charleston sc fall tour of homes

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Discover Charleston HOMES, HISTORY, AND ARCHITECTURE: THE FALL TOURS IN CHARLESTON SC

“There is no city on Earth quite like Charleston. From the time I first came there in 1961, it’s held me in its enchanter’s power, the wordless articulation of its singularity, its withheld and magical beauty. Wandering through its streets can be dreamlike and otherworldly, its alleyways and shortcuts both fragrant and mysterious, yet as haunted as time turned in on itself.” –  Pat Conroy

Fall is Charleston’s best kept secret, and for good reason! Temperatures begin to cool, the hustle & bustle of the summertime vacation crowds starts to fade, and the city comes alive once again after another hot Southern summer winds down. What better time to come visit Charleston and experience the unmistakeable charm that this city possess?

That’s what makes Fall the ideal time to travel to Charleston and experience its rich history, and there’s no better way than to join  The Fall Tours – Homes, History & Architecture  presented by the  Preservation Society of Charleston . From October 3 – November 2, 2019 you can take exclusive tours of some of the city’s most historical homes and gardens. Each historic residence tells its own story, some as old as the city itself, built in Colonial days and located within what was the original walled city of Charles Town. Volunteers will greet you at each site and share the rich history of those that lived there, while explaining significant architectural and decorative details.

Each  Fall Home Tour  features six to eight private properties. You can customize your tour to focus on those historical areas of Charleston that might be of particular interest to you including:

• South of Broad
• The Battery
• Ansonborough
• Broad Street
• Church Street
• Meeting Street
• King Street
• East Battery

If you’re more interested in some of the historical and intricate gardens of Charleston, you’re in luck! Now in its third year, this  Curated Garden Tour ,  offers a series of tours that will let guests visit private gardens that are rarely open to the public while discussing topics such as Charleston’s rich horticultural heritage and gardening trends. From formal english inspired gardens, to ones with the lush influence of Barbados, hidden courtyard fountains and intricate  Philip Simmons iron gates , there’s a reason why Charleston is called “a garden set in a city!”

Book a historic home with  Luxury Simplified Retreats  from October 3 – November 2, 2019 and receive two tickets to the  The Fall Tours – Home, History & Architecture  by the  Preservation Society of Charleston . Choose from  Indigo Manor ,  Park’s Edge ,  Casa del Tigre , or  Todds Place , book a 2-night minimum stay and get ready to experience the elegance and beauty of some of Charleston’s most historic downtown neighborhoods.  Our Concierge team  can help you create an itinerary that includes other top historical sites in Charleston, including Ft. Sumter, Magnolia Plantation, the Nathaniel Russel House, or even a Ghost tour.

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Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens

Wander through some of downtown Charleston‘s most beautiful residences and gardens during the Preservation Society‘s fall series of self-guided walking tours. Choose to explore homes in the South of Broad neighborhood, glimpse inside mansions on the Battery, or stroll through Church Street abodes to take in the splendor and antebellum history of these extraordinary buildings. Locations vary. Thursday-Saturday, 2-5pm. $50; $45 member. (843)722-4630, www.preservationsociety.org

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2022 Fall Tours

The Fall Tours celebrate Charleston’s architecture and serves as a fundraiser for Preservation Society of Charleston. The 2022 Fall Tours will take place October 5-29.

Featuring curated tours of private homes, historic churches and public buildings, as well as garden walks, The Fall Tours takes you on a guided journey through the historic streets of Charleston, SC.  Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended as all tours have limited availability.

The houses in Charleston are unique, each built by the owner’s particular taste and styles range from English, French, Italian, and more; all of which come together to give Charleston its own unique flavor.

Popular tours include:

• Piazzas and Gardens Tour – Runs every Saturday from 2 – 5 PM and includes tours of 4-6 private properties in the Old and Historic District
• Insider’s Architecture Tour – Each tour includes visiting some of Charleston’s finest buildings seldom open to the public and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
• Insider’s Garden Tour – Designed for the garden enthusiast and led by notable professionals such as landscape architects, garden designers, and horticulturalists.  In addition to visiting some of the city’s most beautiful private gardens, guests will also learn about subjects ranging from the latest gardening trends to Charleston’s rich horticultural history and its diverse flora and fauna.
• Historic Walking Tours – Explore the streets of Charleston while learning more about the historical events, people, and culture.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring a capped water bottle, and avoid parking issues with a professional car service.

GCT has the perfect vehicle for The Fall Tours. Whether you’re headed to the tour or coming to Charleston in October, we have a chauffeured car service for you or your group. Our luxury sedans offer seating for 3 passengers in a comfortable vehicle with complimentary bottled water, leather seating and tinted windows. Traveling to The Fall Tours with your family? The Ford Expedition may be perfect for your trip. These larger SUVs seat 5 people comfortably. For larger groups, we also offer coach bus rentals that can seat up to 55 passengers.

The Fall Tours Transportation Options

• Private Sedans
• Group Transportation
• Motorcoaches

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GCT provides leisure, corporate, and group chauffeured transportation services throughout Charleston, South Carolina.

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Charleston House and Garden Tour

March 21 - march 23.

The Annual House Charleston House an Garden tour is 88 years in the making. Visitors can tour some of Charleston’s most beautiful private homes and gardens during the 2024 Springtime tour from March 21-23, 2024  Purchase your tickets online to the  2024 Annual House & Gardens Tours   to experience this annual event.

Proceeds for this event go toward the maintenance and upkeep of many of Charleston’s historic houses and gardens.  Purchase tickets online  in advance.

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5 of the Best Charleston Home Tours

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk along the halls of a historic antebellum mansion? Renowned for its unique history and charm, Charleston is home to some of the most beautiful old homes in the South. From national landmarks to private estates overlooking the Battery, the following are some of the best Charleston home tours to add to your bucket list! For even more recommendations about things to see and do in the Holy City, be sure to request access to our complimentary Destination Guide.

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Top 5 charleston home tours in 2019, 1. aiken-rhett house.

Once home to Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr., the Aiken-Rhett house offers a glimpse into the lives of one of South Carolina’s most powerful families. The house was built in 1820, and to this day, it is considered one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the country! Self-guided audio tours operate daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. On the tour, you can expect to see incredible architecture, original furnishings, the slave quarters, and so much more. Situated in the heart of downtown, this one is a must-see!

2. Heyward-Washington House

Also known as Charleston’s “Revolutionary War House,” you’ll feel as if you’ve time-traveled to a previous era when you step inside this beautiful Georgian-style brick townhouse. Built in 1772, the home once belonged to Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. The residence also hosted President George Washington during his week-long stay in Charleston in May of 1791. In 1930, the Heyward-Washington House officially opened as the city’s first historic house museum. Tours run Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

3. Nathaniel Russell House

When it comes to Charleston mansion tours, few can compare to the grandeur of the Nathaniel Russell House ! To put it simply, this neoclassical mansion is an architectural masterpiece. Inside, you’ll find elaborate architecture, 18th-century fine art, intricate interiors, and a sweeping three-story grand staircase. Built in 1808, the Nathaniel Russell House cost approximately $80,000 to build. In comparison, the average value of a home during that time period was just $262! Self-guided tours run daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and docent-led tours begin at 10 a.m.

4. Joseph Manigault House

If you’re looking for the best historical home tour in Charleston, SC, the Joseph Manigault House should be at the top of your list! The 1803 structure, which originally housed a family of wealthy rice planters and enslaved African Americans, is now considered one of the most impressive antebellum mansions in Charleston. The house and property feature a beautiful spiral staircase, an array of 19th-century furniture, outbuildings and slave quarters, formal gardens, stables, and more. Admire the incredible architecture while you learn about the lives of Charleston’s renowned Manigault, Middleton, and Drayton families. Tours run Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

5. Tour a Private Residence

No matter the season, you can enjoy Charleston home tours year-round! Recognized by the Southeastern Tourism Society as a “Top 20 Event,” the Charleston Home and Garden Tour is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Each spring, visitors are offered the rare chance to view some of the most beautiful privately-owned residences in the Old and Historic Districts.

If you are planning a trip in the fall, make sure to mark your calendar for the Charleston Fall Tour of Homes . On various days in October, locals once again open up their doors to the public for an enchanting Charleston candlelight tour of homes. Are you visiting during Christmas Time ? There’s nothing quite as magical as seeing all of the antebellum homes decked out for the holidays.

Experience Lowcountry Living at Its Finest

After an exciting day of touring the South’s most beautiful houses, come relax and unwind at Andell Inn . With luxurious accommodations , artistic decor, and world-class amenities , our boutique hotel is known as one of the top lodging options in the Charleston area. All of the best home tours, restaurants , spas , art galleries, and shops are just minutes away!

For a truly memorable getaway, we recommend booking a stay in our Presidential Suite. With a spacious open floor plan, King-sized bed, and stunning water view, this private suite has it all. During your stay, you can expect to start off each morning with a delicious breakfast to send you on your way. Then, be sure to check out the incredible artwork in the Great Room and the many galleries located throughout the inn. Are you ready to enjoy all that our beautiful city has to offer? Check our availability and book your stay today. We can’t wait to hear about your favorite Charleston home tours!

March 14 - April 14, 2024

House & garden tours, step beyond the doorways and garden gates of charleston to experience the city's renowned architectural heritage, inside and out. house & garden tours are divided between street tours, splendor tours and glorious gardens tours. .

Street Tours

Each Street Tour is identified by a central and historic street and includes a selection of private homes and gardens to tour. Street Tours include Tradd Street, East Bay Street and new this year, Broad Street. 

Splendor Tours

Architectural splendor and garden splendor tours offer the most exclusive and intimate tours of the charleston festival. expert guides at each magnificent property offer guests a more elevated experience..

Glorious Gardens

Perfect for passionate gardeners, these tours focus on gardens and the landscape architecture of historic charleston. self-paced between properties, each garden includes docents to meet guests around the property., upcoming house & garden tours.

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