The construction of Calhoun Mansion cost its original owner George W. Williams $200,000, which ? in 1876 ? had been a vast fortune. William P. Russel had designed the house, which had been described by one of the city?s newspapers as the south?s ?handsomest & most complete private residence?.

Covering 24,000 square feet of land, the property had been featured as part of America?s Castles by Arts and Entertainment Channel. Some of the exemplary features you?ll find at the house include a stairwell that curves around to reach a dome ceiling seventy-five feet off the ground, forty-five foot skylight, and lighting and paintings made by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Since Williams? demise in 1903, ownership of the property had frequently changed hands and the house suffered from continuous deterioration. It was only till a Charleston local had purchased in 1972 that it had been gradually restored to its original glory.

The Calhoun Mansion is presently maintained as a private family residence but remains open to the public for viewing and tours.