William Mason Smith House — Charleston, South Carolina

This imposing Regency manse in downtown Charleston was built between 1820 and 1822 for William Mason Smith. Smith was the son of the Right Reverend Robert Smith, rector of St. Philip’s Church, the first Episcopal bishop of South Carolina, and the first president of the College of Charleston. A faithful member of the church his father led, William Mason Smith was instrumental in helping to rebuild St. Philip’s following its burning in 1835. Smith was a planter and the owner Smithfield Plantation on the Combahee River; he built this house as his town home.

The three-story stuccoed home was designed by English architect William Jay. Features of the home include piazzas on all three floors concealed with masonry to give them a more formal appearance. An arched window was built into the mason work at the end of each pizza. The columns on the pizzas ascend in proper order, from Doric on the ground level, Ionic on the middle level, and Corinthian on the third level. The house is presently owned by descendants of the Smith family.

While visitors to Charleston flock to nearby homes on Meeting Street for the impressive displays of wisteria every Spring, The William Mason Smith residence has its own impressive display that is becoming more popular for photographers to showcase. Each year, wisteria blossoms burst around the doorway of this fine home, dropping their petals onto the steps below creating a beautiful and romantic scene.

More Pictures of the William Mason Smith House

William Mason Smith House Map

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