By Linde Hyder – Step back in time to a bygone era when handcrafted wood floors and intricate adornments were the setting of family gatherings and neighborly visits. Ladies sipped tea on verandahs while children played beneath a leafy canopy of trees. Now, journey forward to a future filled with a lifetime of immeasurable memories. That is the promise of The Vanderhorst Estate.
The chance to own a piece of history and add your own storyline happens once in a lifetime. Tucked away on 16 acres overlooking the golden marshlands and quiet, unspoiled shores that complement the laid-back lifestyle of Kiawah Island lies an offering unlike any other. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Vanderhorst Estate is the only historical mansion on the island that has withstood the test of time. Locals say the Vanderhorst mansion ‘fits into the very fabric of Kiawah Island.’
Built in 1803 for General Arnoldus Vanderhorst—former Charleston mayor and two-term governor of South Carolina—the property portrays painstaking craftsmanship and a grandiose lifestyle. Approached by a private tree-shaded lane, the home’s commanding four-story façade reflects a stunning display of brick, slate and marble punctuated by prominent attic dormers and a sweeping second-story porch. Inside is a 7,000-square-foot plan that is gracious and welcoming.
Offering direct access to both the Atlantic coastline and the Kiawah River, The Vanderhorst Estate has served as a vacation retreat for generations. It remained in the Vanderhorst family for more than a century and was lovingly restored in the 1990s by the current owners. Careful consideration was given to ensure the meticulous preservation of original details while incorporating the finest modern conveniences.
In that spirit, soaring ceilings, period wainscoting and heart pine floors blend gracefully with the addition of six full baths, a fully appointed kitchen and a geothermal heating and air conditioning system. Twin glass pavilions adjoining the original structure capitalize on the serene surroundings while filling the home with an abundance of sun-dappled light. Particularly noteworthy is the ‘creek house,’ a modern interpretation of a Lowcountry fish camp built separate from the main house and featuring a state-of-the-art kitchen, large fireplace and a custom table that can seat 20.
As Listing Agent Danielle Whitson explains, “Kiawah isn’t just for one family; it’s for generations. And The Vanderhorst Estate reflects that.” The Vanderhorst Estate has many stories to tell. Let it tell yours.
Danielle Whitson
(843) 425-6025
dwhitson@kiawah.com
www.kiawah.com