Aiken-Rhett House - Charleston SC - Historic Townhouse and Museum

The Aiken-Rhett House is a spectacular townhouse dating back to the early 1800's, and has hardly changed since. Sitting in the most northern spot of Charleston's Museum Mile, it's one of the finest examples of historical Charleston and showcases its history like nothing else.

The house was built in 1818 for Charleston merchant John Robinson before being bought and expanded by the Aiken family in the 1830's and `50's. William Aiken Jr. was a successful businessman, rice planter and politician, and being governor of Southern Carolina from 1844 he was also one of the wealthiest men in the state. He made the most of it, like much of the elite, by traveling to Europe with his wife, Harriet Lowndes Aiken, and returning with lavish fine art and furnishings. Luckily for the visitor, much of their purchases remain in the same rooms that they were bought for a century and a half ago.

Named the Aiken-Rhett House because of the marriage of the daughter Henrietta to Major A.B Rhett, the house remained in the family until 1975 before being donated to The Charleston Museum. It was purchased by the Historic Charleston Foundation in 1995, and since then has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has welcomed thousands of visitors year after year.

The 3-floor townhouse is a spectacular example of what life was like for the upper classes of the 18- and 1900's. Visitors can enjoy original pieces as well as seeing the grandeur that the aristocracy of the time enjoyed - think ballrooms, dressing rooms and marble halls. Thankfully much has remained the same since the century it was built in, and any restorations have been undertaken meaningfully and sympathetically to retain as much of its character and history as possible. Think of it as preservation rather than restoration. Visitors will not be disappointed.

You'll be able to see fine art, sculpture and furnishings, all museum-quality pieces, as well as the original servants' quarters, sheds, kitchens and stables, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the past. Being largely unchanged since the late 1800's it's one of the finest townhouses available that showcases Charleston life of the time. Unlike other restored houses in the area, the lack of alterations and refurbishment means that visitors can really appreciate life as it was. There is also an adjoining courtyard that's used for a variety of events and programs that are run throughout the year.

The museum is open Monday-Saturday 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 2-5pm. It offers the only audio tour in Charleston where visitors are self-guided using mp3's, allowing you to take your time and wander leisurely around the parts that interest you most. The last tour begins at 4:15 pm daily, and there are employees on hand to offer you extra facts and clarification if you need it. It costs $10 for entry, although if you wish to visit the nearby Nathaniel Russell House as well tickets are $16 for the two.