woodburn plantation

First, this is not a fancy, over-the-top plantation house. Go somewhere else if you are looking for that. This home is really a very wealthy and influential man's farmhouse. I am not taking anything away from how enjoyable the home was but you can see the man's practically in everything. He was a wealthy indigo grower and a very practical man. The guide was wonderful. He knew little details most guide don't. I have visited many old properties and never fail to ask something that draws a blank face from the guide. This guide was enthused that we saw the details and asked about them. Folks, there are secrets in homes. You have to point them out and ask "Why are the stars upside down on the windows?" :-)

Have been to this home a few times for weddings, but had not taken a tour of the home until this past weekend. I love the Victorian carriage house and cabin on the grounds as well. It is the full history of this home that is the draw. Tours are given by Pendleton Historical Foundation at a small cost for adults and children over age 5. It is only open from Thursday to Sunday but the short drive from I85 to Pendleton is worth the trip. There is also a Civil War reenactment scheduled for this year, but I did not attend this event. I paired this home tour with the Ashtabula Historic home tour which is just a few miles away, and both are in Pendleton area.

If you love history, you will love this tour. Beautifully preserved plantation house in upstate SC. The guides here are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Great stories about the home and the people who lived there. Make sure that you see the cistern under the house and the attic where the children slept. So many historical pieces in the house, some of which you might not be able to guess what they were used for.

Woodburn was brought back from the edge of destruction, beginning in the 1960's. Now mostly restored, it is a marvelous example of upcountry manor home, set on a beautiful tree-topped hill.

Run by the Foundation that also owns Ashtabula, Woodburn is a great glimpse into the past and South Carolina history.

Everyone was great! The house is beautiful. I wish I had gotten married there!