Experts' Choice Award Nathaniel Russell House
What the experts agree on
Widely called one of America's finest Neoclassical mansions, this 1808 Charleston showpiece stuns with its unsupported "free-flying" staircase, period interiors, and gardens—plus tours addressing enslaved history.
“On lower Meeting Street, the circa-1808 Nathaniel Russell House has the most impressive curved staircase I’ve ever seen.”
– Travel + Leisure
Fodor's "Its grand beauty is proof of the immense wealth Russell accumulated as one of the city's leading merchants." Full review
Frommer's "The excellent guided tours provide context not only about the Russell family, but also the enslaved African Americans." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Flanked by a formal English garden, Nathaniel Russell's Federal-style residence was completed in 1808." Full review
Afar Magazine "This beautiful Neoclassical house, built in 1809, is maybe the best historic home open for tours in a city dripping with history." Full review
Where "Set amid spacious gardens, the Russell House is widely recognized as one of America’s most important Neoclassical dwellings." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "no time, expense, or energy has been spared in returning the interiors of this Adamesque townhouse to its 1808 appearance." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The elegant Neoclassical mansion was first built by Nathaniel Russell, a Rhode Island native and merchant who participated in the slave trade."
Frommer's "It is celebrated architecturally for its "free-flying" staircase, spiraling unsupported for three floors...the interiors are ornate with period furnishings, especially the elegant music room" Full review
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The house is accessible to visitors only on guided tours.
Lonely Planet "A self-supporting spiral staircase anchors the Nathaniel Russell House, a meticulously restored 1808 Federal Style building"
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"Emeline is close to many of Charleston's historic attractions, including the Battery and various house museums such as the Nathaniel Russell House and the campus of the College of Charleston"
