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Serenity on the May
Bluffton, South Carolina
THIS MAJESTIC GREEK REVIVAL HOME sits on 29 acres overlooking the May River in the coastal South Carolina community of Palmetto Bluff. The secluded property is reached via an intimately scaled drive through a Live Oak forest which ends with a sweeping front lawn and formal motor court. Solid masonry columns of grand scale adorn the front façade, foreshadowing the stately spaces and fine finishes found within. The main entry leads to an elliptical stair hall that acts as the fulcrum for the entire home. The double-height hall features Roman Doric details and a vaulted ceiling. The carriage house, connected to the main house by a porte-cochère with elliptical arches, lattice, and trellis, is reminiscent of a classical equestrian stable. Nearby, a charming serpentine bridge crosses a small pond and leads to the estate’s private island and guest cottages.
ON THE FAÇADE, large French doors with arching transoms open onto a deep front porch.
The massive Doric order columns are icons of traditional workmanship, made of solid brick and covered in a customary three-coat stucco.
BEYOND THE OPULENT ENTRY HALL,
a two story Stair Hall serves as a reception room
for Serenity’s formal spaces.
THE LIBRARY FEATURES A COFFERED CEILING, raised paneling, and custom shelves of black walnut.
Wood beams and pilasters introduce a touch of warmth to the kitchen, keeping room, and dining alcove.
CLASSICISM ABOUNDS in the Master Bedroom, from the period furniture
to the intricate millwork of the cornice, window trim, and mantle.
A PORTE-COCHÈRE connects Serenity’s main house with its carriage house, designed in the form of an equestrian stable.
Traditional carriage tracks extend through the latticed structure and over a footbridge to a private island.
TWO BUNKIES sit on the island, primitive Lowcountry cottages that welcome guests.
