Located in a charming garden estate in downtown Aiken, South Carolina, The Inn at Rose Hill is an equestrian lovers delight. Established in 1898, the Southern property is rich in history. This was my first time visiting Aiken, as well as the state of South Carolina and I was greeted with typical Southern hospitality. The home was the first property in Aiken to be listed on The National Register of Historic Places and is steps from downtown. There are so many things to see and do in Aiken that you’ll need several days to explore this equestrian city.
Tracing its roots back to the Civil War, the original Antebellum house is believed to have been destroyed during the Battle of Aiken. The Dutch Colonial Shingle style architecture of the Main House is unique in the Southeast. A little history on the historic “Winter Colony” estate; as a young widow, Mrs. Sheffield raised her children at Rose Hill and became an avid gardener. It was at Rose Hill, in 1930 that Mrs. Sheffield hosted the first meeting of the Garden Club of South Carolina. Garden lovers can play seek and find on the estate and claim a victory when they spot the “Rose Hill Red” camellia on property. My visit to Aiken was in September. While the weather was perfect, the garden was between seasons. Guests are encouraged to stroll Rose Hill’s approximate 4.5 acre grounds.
The Southern Estate has played hosted to numerous weddings. According to owner Steve Mueller, “there’s probably 20 different locations to get married on the property. Rose Hill Estate is a very unique place. You can feel the energy and history here.”
“Rose Hill Estate is a very unique place. You can feel the energy and history here.”
With 9 rooms, plus a fully furnished 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom house that is available for short & long term rental, Rose Hill Estate is like stepping back in time and capturing a piece of Aiken, South Carolina history.
Stables Restaurant
The horse stables were renovated in 2009 with the purpose of opening as The Stables Restaurant. The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill is one of only four intact historic estates in the United States where a historic property has converted an original horse stable into a restaurant. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday at 5:00 PM. Happy Hour takes place from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. The Stables Restaurant features live music on the patio every Friday night, as well as seasonal wine tastings.
Need to know:
A full breakfast is included with your stay, as is complimentary wifi. Off street parking is available and cable television is in each room. Rose Hill Estate is pet-friendly with a $25 fee per pet. There is no resort fee.
Check In: 3:00 PM and Check Out: 11:00 AM
Rates range from $145 -to $185. My king room with private bath rented for $145 during my stay. As always, check the website for current pricing.
Insider tip: Libation lovers take note, Rose Hill Estate is home to the Aiken Single Malt Scotch Society & Aiken Rum Club. Back in the day, rum was considered liquid gold during the Revolution. Cooper Horse Rum from Columbia, South Carolina and Red Harbor Rum – a colonial style rum, are local favorites. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and @rosehillestate on Instagram.
If You Go:
The Inn at Rose Hill (803) 648-1182
Rose Hill Estate
221 Greenville Street, NW
Aiken, South Carolina 29801
The Inn at Rose Hill review and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. As is typical in the industry, I received a complimentary media stay, however, all opinions are my own.