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Bonnie’s Barn and House

SC PICTURE PROJECT 8 Comments

SC Picture Project / Charleston County / Bonnie’s Barn and House

Travelers along United States Highway 17 from Charleston towards the Grand Strand will pass a vacant country store just below the South Santee River. Called Bonnie’s Barn, the shell of the once-thriving McClellanville store sits on a three-acre lot in front of the merchant’s home. The store was active during much of the twentieth century and was an oasis for motorists along the highway and a last stop for sportsmen on their way to the Santee Gun Club, now Santee Coastal Reserve.

Bonnie's Barn Store Front

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The store’s proprietor was Bonnie Thames, one of three brothers who owned and operated general stores at various locations along Highway 17. Herbert Thames ran his store from Awendaw, about 18 or so miles south of this store, and Jennings Thames owned a store across the North Santee River. Jennings Thames’ store is still in operation under different ownership, called Carolina Country Store.

Bonnie's House McClellanville

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

General stores run in the Thames family. Bulls Bay Supply, a general store also on the well-traversed Highway 17, closed its doors in January of 2013 after 33 years of operation. A familiar stop for beach travelers, it was most recently owned by Oliver Thames, Herbert Thames’ grandson, and run by Thames and his cousin, Charlotte Thames Morse. Charlotte’s grandfather was Bonnie Thames of Bonnie’s Barn. Bulls Bay Supply originally opened as a general store in 1894 and served as several different businesses until Oliver Thames bought the building and opened his own store in 1980.

Bonnie's Barn Porch Detail

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Today Bonnie’s Barn and House are the last buildings seen before crossing the South Santee River. The property, now for sale, is surrounded by protected wetlands and historic rice fields. It also sits near Hampton and Wedge plantations.

Bonnie's House, Porch

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

More Pictures of Bonnie’s Barn


Bonnie's Barn and House

Gazie Nagle of Charleston, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Bonnie's Barn

Gazie Nagle of Charleston, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

More Pictures of Bonnie’s House


Bonnie's House

Johnna Hansen of Summerville, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Bonnie Thames House

Gazie Nagle of Charleston, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Bonnie's House

Jamie Gainey of Myrtle Beach, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Bonnie's Barn House Window

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Interior Pictures of Bonnie’s House


Bonnie's Barn Upstairs Hallway

Jacque Pieterse Barr of Georgetown, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Bonnie's Barn Upstairs Room

Jacque Pieterse Barr of Georgetown, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Bonnie's House Interior

Johnna Hansen of Summerville, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Bonnie's House Interior

Johnna Hansen of Summerville, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Bonnie’s Barn and House

Where is Bonnie’s Barn and House located?
Address: United States Highway 17, SC 29458
GPS Coordinates: 33.173610,-79.417081
What else should I see?
Hampton Plantation 3.4 miles
Santee Coastal Reserve 3.5 miles
Howard A.M.E. Church 3.7 miles
Brick Church at Wambaw 4.5 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Historic Houses
  • McClellanville Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Stores
    Bonnie’s Barn and House Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tammy says

      May 29, 2022 at 11:00 PM

      I’m looking for any old photos of when the Bonnie’s Barn store was in operation and the years it opened and closed. Any photos or more information about the Thames owners of the house and store is appreciated. Did they have children? Was the store there prior to Bonnie Thames opening Bonnie’s Barn? Any additional history or photos of this location when it was lived in and operated would be great!

      Reply
    2. Shayn says

      August 29, 2020 at 11:46 AM

      Did you have to obtain permission from the property owner? I live nearby and I’d like to check it out thank you.

      Reply
      • SC Picture Project says

        August 31, 2020 at 1:29 PM

        Hi Shayn! Thanks for your comment. The property can be seen and photographed from the road, but you would definitely need permission to go inside. Hope this helps!

        Reply
    3. C. Neil Scott says

      March 3, 2018 at 9:07 AM

      Hi. What’s the physical address so I can GPS the location?

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        March 4, 2018 at 6:00 PM

        Hello, when viewing any of our pages on “Desktop Mode” or from an actual computer, the GPS coordinates and addresses (when available) are displaying at the bottom of each page. The GPS coordinates for this are 33.173610, -79.417081. It is on US Highway 17, hope this helps!

        Reply
    4. Jamie Gainey says

      October 31, 2017 at 10:39 AM

      I have a couple of photos of the house that I would like to share. email me if you would be interested in adding them to this page.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        November 1, 2017 at 1:37 AM

        Thanks Jamie! We sent you an email.

        Reply
    5. Neva Beckman says

      March 20, 2016 at 8:10 PM

      Ludwig and I enjoyed the pictures and general information. Thanks!!!

      Reply

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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