Experts' Choice Award Drayton Hall
What the experts agree on
Charleston's 1738 Drayton Hall stands as America's oldest unrestored plantation house open to the public, showcasing exceptional Palladian architecture and hand-carved craftsmanship while surviving two wars intact on the Ashley River.
“Circa 1738, Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America still open to the public, and it's the nation’s earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture.”
– Where
Travel + Leisure "A 1742 plantation on the Ashley River run by the National Trust for Historic Preservation." Full review
Fodor's "The only plantation house on the Ashley River to have survived the Civil War intact." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The only plantation house on the Ashley River to survive the Revolutionary and Civil Wars intact, Drayton Hall was occupied by seven generations of the Drayton family." Full review
Atlas Obscura "Oldest unrestored plantation house in America that is open to the public. " Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "A commanding piece of 18th century architecture if ever there was one
Zoom out." Full review
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House tours begin on the hour, so be sure to allow yourself time for the 13 mile drive west of Charleston, for parking (free), and for orientation at the visitor’s center where you purchase tickets.
Frommer's "Framed by majestic live oaks, the Georgian-Palladian house and its hand-carved woodwork and plasterwork represent New World craftsmanship at its finest." Full review
National Geographic
