Hampton Plantation

This past week we took a quick journey to Charleston for the Hootie and the Blowfish Concert.  A light mist gave way to a rare cool summer evening as Hootie took the stage and performed a fantastic set of classics, new music, and vintage covers.  After lunch at one of our Charleston favorites, Five Loaves, with Brian, Katie, Sarah, and Laura, we headed back up to Myrtle along Hwy 17.  Along the way we decided to stop and tour Hampton Plantation.  The plantation was built starting in the 1740s and finished in 1791 for a visit from George Washington.  The home remained in the Horry and Rutledge family until 1971 when Archibald Rutledge sold it to the State of South Carolina.  Archibald was the Poet Laureate of South Carolina and an avid gardener, but was not noted for his maintaining of the plantation house. Once acquired by the State, many archaeological excavations and studies were conducted.  The house as it stands today is best described as a deconstructive preservation.  The plaster walls have been removed in most of the rooms leaving only the hand hewn cypress framing and detailed mouldings. A beautiful contrast of refined decor blended with the rugged structure make it a true delight the architect's eye. The only downside the tour was the mosquito invasion that attacked us until we were able to get some repellent from the Ranger Station.