a part of history.