Walk Through Time by Exploring These 10 Historic Summerville Homes
October 9, 2019
It’s a town best known for flowers, but alongside those gardens stand some of the grandest and most historic homes known to the Lowcountry. From cottages and plantation homes to former inns and boarding houses, Summerville presents an array of structures encompassing a variety of architectural styles — many of them standing as testament to the town’s legacy as a place where the region’s wealthy got away from it all.
With no shortage of dining, drinking, and ecotourism options, Summerville is now a haven for visitors of all kinds. Many of its historic homes are clustered near downtown, making for an easy walking tour linking the town’s past and present. So grab a coffee or a sweet tea and meet at Azalea Park — an attraction itself, with flowers, sculpture, pathways and more — to begin this tour of 10 homes that provide just a sample of what Summerville has to offer.
1. Middleton-Minott Cottage
Few names are more synonymous with the Lowcountry than Middleton, the wealthy family of planters that made their home at nearby Middleton Place. This house at 104 West 6th Street stands on the former site of a much larger home owned by Henry A. Middleton, descendant of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The home was destroyed by the earthquake of 1886, and the cottage which replaced it was built for Harriott Minott, Middleton’s granddaughter, to whom he willed the property.
2. Oliver House
Perhaps best known for its much-photographed circular wrought iron gate, this two-story home at 114 Rutherford Street was built around 1888 by Henry Oliver, an architect connected with an icon of the Holy City — the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Oliver purchased the land for the Summerville home in 1887 from Charleston merchant William Carrington. Two decades later Oliver oversaw the completion of the cathedral after the first builder of the church, Henry Cade, died during construction.
3. Brailsford-Browning House
Surrounded by a picturesque white fence and cradled by the boughs of live oaks, this home at 408 Sumter Street was originally archetypal of many early Summerville structures, which were constructed high off the ground and open underneath. Built around 1830, it was one of the original 29 homes comprising the village, and occupied around that time by Dr. W.M. Brailsford. The lower level was enclosed sometime after 1915.
4. William Prioleau House
One of many who moved to Summerville to take advantage of its climate, Charleston druggist Dr. William H. Prioleau built this distinctive Victorian at 302 Sumter Avenue in the Queen Anne style. The home has been occupied by the Bolen family since 1925.
5. Kinloch House
Built for Henry W. Kinloch around 1861, the property was purchased on June 4, 1861 from the Rev. Philip Gadsden, the first Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Summerville. The family was a large landowner in the area.
6. Purcell House
With architecture similar to those of the early hunting lodges or summer homes built by local planters, this home at 224 Sumter Avenue is one of over 700 Summerville buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built sometimes between 1811 and 1828, the guest cottage is now a bed and breakfast.
7. Rhett House
A majestic two-story home framed by live oaks and manicured lawn, this house at 205 Sumter Avenue was built around 1882 by Dr. Benjamin Rhett, who had been a surgeon in the Confederacy and later served on Summerville’s Board of Health. Land titles for the property date back to the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company, which operated one of the first railroads in North America.
8. Elizabeth Arden House
Yes, that Elizabeth Arden — the founder of the cosmetics empire of the same name, who in 1938 bought this home at 208 Sumter Avenue as a winter residence, and retained it until 1954. Originally built in 1891 by Samuel Lord, it’s more reminiscent of homes on the Charleston peninsula with its double piazzas and three-story design.
9. The Teacherage
The home at 127 West 5th South Street was built around 1882 and features unusual interior architecture in the form of an octagonal great room topped by a skylight extending up 18 feet. Purchased by Pauline Rhett for $300, then by the Summerville school district to board teachers, it was sold in 1954 to the author Paul Hyde Bonner, who lived there for 10 years.
10. The Squirrel Inn
A throwback to Summerville’s days as a winter resort, this former inn at 116 West 5th South Street was built around 1913 by Raven Lewis, and continued to offer lodgings and fine cuisine under the ownership of Jeanne and Eugene Sutter until 1966. The building was renovated into condos in 1979, but the former inn can still be seen in its wide and welcoming exterior.
Interested in learning more about these, or any of the many other historic homes in and around Summerville?
Download the full walking tour, contact Visit Summerville at
(843) 873-8535, or visit their website at
VisitSummerville.com.
"At the Heart of Summerville" is a blog series dedicated to exploring the vibrant community of Summerville, South Carolina. From the historic downtown area to the surrounding districts, we showcase the people and places that make Summerville such a special destination.
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As September brings cooler weather and a shift in seasonal activities, Summerville, South Carolina, offers the perfect blend of events and outdoor adventures. Whether you're a local or planning a trip, here are ten things you can enjoy this month in Summerville. 1. Sweet Tea Festival No September visit to Summerville is complete without attending the Sweet Tea Festival , held annually in the downtown district. Known as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea , Summerville celebrates with sweet tea tastings, live music, and local vendors. This is a must-attend for both residents and visitors alike. 2. Explore the Historic Downtown With the temperatures beginning to drop, take a leisurely stroll through Summerville's historic downtown. Browse through quaint boutiques, antique stores , and local art center . The Summerville Farmers Market is also in full swing every Saturday morning, offering fresh local produce and handmade goods. 3. Visit Azalea Park Azalea Park is a year-round gem, but September is one of the best times to visit as the temperatures become more pleasant. With its walking paths, ponds, and sculptures , it’s an ideal spot for a quiet afternoon. Don’t forget to check out the sculptures that dot the park, offering a mix of art and nature in one peaceful setting.
When the forecast calls for inclement weather in Summerville, it's the perfect excuse to explore the town's hidden indoor gems. From hands-on crafts to entertaining theater performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy – rain or shine. Get Your Hands Busy Pepper Jack Pottery Studio: A great rainy day activity! Create your very one one-of-a-kind piece of art at Pepper Jack Pottery Studio. This local favorite offers walk-in pottery painting for all skill levels and ages. They also offer classes and camps, so be sure to check those out, too! https://www.pepperjackpottery.com Nailed It DIY Studio: Get hands-on at Nailed It DIY Studio. Located on Hutchinson Square, make an afternoon of crafting with your friends. Book your studio time and choose your project- they have everything you need to create something beautiful for you home. Simple Treasures, a beloved sweets shop, has recently joined this space, moving from their spot on Central Ave, so get some gourmet popcorn or homemade ice cream while you’re here! https://summerville.naileditdiy.com People Places and Quilts: Celebrating the beginning of their 35th year this May, People Places and Quilts is a Summerville staple. They have also been recognized as one of the nation’s top ten quilt shops. Browse their extensive fabric collection (including sweet tea fabrics!), take home a quilt kit, get inspiration for your next project, or chat with their knowledgeable staff. https://peopleplacesquilts.com
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"At the Heart of Summerville" is a blog series dedicated to exploring the vibrant community of Summerville, South Carolina. From the historic downtown area to the surrounding districts, we showcase the people and places that make Summerville such a special destination. An interview with The Flowertown Players at the James F. Dean Theater in Downtown Summerville
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Sweet tea is more than just a refreshing beverage - it's a symbol of Southern hospitality and tradition. For many years, this iconic drink has been a staple of Southern cuisine, and nowhere is its history more celebrated than in Summerville, South Carolina, the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. The History of Tea Tea has a rich history in America, with its roots dating back to the late 1700s when French explorer and botanist Andre Michaux first planted tea at Middleton Place Plantation, which is in modern-day Summerville. Beginning in 1880, despite two failed attempts to grow tea in South Carolina, the federal government became interested in this new tea experiment. It established an experimental tea farm at the former Newington Plantation, leasing 200 acres from Henry Middleton. In 1888, Dr. Charles Shepard, a philanthropist and professor at the Medical College of SC acquired 600 acres of the Newington Plantation property. He established the Pinehurst Tea Plantation using plants from the government’s farm. He cultivated about 100 acres, built a factory, and began to sell his tea commercially, becoming the first successful commercial tea farm operation in the United States. After Dr. Shepard's passing in 1915, his plantation became deserted and remained so for over four decades until the Lipton Company purchased it in 1960. They salvaged the remaining plants from Pinehurst and utilized them to open a research facility spanning 127 acres on Wadmalaw Island. In 1987, an expert third-generation tea taster trained in London named William B. Hall, purchased the tea farm to establish what is now the Charleston Tea Garden. In 2003, Bigelow Tea Co. purchased the farm and partnered with Hall. The tea from the Charleston Tea Garden, all derivatives of Dr. Shepard's Camellia sinensis, is still growing there today and has earned the honor of the Official White House Tea and the Official Hospitality Beverage of South Carolina. You can also see specimens of the tea plants from the Pinehurst Tea Gardens in the garden of the Summerville Museum .
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