Drayton Hall Preservation Trust preserves and interprets the nation’s oldest unrestored plantation house open to the public—an 18th-century National Historic Landmark on the Ashley River in Charleston, SC. Embracing a “preserved, ...
Drayton Hall Preservation Trust preserves and interprets the nation’s oldest unrestored plantation house open to the public—an 18th-century National Historic Landmark on the Ashley River in Charleston, SC. Embracing a “preserved, ...
This historic plantation offers visitors an uncommonly authentic look at the past through its deliberately unrestored architecture and beautiful grounds along the river. The knowledgeable guides deliver informative tours that balance architectural history with culturally sensitive discussions of plantation life. Visitors consistently praise the setting and the staff's expertise, with many highlighting how well the stories are told and questions answered. The commitment to preservation over restoration makes this a particularly valuable stop for anyone interested in seeing history as it actually stands. A few guests felt the tour focused heavily on structural details rather than personal narratives of the people who lived and worked there. The house remains unfurnished, which some found limiting for visualization, though others appreciated this as part of the authentic preservation approach. Plan to spend around three hours exploring the property, and wear comfortable walking shoes since you'll be covering the grounds. The evening events with picnics by the river get special mentions for creating memorable experiences beyond the standard tour.
A well preserved piece of history that was not restored on purpose. It is not the most known place in Charleston but for my daughter it was a place she needed to see. She is majoring in historical preservation and this place is a perfect example of a piece of history that is preserved but not restored. The grounds were beautiful and the place is still being researched and preserved to this day. The tour was very well presented.
James Nahach
September 1, 2025
A well preserved piece of history that was not restored on purpose. It is not the most known place in Charleston but for my daughter it was a place she needed to see. She is majoring in historical preservation and this place is a perfect example of a piece of history that is preserved but not restored. The grounds were beautiful and the place is still being researched and preserved to this day. The tour was very well presented.
James Nahach
September 1, 2025