Activity Overview
Built in 1820, the Aiken-Rhett House is a sample of a typical Charleston house also known as a double house. A double house is composed of a main hallway with two rooms on each side. The house has been owned by several generations of wealthy families in Charleston and has been preserved in its original state. Reviews have commended the choice of the descendants as well as the Historic Charleston Foundation to preserve the house as opposed to restoring with modern finishes.
Things to Do
- Visit the house for a tour. Instead of the usual docent-led tour, an audio guide is provided for guests. Listen closely as the audio guide narrates and explains each nook of the house and the slave quarters, its history, and its owners in a detailed and informative way. The guide covers the inside of the house, including the servants quarters and the grounds. Note that any form of photography is not allowed inside the house.
- Don't forget to spend some time at the Art Gallery. The collection showcases more than 6000 artifacts coming from different forms of art displayed in the home throughout the centuries.
- Check out the gift shop and get postcards and other souvenir items.
Aiken-Rhett House Insider Tips
- Admission is free for kids under age 6.
- Purchase a combo ticket to get an admission discount to Aiken-Rhett and Nathan Russell houses.
