86.09 Acres in Yemassee, SC - $4,650,000
Historic Plantation Home on 86 Acres in Beaufort County
Privacy abounds at Bonny Hall, a stately, Georgian-style architectural gem located in Beaufort County, SC. Surrounded by nature and nestled along the Combahee River at the edge of the ACE Basin, this former rice plantation was originally established by a British land grant in 1732. This magnificent three-story frame home, with a hipped slate roof and two central chimneys, was built over a former historic structure by James Henry Egan, c.1897. In 1935, the Doubleday family added two symmetrical wings designed by Charleston architect Samuel Lapham. Respectfully keeping with the traditional elements of the home, architect Glenn Keyes worked in concert with the current owner to update the house to modern standards in 2007.
As you enter the private, gated 86 acre property, an umbrella of majestic, century-old live oaks guides you to an exposed brick courtyard surrounded by mature lush landsc...
As you enter the private, gated 86 acre property, an umbrella of majestic, century-old live oaks guides you to an exposed brick courtyard surrounded by mature lush landscaping. A dual stone staircase with a custom wrought railing leads you to a pedimented front door with large triple-hung wooden sash windows on either side. Following the traditional Georgian-style double-house floor plan, the central hallway is flanked by a formal living room on the right and a formal dining room on the left. Both rooms are decorated with extensive millwork, soaring ceilings, china display built-ins and intricate, antique mantels. An illustration of the history of Bonny Hall Plantation was commissioned by the current owner, and it is artistically depicted on the walls of the dining room which adds to its charm and character.
Towards the rear of the home, a well-designed gun room allows sporting enthusiasts to prepare for their daily hunting adventures. Hand-built gun racks with locked glass doors are a perfect place to store your favorite double gun or long rifle. Racks, custom shelving, a long window seat and cubbies provide plenty of space for boots and hunting accessories. An original wood mantel adorns the wood-burning fireplace.
Located across the hall from the gun room is the library - an ideal place to work, read your favorite hunting books and enjoy a glass of vintage wine. This cozy room features a wood-burning fireplace enhanced with a c.1850 mantel and custom built-ins.
Just past the library is the billiards room, which is used as a gathering place for friends and family. There are two fireplaces and a set of French doors which open to a breathtaking formal garden. A wet bar, just off the billiards room, services libation needs. Above the billiards room, a spacious, beautifully decorated guest suite with a gas fireplace garnished with dentil-molding, plus an en suite bathroom provides enchanting accommodations and plenty of privacy for visitors.
Ascending the original staircase of the central hallway, you will find three bedrooms and three full bathrooms on the second floor. Each guest room is very well proportioned and is tastefully decorated, offering high ceilings, four-poster beds and pristine, wood-beveled fireplaces. The spacious master suite spans across one half of the upstairs. It offers an elegant four-poster bed, sitting area, antique secretary and sweeping views of the Ace Basin. The large en suite bathroom features a dual vanity, a walk-in shower and claw-foot bathtub. The third floor of the main home is completely renovated and provides a dormer guest room with two twin beds and full bathroom, great for kids and younger adults.
The updated country-style kitchen located on the west wing is well-equipped with modern appliances including a Vulcan six-burner, dual oven and griddle, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a Bosch dishwasher. The long kitchen island serves as a buffet when entertaining larger parties and the large wooden Simon Pearce kitchen table and chairs provide ample seating for memorable meals. Just above the kitchen is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest suite which is currently used as a kids playroom. It can function as another guest room or leisure room for staff, depending on the owners needs.
Complementing the historic main home, two fully renovated guest houses accommodate friends and family. Wee Bonny offers amazing views of the National Wildlife Refuge. A large living room, dining area, kitchen and four bedrooms can sleep eight guests. Two wood-burning fireplaces and a screened porch add to this enchanting, well-appointed house. Another charming free-standing, one-bedroom cottage offers privacy for a couple or guest overflow.
The gardens and landscaping at Bonny Hall take your breath away. Umberto Innocenti, famed Long Island landscape architect, designed the walled garden to the right of the house in the 1930s. Enter through the twelve-foot gates and stroll through the parterres featuring specimen camellias, towering live oaks, and terra cotta sculptures depicting the four seasons. Pass by the fountain and make your way to the walled brick rose garden which concludes with a tea table and chairs nestled among a live oak and camellias. Circling back towards the house, pick lemons and grapefruit or climb up the ladder to a spectacular tree house perched atop another live oak. The views across the rice fields and Combahee River at sunset are stunning.
Multiple outbuildings populate the property to service the plantation including a fully functioning, air-conditioned bird dog kennel that was professionally built and boards up to nine dogs. There is a four-bay garage that fits three cars, a climate-controlled storage shed and other buildings to house a sundry of tractors, mowers, ATVs and golf carts.
A six-stall horse barn includes a tack room, hunting room, game room and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment above - ideal for a caretaker or equestrian staff. The Combahee River can be accessed from the tidal creek and boat ramp on the west tip of the property. A beautiful pecan orchard spans the east portion of the property and produces Bonny Hall pecans which make great gifts. They could also be sold as a hobby business. Bonny Hall is not encumbered by any easements. Most furnishings, including many antiques, are included.
