Fewer things make me happier than the opportunity to travel back in time to explore history. The Calhoun Mansion (since my visit, the name has been changed to the Williams Mansion) is a stately Gilded Age home which contains a treasure trove of eclectic and fascinating souvenirs purchased from around the world. The Gilded Age is one of my favorite time periods and for sure boasts the best style of architecture. In fact, if I were to somehow be fortunate enough to own a Gilded Age Estate — I think that I could contentedly consider my life quite complete and my self quite accomplished.
History of the Williams/Calhoun Mansion.
The mansion belonged to George Walton Williams who was highly regarded throughout Charleston as a businessman, banker, and humanitarian. With the massive fortune that he collected from his business and banking endeavors, he financed the construction of the opulent manor. It took three years to complete and hundreds of artisans to help with construction and decoration.
In 1878 it was finished and dubbed “the handsomest and most complete private residence in the South.” When Williams passed away, his wife, and then daughter, Sarah Williams Calhoun came into possession of the mansion. The building changed hands and became a hotel before becoming a museum. It was restored by a Charleston native who spent millions of dollars on the project.
The house looks much as it did in the 1800s and is still a private residence. However, guests are allowed to visit for guided tours. Beyond the stunning architecture and unfathomable grandiosity in interior design, visitors are sure to be spellbound (if not overwhelmed) by the collection of hundreds of items and trinkets from around the world. Some more eccentric pieces include a couch that belonged to Napoleon’s brother and a chandelier made with the teeth from a hippo. The wealthy classes of the Gilded Age often traveled to the far corners of the globe. They usually returned with unique art pieces and items.
My Visit Experience.
We had SO much fun looking carefully at many of the pieces. We imagined where each artifact might be from, who exactly purchased it, and how much it was enjoyed by those living in the residence. Still, it boggles my mind that anyone can truly feel “at home” in a place that is so ornate and jam-packed with expensive, irreplaceable, high-valued items. And I mean this house is packed. If the owners were any less wealthy or well-traveled, they’d be suitable candidates for the “Hoarders” show. Each room is extravagant and the home is dimly lit. With such a small tour group, it’s easy to pretend that you live in the home as you explore.
If you can get over the fear that you might sneeze, lose vision in doing so momentarily, trip, and then break something — you’ll have a GRAND time here. It’s absolutely worth mentioning that one doesn’t come here to celebrate those who once owned it. I know there’s a lot of gripes about the degree of wealth that existed for only some during this time period. The fun part is examining the artifacts inside of the house and marveling at the architecture. Fun fact — the site of the mansion once housed a plot that welcomed George Washington three times.
Arrive at your tour a bit early to have plenty of time to explore the stunning gardens. They include a bubbling fountain and beautifully colored plants and flowers.
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