The Wentworth Mansion has been a special part of Charleston for over 20 years. It has a unique charm and a wonderful staff. Their goal is simple: To ensure that each guest is not just a witness to this properties magic, but an integral part of it!
By Anne & Les Heintz
Editors Note: This property is among our favorites in Charleston. It offers easy access to the fun that the city offers but also represents a quiet oasis to just relax!
We spent a lovely weekend at this 21 room Victorian mansion 5 blocks away from busy King Street. It felt like a little quiet oasis. We were greeted at the front door by the concierge who made us feel extremely welcome. We sat down to get our full explanation of how things worked.
He explained the COVID-19 rules and protocol, which include the fact that once we checked into our room no one would be allowed inside Any requests for towel and extra bath amenities would be placed in a basket outside our front door.
There are plenty of amenities at the Wentworth Mansion.
This includes, complimentary breakfast at Circa 1886, a wine and hors d’oeuvres hour daily at 5pm, port and brandy after dinner and a complementary stocked mini-bar in each room.
The home was renovated in 1998 to include all the modern conveniences such as an elevator, which is handy as they have 5 floors not including the winding staircase up to the cupola for city views.
The rooms are extremely spacious.
We were in a Mansion Room that was called Mrs. Rogers after the original owner. The room was large, with a full sitting area and working gas fireplace. There was even a day bed tucked into a beautiful multi-paned window.
The staff went out of their way. We were on an "anniversary trip" but the actual day was a few days before our arrival. Never-the-less, champagne and other treats were waiting in the room when we arrived!
The bathroom was actually a two room affair with a large Jacuzzi soaking tub with same multi-paned window including plantation shutters for the evening. Behind this was the rest of the bathroom.
All rooms are antique-filled and have king beds with Frette sheets. There was a good sized working desk, television and sound system with all the updated technology.
Regarding activities, membership to a neighborhood gym is available. They also have a spa with three treatment rooms in what used to be the stables located in the garden next door.
The big draw is their award-winning restaurant, Circa 1886. The food there is wonderful. The setting is historic and intimate. The cuisine is “Lowcountry.” We were neophytes when it came to that style of cooking but Emily, our attentive waiter kindly helped us navigate through the choices.
Oh, and the wine pairing was spot on!
They have both indoor and outdoor seating with lots of “fairy lights” to add to the overall festive feeling. A lot of locals frequent Circa 1886, which we find is the best endorsement of all!
We woke up early on our last morning so that we could hit the road for our 8-hour drive. We had a bit of excitement as a prolific thunderstorm was rolling through and a lightning bolt hit the side of the Mansion. Luckily everyone was safe and sound and only inconvenienced by the fire alarm going off.
The staff was very apologetic and couldn’t do enough to make sure that all were taken care of. The restaurant packed us a lovely “TO GO” breakfast and we were on our way!
For some, the Wentworth Mansion could be seen as a home away from home. It offers easy access to the center of Charleston but also a quieter residential location removed from the thick of things. It is a great choice for those who would appreciate staying in an historic home with a more intimate experience.
Is The Wentworth Mansion right for you?
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** Anne and Les Heintz are Co-founders of TravelAnne.com. Anne is a Travel Advisor. Les is a television & media producer. They are based in Washington, DC and have been traveling the world since they met in high school more years ago than they care to admit. They can be reached at info@TravelAnne.com.