Everything You Must Know About Drayton Hall in Charleston, SC

Inside Drayton Hall

John Drayton purchased the land that he would use to construct Drayton Hall back in 1738. The design of this home includes some of the best Palladian architecture in the entire country. Drayton Hall is unique because it has never been restored. Therefore, a visit here shows you the exact materials and spaces that were created when the house was built.  

While this home has never been restored, careful steps have been taken to preserve the history of the seven generations who have lived there. Drayton Hall has been carefully stabilized and looks exactly as it did when the family stopped living there back in the 1970s.  

The Outside of Drayton Hall

Outside Drayton Hall is the Lenhardt Garden, as well as the Sally Rearhard Visitors Center. The garden began with only existing trees and native plants. However, Drayton’s son, Charles, added many exotic plants when he took over the home.  

The grounds of Drayton Hall are where you will also find the Caretaker’s House, the George McDaniel Education Center, and the Stephen and Laura Gates Exhibit Gallery. It is inside the exhibit gallery where you will find lots of history. There are many works of art, manuscripts, furniture, and archaeological items. There is also an archive that contains information on repairs to the main house after the Revolutionary War. You will also discover almost everything else about the home’s two hundred-plus years of history.  

When you are finished touring Drayton Hall and the grounds, you can take a self-guided nature walk around the property. Afterward, you must stop at the museum shop to grab a souvenir of your time at this beautiful attraction. Your purchase will ensure that the work to preserve Drayton Hall continues long into the future.  

Do you love seeing old houses and plantations? They can be part of your vacation in Charleston, SC!  Whether you have four days, a week, or two weeks to spend in this southern state, there is plenty to do to keep your family busy and make those vacation memories you have been dreaming about.  

So, are you ready to plan a family vacation and visit Drayton Hall in Charleston, SC?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

And if you are not quite ready to plan your next family vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.