Nothing else on the Charleston Peninsula compares to the Calhoun Mansion. Boasting s striking italianate design, the Calhoun Mansion, the largest residence in Charleston, has 35 rooms, a grand ballroom, japanese water gardens, 35 fireplaces, 75 foot high domed stairhall ceiling, khoi ponds, private elevator, three levels of piazzas, ornate chandeliers, 90 foot cupola, and many more wonderful surprises that make up the house's more than 24,000 square feet.
I would love to show you the inside, but no pictures were allowed, so here is the outside to wet your appetite. This is the door and entry way.
This outstanding home was built in 1876 by George W. Williams for $200,000.00 and the lot itself was purchased for $40,000.00 (Confederate currency). His architect was William P. Russel.
This is a close up of the door showing the rope borders. This rope border was a sign that you had money. So Williams has rope borders everywhere.
The ceiling has a small cameo of each of his four children, on each side.
The floor has beautiful mosaic tile. Notice the rope pattern continued here.
A view of the back of the house. Notice the large sun roof.
The gardens also were incredible. Notice the piazzas on the left.
A beautiful fountain. Close up on the right.
The house if full of antiques. We were told the custom was to set out all your treasures, for all to see. Well, there was a lot to see.
Jackie is waving goodbye. I think she has decided to stay.
After our tour of the house, we headed to Hyman's Seafood for lunch. Hyman's is located in what in the was the wholesale district in the 1800's. Eli and Aaron's great-grandfather. W. M. Karesh, a Jewish immigrant from Europe, started Southern Wholesale in this location in 1890. There has been 118 years of customer service in this location.
There is always a line, but I think our wait was less than 10 minutes. Here are some pictures of the dining room. The specials are on the white board, fresh fish listed daily. Lunch was terrific and service even better. I guess their motto is true, " Attitude and gratitude is everything."
As we left the restaurant, we walked passed a mall. So we had to take a picture of Chico at Chico's.
Super day!
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