A few weeks ago, my hubby and I were in Charleston, South Carolina. I had not been to Southern Carolina before and I had always imagined it as a gentile, historical, civilized place and I was not disappointed….Mint Julips anyone? The weather was perfect, sunny, warm and with a gentle breeze.
I’ll be doing a few posts on Charleston as it would make one very looooonnnnng post if I included everything in one. As usual, I took many architectural photos of homes and the iron work that is all over Charleston, so for this post I’ll be focusing on the beautiful ironwork that is all over the city.
Lots of it was done by the blacksmith and iron work artist, Philip Simmons. Unfortunately, many of the original iron work was melted during the War between the States (as the Civil War is referred to in Charleston).
There’s a definite European feel to Charleston, with their quaint little alleyways and cobblestone streets. I also had a strong sense of deja vu, since sometimes I felt like I was back in New Orleans.
This was an exterior bar at the back of a restaurant that was so charming in it’s use of salvaged materials, that I just had to take a picture. Note the various pieces of iron work that are placed on the face of the bar. Each is so intricate and beautiful on their own.
This grill below was in the middle of a large hedge that bordered a property. It looks very old to me.
This very fancy and scrolly (is that a word?) ironwork was on a very old theatre (sorry forgot the name) in the city centre.
The gated entrance to a private residence from their car port. And below, a gated side garden on one of the large homes that we toured past.
Families’ mottos were often included in the iron work gates and grills, to show what their business was. For example,the tobacconist would have a pipe in his gate. Unfortunately, my photo of this particular gate did not turn out…I hate that.
Next up, some architecture around town.
Lisa Goulet is a certified Interior Decorator and an accredited member of 
Beautiful Lisa – So well done – Thanks for sharing – Makes you feel as though you’ve been there!
Thanks Mom G! I’m glad you enjoyed it. There will be a couple more posts!
I’ve always had this ‘idea’ of what Charleston would be like, but I’ve clearly missed this piece! What a great post – now I really want to go! Thanks for sharing such great photos and insight!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Sheila. I’m sure to have a few more posts on Charleston, just need to find the time.
So pretty … and the details are amazing! Thanks for the tour.
Beautiful gates there!! Here, in Romania, we also tend to have iron work, not only for gates, but for fences ,too! It has been at a rage for years, now, maybe that is why I chose to plan to do the gate and fence in wood at my house! I do love them, though!
Thanks for sharing!
Ozana
Yes, your stone and iron fence is gorgeous! It adds to the value and charm of the property. Thanks for stopping by Ozana!
I can feel the warmth in these pictures. I love the Carolinas. I’m usually so enamored with the beach that I miss the little things like this. Thanks for sharing your trip and treasures.
We didn’t really get to see the beach Meredith, if we did I’m sure we would have been enamoured as well 🙂
I have never been to the Carolina’s but it’s on my bucket list. Beautiful photos Lisa!
Definitely a great place to have on your list. It’s so beautiful. I’d go back in a second. I’ll be posting about Boone Hall Plantation on the TBB blog tomorrow.
Charleston looks like a beautiful place to visit. I’m sure it’s just a short car ride away for Atlanta. Thanks for the tour.
Certainly a great place to spend a few days. Thanks for stopping by.