Rock House — Greenwood, South Carolina
SC Picture Project | Greenwood County | Rock House
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Legends surrounding the silent and solitary Rock House run as thick as the woods around it. Located deep in the shadows of Rock House Road in rural Greenwood County, the fireproof building was constructed entirely from stone, concrete, glass, and steel. The now crumbling fortress is accessible only by foot, and no one has ever lived inside its walls.
Although it stands on private property, its mystery and ominous edifice seem to invite intruders. Vandalism and theft have ravaged the home. Its walls are covered in graffiti, and its once graceful interior has been torn apart. The circular iron staircase was stolen years ago, and visitors are now greeted by a gaping hole in the ceiling. Daredevils unwilling to be thwarted reach the second and third floors by climbing the walls. Shreds of paneling and shards of tile lie in dust on the floor.
Local lore claims its builder once lost his family in a fire, or that the owner’s wife died inside the home so he could not bear to stay. The real story of Rock House, however, is as interesting as either of these tales.
Rock House Info
Address: Rock House Road, Greenwood, SC 29464
GPS Coordinates: 34.071905,-82.175831
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9 Comments about Rock House
April 2nd, 2017 at 9:19 am
We were always told about the Rock House and that so many of the Tolbert houses burned, that they finally built this one so that it could not be burned like the others! My great grandfather Tolbert lived in the area.
May 8th, 2016 at 6:13 pm
Once you get in there it gets cold.
January 27th, 2016 at 11:09 pm
I have been there in my younger days. I have heard that there is a grave yard in back. I don't know if that is true or not. You know how tales get started.
April 8th, 2015 at 3:23 am
Been here a time or two – scary place once it gets dark – until the beer kicked in that is. High school memories Larry Southerland
March 23rd, 2015 at 8:23 pm
Hey Dillon,
No other buildings remain on the property from what I saw when I photographed the house.
March 3rd, 2015 at 7:27 am
Hi, Dillon. Unfortunately, we have not been there recently to say if it is still there. As for the location, I hope to map on the page helps. Maybe another reader has been there and can answer your question? If you learn more, please share it with us! Good luck!
March 2nd, 2015 at 5:10 pm
I have been to this house many times but I have just read this article. I never knew that there was a cookhouse. Is it still there and if it is where is it located? Please reply ASAP.
August 30th, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Actually, the family – which the house belongs to – took the staircase down to avoid it being vandalized. And most people use ladders to climb to the second floor. While this house is neat with its mystery, it’s not that impressive to look at (anymore). I wish I could have seen it in all its glory. And, most likely, it’s not haunted. My dad spent the night in it once with his friends and they saw nothing.
Another thing: Tolbert (the original builder) built it in 1922 because his house had burned down. He built it out of rock so it could be fireproof. He died because of years of drinking eggnog (the alcohol in it killed him) or so I’ve heard.
December 29th, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Is it true that the Rock House was haunted?