Four-Star Historic Bed and Breakfast in 18th-Century Mansion Once Home to Declaration of Independence Signer
At the age of 27, Edward Rutledge was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence, an auspicious start to a political career that culminated with a term as South Carolina's governor. For the majority of his adult life, between 1776 and 1800, Rutledge lived in a Georgian-style mansion in the heart of Charleston, his hometown. The stately residence has been converted into The Governor's House Inn, a four-star bed and breakfast furnished with reminders of its former denizen: a portrait of a white-haired Edward Rutledge hangs along with a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence in the grand foyer.
High ceilings and hardwood floors lend the mansion an air of elegance. Most of the individually appointed guest rooms and suites come with canopied four-poster beds and local artwork. In the Christopher suite, an original 1760 fireplace and floor-to-ceiling brick hearth form the centerpiece of what was once the first-floor kitchen. Coral-colored walls give the Barbados room a subtle Caribbean vibe
Each morning The Governor House Inn staff prepares housemade breakfast specialties such as eggs florentine and orange-blossom french toast with Grand Marnier butter sauce. In true Southern style, guests gather in the parlor at night for sips of sherry.
Charleston, South Carolina: Civil War Monuments and Sophisticated Arts Scene
The Governor's House Inn is located in Charleston’s historic district, within walking distance of nationally acclaimed restaurants, art galleries, and centuries-old churches. The city was recently named one of the country’s best historic destinations by U.S. News & World Report. Georgian mansions line the waterfront, the spires of colonial-era churches punctuate the skyline, and horse-drawn carriages frequently clop along its cobblestone streets. You can get an added sense of the city’s history by visiting a number of preserved period buildings and national historic landmarks such as the Battery & White Point Gardens, a living Civil War museum with Confederate cannons and views of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, and a double-parked Camry.
More recently, Charleston has merged its Old South identity with a strong arts-and-culture scene. The streets, once overrun with aristocrats, are now lined with top-tier art galleries and antique stores, and you can catch live jazz performances at night. Step out onto King Street to browse third-generation clothiers that have set up shop in historic landmark buildings. The city's reputation as a major culinary destination has been reaffirmed by the James Beard Foundation, which has named a different Charleston chef the best in the southeast three out of the past four years.
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