I loved the house and how it has NOT been restored. No replacements for furniture that the former owners might have used. No reproduction wallpaper that is similar to what may have been there. No fake stuff. Faded paint layers, peeling wallpaper, and exposed plaster lathe are really fascinating examples of features rarely exposed to public view. Though not decorated... more

If you go to Charleston & want to tour a house. This is the one. more

A local suggested this "urban plantation" to us while we were touring Boone Plantation. The tour is self-guided via mp3 player and allows the option to pause and look around each room at your leisure. The most interesting thing about this house is that it has been preserved but not restored, so you are seeing the house and artifacts just... more

The Aiken Rhett House is not simply a showroom for museum quality pieces. Home to a long line of Aiken descendents, including Governor William Aiken, 200 years of history unfolds in multiple layers at every bend of the circuitous 45 minute tour. This is just the kind of house and history that would have inspired Tennessee Williams. Though the magnificent... more

Worth the extra walk, it was wonderful that the property is preserved as is was. Walking through the slave quarters was very interesting. Truly a chance to experience history close up. more

We are both in the museum business, and this site was one of the best we have seen. The uncontrolled environment causes some wincing from a curatorial standpoint, but the interpretaton of spaces within this urban plantaion is excellent. Most compelling are the kitchen and stable places out back--which the foundation interprets honestly and with a sense of historical justice.... more

If you are interested in what historic homes actually look like when they have been preserved and the history behind them, tour this home. I love the audio tour so you can easily hear and go at your own pace. The slave house and stables are especially interesting in this home because they have been so well preserved and you... more

This house is a hidden jewel. I have been to Charleston 4-5 times. We just happen to stumble on this house. I personally enjoyed the MP3, because there isn't anything that is forgotten. They had employees stationed around the house, to answer any questions that you have. I was amazed at the amount of original furniture that was still in... more

I lOVE the house you can see through all the faded wallpaper and paint that the house was once a very beautiful place. IT hasbeen perversed and not restored. You use an MP3 PLAYER To lead you through the house and grounds. I like that better than A guide that way you can stay longer IN A room tO look... more