This $16.5M SC home for sale was on a Netflix show, has a 3-mile driveway & gargoyles. Take a look
Located in the heart of Berkeley County, South Carolina, Richmond Plantation is an extraordinary property steeped in history.
Built in 1927 by New York architects for George Ellis, this home has unique Shavian-style features and craftsmanship.
Arguably the epitome of elegance and refined living, Richmond Plantation stands out not only for its grand beauty but also for its charm, embodying a perfect blend of English undertones, medieval style and southern flare. This historic home is now on the market for $16.5 million.
A Vision in Shavian Style Architecture
Richmond Plantation is a Shavian-style home. This kind of style is identified by its distinctive English features and medieval elements.
The house’s high-pitched slate roof, with its striking silhouette against the sky, reflects the medieval influence of the 12th century. The roof itself carries a sense of age and permanence, adding to the timelessness of the home. One of the most noticeable aspects of the design is the rich detailing throughout the property.
There are a number of English touches, from the delicate hand-carved woodwork in the fireplace to the intricately designed gargoyles that perch on the roof and even the gold doorknobs.
These figures, some resembling those of King Charles I, add a whimsical touch to the manor, lending an air of both mystery and fairy tale.
Despite its grandeur, the Richmond estate is no doubt a home.
“I feel like this is a place where I can still kick back and watch football,” said CJ Brown, real estate broker and founder of Brown Land + Plantation Advisors.
A Driveway that Stretches into History
One of the most intriguing parts of the house is the entryway; it’s almost as grand as the estate itself.
To access the property, there is a 3-mile-long driveway draped with Spanish moss, adding to the mesmerizing nature and history of the home. When this house was first built, a man’s wealth was measured by the length of his driveway, hence the 3-mile entryway to the estate.
A Rich History and Preservation
The property, with its nearly 154.1 acres of land, is more than just a beautiful home. It represents the effort to preserve a significant piece of South Carolina’s history.
Originally constructed to serve as a hunting lodge for George Ellis, the home is a part of the larger narrative of northern businessmen purchasing southern plantation estates after the Civil War, restoring them for hunting and recreation.
The current owners of Richmond Plantation took on the monumental task of preserving this historical gem, saving it from the neglect it had fallen into and restoring it to its former glory.
“I’m so glad the owners were able and had the resources to save this house because had they not, it would’ve no doubt been torn down,” Brown said.
Features of the Home
Brown states that one of the most intriguing features of the estate is the sundial located at the back of the house, which bears the inscription, “Feare God, Obey Ye King.”
This subtle yet powerful engraving speaks to the historical and royal undertones that are woven throughout the home.
“It was one of the first things that really caught my eye and goes to show the history of it all,” Brown said.
The home itself is described as asymmetrical. The one and a half story house has a central mass area and two single-story wings. In total, it has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen, butler pantry, dining hall, library and more.
From the perched gargoyles, casts of King Charles I, high pitched slate roofing, hand crafted woodwork, 12th century fireplace and even stone flooring, historic details are weaved into every corner.
Outbuildings and Additional Charm
Beyond the main manor, the property is home to several outbuildings. These include a one-bedroom carriage house, a barn and a converted dog kennel that now serves as a second guest house.
These structures, designed in the same Shavian style as the main home, further emphasize the cohesion of the estate’s architecture.
The barn, in particular, is noteworthy for its historical association with George Ellis’s wife, who used the structure to house horses and other animals.
A Fairy Tale Home
“There’s really no other way to describe this house than as a fairy tale,” Brown said. “In all my years working in real estate, this is the most unique home I’ve ever worked with.”
With its natural charm and elegance, this Richmond estate has even been featured in the hit Netflix series, “Outer Banks.”
This home is located about 25 miles from Mount Pleasant and 35 miles from downtown Charleston.
The Richmond Plantation is protected by a conservation easement with the Lowcountry Land Trust.
For more information about the home, click here for the listing.
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
