The Nathaniel Russell House, built in 1808, is a National Historic Landmark preserved and restored by the Historic Charleston Foundation to give visitors a sense of what it was like to live in antebellum Charleston. This three-story townhouse is beautifully restored to depict the grandeur and culture of the lives of the wealthy merchant, Nathaniel Russell, and his family. The 30-minute guided tours feature detailed explanations of the history and lifestyle of the families who lived there, as well as the building’s neoclassical architecture, notably its geometrically designed rooms, including a rectangular front room, an oval center room, and a square room in the rear. The spiral staircase, built without nails and screws, is a highlight — a conduit of elegance throughout the house.

Photo credit: Rick Rhodes, Wilson Kelsey Design Blog.