Ashley River Road
Middleton Place, SC

Middleton Place s an 18th century plantation that encompasses America's oldest landscaped gardens, which were laid out in 1741. Recognized as one of the finest colonial-era gardens in America, the formal falls, or terraces lead from the plantation house to two butterfly lakes at the edge of the Ashley River. They represent one of the finest examples of the European continental formal design of the baroque period in the New World.

The main grounds occupy a high bluff along the west bank of the Ashley River and include the stable yards, a spring house, rice mill and rice fields. The mansion house, built ca. 1738 with north and south wings added ca. 1755, was burned by Federal troops in February, 1865. Only the south wing remains standing and is maintained as a museum. In addition to historic resources, today's visitor may enjoy a meal at the four-star restaurant or stay at the strikingly modern Middleton Inn - honored nationally by the American Institute of Architects.