Description

“Albion” is approximately 4,600 square feet and is a true Southern Antebellum Plantation on 129.81 acres of timberland, meadows, creeks and hills that also houses a working timber farm.  It is considered “one of the finest examples of 19th century plantation construction in South Carolina” and  has been in the same family since being built in 1840.

Alexander Douglas, who was a planter and wagon builder, had the home constructed in 1840 along Colonial lines by Jedidiah Coulter a young contractor who had been constructing fine homes of the same style throughout Chester County, South Carolina prior to taking on the job of building “Albion”.  Mr. Coulter’s signature palmetto leaf design and flowering tulip are unique to his designs.  Most of the lumber was to be provided by the owner.  

This imposing structure is located on an elevated site at the head of a tree-lined, gated entryway with an original Winnsboro Blue Granite horse block/carriage step still in place along with many Blue Granite fence posts around the property and is also complemented by an old timber/log barn which was the original residence. 

With entrances on all four sides the home is fronted by a two-story piazza supported by ten large columns and enclosed with picketed banisters; the entire second floor is covered by a gabled roof that extends over the upper piazza and is topped by a beautiful gabled dormer; two of the side porches are roofed as well.

The spacious interior is graced by original hardwood floors, elegant mantels over the eight fireplaces, fanlights, tall windows, rosettes, cornices and moldings, all period authentic.  The first floor consists of a large eat in kitchen with mudroom, formal dining room, large parlor/library (with back stairway), formal living room, bedroom and private bathroom which could be used as a first floor master or as an in-law or guest suite.

The second floor is reached from the front hall by a winding three story staircase (including third floor attic and storage access) and includes a large master suite and two large bedrooms with a shared bath and extensive back hall storage cabinets. Kitchen and bathrooms updated without damaging the character and authenticity of the home.

 If privacy is what you seek, “Albion” is secluded, peaceful and well separated from neighbors.  The property is offered “As Is” but due diligence inspections are welcome and anticipated.  Although the family has not occupied the property full time for several years, the home has seen use as a vacation home and for entertaining.  As a result, the property has been maintained as circumstances required over the years.  Some furnishings may be available as well.

A registered Forester has completed a site inspection and is implementing a timber management plan encompassing the site’s five distinct stands of differing  timber types so as to generate periodic cash flow from timber operations, beginning September, 2021.

The location is handy to historic Winnsboro for shopping, medical, schools both public and private and to I-77 which makes it convenient to both Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC.  Water recreation is readily available with Lake Monticello to the west and Lake Wateree to the East on the Fairfield County borders.  This piece of South Carolina history awaits its new owners, ready to create more family traditions!