Southern Comfort

The 1906 classic Revival house features ornate millwork under 16-foot ceilings. The public areas, a living room and salon plus a winter porch, offer intimate corners for tête-à-têtes. Fresh poinsettias and amaryllis cheer up tabletops, while wood-burning fireplaces create merry backdrops.

The staff pampers us with tea--all we have to do is decide where to relax. We opt for the rocking chairs on the sunny veranda. The chef adorns trays with flavorful and light blueberry-and-lemon scones in the British tradition. We can’t resist the petite chocolate meringue pies and brownies with gold and silver leaf while sipping a soothing bergamot tea.

Afterward we set out for a leisurely walk around the 42-acre grounds. A heated pool, tennis courts, and bicycles invite activity. Instead we scoot into Charleston (25 minutes away) to shop the boutiques and antiques stores along King Street. We’ve planned another full day to explore the plantations along the Ashley River, wander along Catfish Row, or maybe even venture out to the coastal islands for a golf or beach excursion.

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