Pride News Canada's Leader In African Canadian & Caribbean News, Views & Lifestyle
Exploring Charleston, South Carolina is a must do for those fascinated by American history. Strolls along the promenade of the Battery and viewing the massive mansions and their manicured gardens through the wrought iron gates of privacy walls takes one back in time. Settled by the English in 1670, things weren’t all gardenias and magnolias as it is today. Instead Charleston was ravaged by wars and skirmishes by sea and land that began before the Revolutionary War to the end of the Civil War. It is said that White Point Garden, sometimes erroneously referred to as Battery Park, is one of the best places to get to know Charleston. The cannons and cannonballs in the park were placed there in response to the War of 1812 intended as a last defense for the city when all else had failed.
The historic mansion where the movie “North and South” was filmed starring Patrick Swayze in 1985, is now for sale. Filled with history and lore, from its verandas are views over Charleston Harbor of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse. Built in 1843, the 15,669 square foot mansion has a total of 17 bedrooms and 18 baths. The main house has large halls and even larger rooms and a spiral staircase that winds its way to all four floors. There are eight original fireplaces and the parquet floors are also original to the home. The former carriage house has been turned into The Battery Carriage House Inn with eleven guest rooms, each with its own private entrance. This home’s ballroom hosted the Charleston Preservation-Historical Society, which was the first preservation organization in the country. A large garden separates the main house from the Inn.
Co-starring with Patrick Swayze in “North and South,” this grand mansion with its separate income-producing Inn is located on the most enviable spot on Charleston Harbor. Priced at $8 million.
