20 South Battery is inviting travelers to discover the beauty, history and culture of Charleston while enjoying a luxury hospitality experience as unique as its setting.
The 1843 private mansion turned modern luxury boutique hotel has opened after an eighteen-month restoration. “20 South Battery is a place to come together,” says owner Dr. Jack Schaeffer. “A representation of my passion for the city that made me who I am today. It is my way of giving back, to preserve, restore and re-create the dream of those that were in this home before me.”
Inside are 11 unique guest rooms with amenities to appeal to upscale weekenders, leisure travelers and group clientele, including the 3,600 square foot expansive and lush gardens, and more than 4,800 sq. ft. of stunning event space for meetings and social gatherings.
The hotel offers 11 beautifully appointed guest rooms through 4 floors—including 7 Luxury Suites, 1 Premier King Room and 3 Superior Rooms. Many rooms have entirely unique designs, with grand ceilings, distinctive molding and ceilings shaped by the Charlestonian architecture of a private mansion. The hotel boasts original molding, windows, porch, flooring and staircase. All rooms are styled with crisp white bedding and navy and Charleston blue accents. A collection of curated antiques are also on display and also available for purchase throughout the boutique hotel.
Situated directly across from White Point Gardens in the Historic District of Charleston, South Carolina, 20 South Battery dates back to the 1800s and was recently purchased by Dr. Jack Schaffer and has undergone extensive preservation efforts with the intent of revitalizing this Charleston gem to all its former grandeur. Managed by Hay Creek Hotels, the hotel is steeped in history but restored in luxury with modern amenities like Smart TV’s, Complimentary WiFi and The Battery Carriage House Business Center. Featuring artifacts from David Skinner antiques, guests are exposed to original works of art and furnishings at every turn.
Inspired by History
Originally built as a private residence for $4,500, the main home and carriage house reflected the prosperity that was prevalent in South Carolina during this era. The large “single” home was one room deep with a hall behind the rooms on each floor and the length faced the sea instead of the street, as was custom to allow for more light and air. With the American Civil War beginning a few years prior, the house was battered during the 1863 Siege of Charleston. But when Colonel Lathers of the Union Army purchased the property in 1870 he hired John Henry Devereaux, a well-known Charleston architect, to renovate the house in the New York fashion of the time complete with a conference room in which US senators, the governor of New York, and other NYC elites would meet with locals.
In 1920 the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings (now the Preservation Society of Charleston, and the oldest preservation society in the country) was formed at the mansion. And with rooms converted to small apartments in the 1960’s and rented to college students, by the ‘80s, 20 South Battery was restored to a Charleston Historic District hotel when purchased by famous Charlestonian, Drayton Hastie, and his wife. Using the main house as a private residence, the Hasties opened the aptly- named “Battery Carriage House Inn” with rooms available to guests in the carriage house.
When category 4 storm, Hurricane Hugo struck on September 21, 1989, catastrophic damage occurred to homes along the water, but when the storm abated, 20 South Battery remained standing—if anything but a little worse for wear. It is fortunate, in light of the damage, that Dr. Schaeffer, has such a passion for restoring and maintaining historical integrity. On September 10th, 2020 Dr. Schaeffer and the staff unveiled 20 South Battery hotel to their first guests .
On Friday, September 25th, the Preservation Society of Charleston adorned the hotel with a state historic marker in celebration of the Stevens-Lathers house and the birthplace of preservation. On April 21, 1920, a group of citizens gathered at 20 South Battery under the leadership of Susan Pringle Frost and formed the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings, the first locally based historic preservation group in the nation. The Society was instrumental to the creation of the nation’s first historic district in 1931. In 1956, the group was renamed to the Preservation Society of Charleston to reflect a widening mission.
Meet Me at The Mansion
20 South Battery is generously arrayed for meetings, celebrations and gatherings of all types, with a variety of interior event spaces and special outdoor settings. Blending elements of historic charm with stunning contemporary furnishings, highlights of the hotel’s meetings and event spaces include the Grand Ballroom and The Garden. The Grand Ballroom features a Marble stairway upon entrance, hand placed gold leaf crown molding and window frames throughout, a grandiose skylight allowing natural light to fill the room, a vintage Charleston metal tile ceiling, antique Crystal chandeliers, and original hardwood flooring, while The Garden, a botanical oasis accessible by the Carriage Brick Pathway, is adorned with a surplus of lush foliage.
