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The John Rutledge suite – located off of the ballroom – was once the owner's bedroom. Today, a small number of wedding parties choose to book the Rutledge suite as the honeymoon suite and entertain a small reception in the ballroom. |
By Sarah Davis
(August 2008) Among the historic buildings and homes on Charleston’s Broad Street is a bed and breakfast that has earned AAA’s Four Diamond rating 19 years, more than any other accommodation in the state. That place is the 250 year old John Rutledge House Inn.
Such Four Diamond consistency is well-deserved: great service, spacious rooms and suites, and enough history to be a standout in a city that clings tightly to its past.
That history began in 1763 when John Rutledge, one of the 55 signers of the U.S. Constitution, had the house built as a wedding gift to his bride. Now, it is one of just 15 houses from the original signers that still exists and is the only one open to guests.
A look at the house from the front reveals an inn slightly more ornate than Rutledge intended however. The home was two-stories with elegant, but simple, pine wood flooring until Thomas Gadsden bought the home and added a third floor, applied stucco over the original brick, installed dark green cast iron piazzas, and installed intricate, inlaid parquet floors patterned after those found in German castles. All this was done in the 1850s, more than 150 years ago, but much of that original rework remains.
 REVOLUTIONARY
Now, the home is a blend of revolutionary historical pieces and the pizzazz Gadsden applied during his time as owner. The Georgian-style iron steps in the front lead visitors through an iron fence standing more than 6 feet tall up to a simple front door. Here, you’ll notice a doorknob at just the right height for someone no more than 4 feet tall. However, historians note the low doorknob helped remind servants to bow as they bent at the waist to open the door for guests.
Gadsden’s touch is seen again on the flooring of the foyer: inlaid original mosaic tile.
Another room seeping with history is the second-floor ballroom, which opens to a piazza. Here guests can enjoy afternoon tea either in the ballroom or on the piazza overlooking the street below. Afternoon tea is served Southern style, In warmer months guests have their choice of iced tea or lemonade. Of course, hot tea is available upon request.
In cooler months hot tea and hot chocolate are offered with the option of coffee. Snacks vary, but could include delicious mini cinnamon rolls, maple cakes or some other savory finger foods.
ARTIFACTS
Inside the ballroom are plenty of artifacts, including a case that holds pieces found when excavating some of the property in recent times. But the standouts in the room are the massive, floor-to-ceiling, pocket doors that can be opened to the John Rutledge suite – the room that was once the owner’s bedroom. These two rooms are the only rooms in which Gadsden installed matching parquet. Both during Rutledge’s time and Gadsden’s it is believed that parties were held here. When there was an overflow, the doors would be opened so guests could spill into the parlor of Rutledge’s personal quarters. Today, a small number of wedding parties choose to book the Rutledge suite as the honeymoon suite and entertain a small reception in the ballroom. Typically, the hotel limits gatherings inside the house to about 25 guests.
11 ROOMS
The Rutledge Suite is one of 11 rooms in the main house. Another eight are available in the two carriage houses behind the home and named after the city’s two landmark rivers: the Ashley and the Cooper. The Ashley is the original carriage house, as evidenced by the arched windows and steel reinforcement beams that were installed long ago when the region experienced earthquakes. Many historic homes in Charleston have these beams, which can be spotted on the outside of the house by circular, metal placards between the floors.
The Cooper carriage house was built just a few years ago after careful excavation cleared the area of any hidden historical findings. After such meticulous research, they believe the kitchen house once stood in the area, based on the many pots, pans and dishes found. Carriage house rooms - all named after plantations in the area - are the smallest among the selection, yet they are still roomy with 350 square feet of space in the smallest one.
SUITES
In comparison, the inn’s three top-tier suites spread out over 800 square feet. Two of these flank the main-floor hallway and are housed in what was once the home’s parlors and dining area. Suites boast two flatscreen televisions, one in the bedroom and the other in the parlor. The parlor also includes a sofa, chairs and a bistro table.
 Suites are spacious enough that families have roomed up to five (one or two sleeping on a sofa-bed, rollaway or Aero-bed mattress) in the suite without feeling cramped. Each suite has two of the 12 working fireplaces in the main house, canopied beds tall enough that bedside steps are available for climbing in, and spacious bathrooms. Two suites have whirlpool tubs and a standing shower. The third and final whirlpool tub is found in the Thomas Heyward Jr. “mini-suite” on the third floor.
CONTEMPORARIES
Each room in the main house is named after a contemporary of John Rutledge, with a portrait and personal background explanation provided. All beds are draped with William and Mary pattern bedspreads, a signature Southern look of white quiltwork.
All rooms come with a bistro table and chairs so guests can choose among three spots for breakfast dining. Each evening guests fill out a Breakfast Service card, letting staff know what time they would like breakfast served (options are in 30-minute increments between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.) and where they would like to dine – the second-floor ballroom, in the guest’s room or in the courtyard. Once you’ve marked your items, just simply hang it on the door before going to bed.
COURTYARD
The courtyard is tucked between the main house and the two carriage houses and enclosed by tall brick walls separating the home from its neighbors. Black wrought-iron patio furniture is interspersed with large planters holding palmetto trees encircled with flowers. Jasmine covers one of the walled sides while the other is exposed brick. Guests also come out here to enjoy an evening drink; sherry, port and evening brandy are offered in the ballroom.
Breakfast however, is the highlight of the day, with a lighter side option of a la cart items or a hot special of the day. Specials aren’t your typical egg and cheese variety either. For example, Wednesday and Saturday specials are shrimp and grits, and all specials are served with fresh fruit. A la cart items include granola, yogurt, grits and various breads.
Another great highlight of the inn is its service. Of course, many of John Rutledge’s descendents already know that and stay at the inn when vacationing.
AMENITIES
From the welcome note that greets each guest to the Godiva chocolate included in turn-down service, the inn takes pride in offering a personal touch as well as top-line items. Every employee wears a name tag and is eager to help.
 Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and fresh floral arrangements each week are just the beginning. Admission to a local health club is available for a small fee and complimentary wireless internet is available.
Possibly one of the most appreciated items is the complimentary water available in rooms and replenished each day. Plus, additional water bottles are kept iced down in a cooler on the back porch of the main house for guests to gulp down after a long day walking through the city streets.
Finding a parking space in the midst of Charleston’s busy downtown, full of retail shop employees and tourists, can be difficult, to say the least. Fortunately for John Rutledge House guests, on-site parking is available for $10 a day behind the property. Those who are eager to explore the heart of Charleston will find they can leave their car parked for days as they walk. Bicycle rickshaws are also on call by the concierge for those who would rather ride in style.
Between the service, roomy lodgings and unique background, you’ll find a home good enough for Rutledge’s family and yours. (Last Updated August 2008)
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