16 Meeting Street is one of the grandest Victorian mansions in Charleston and was built in 1876 for approximately $200,000 by George Walton Williams, a successful merchant, wholesale grocer, blockade runner, and banker. The house became known as the Calhoun Mansion because one of the Williams' daughters married Patrick Calhoun, the grandson of John C. Calhoun, U.S. Senator, Vice President of the United States, and Secretary of State.

Williams amassed his fortune before, during, and after the Civil War (he was smart not to have invested the majority of his money in Confederate bonds). After the Civil War, Williams used part of his wealth to open a bank; in 1875, he purchased the building at 1 Broad Street and founded Carolina Savings Bank there. A year later, he constructed what continues to be known as the largest single-family residence in downtown Charleston. The showplace at 16 Meeting Street boasts 24,000 square feet with 35 rooms, 35 fireplaces, 14-foot ceilings, and a skylight in the ballroom. Some of the lighting fixtures were created, and possibly installed, by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

After Williams' death, Patrick Calhoun and his family lived at 16 Meeting until Calhoun's financial devastation in the stock market crash of October 1929. The house was sold at auction to satisfy Calhoun's debts. Nevertheless, the name "Calhoun Mansion" survived through various subsequent owners. Through the years, the structure steadily declined and the house was condemned by the city in 1972.

In 1976, local attorney Gedney Howe purchased 16 Meeting for $220,000, only $20,000 more than the original cost to build the house in 1876. Howe spent many years and a great deal more money than his initial investment to transform this fixer-upper into one of the most popular museum houses in Charleston. I remember visiting the house not long after it opened, and one of the things that struck me was the painted medallion on the ceiling in the main hall. The artist had painted four portraits in the medallion: one of Howe, his wife, the artist, and the artist's wife.

The Calhoun Mansion came under new ownership several years ago when a wealthy family was searching for a house large enough to house their extensive collection of art, artifacts, and antiques ( the painted ceiling subsequently disappeared). There is an entry fee, but if you're interested in grand homes of the Victorian era, the Calhoun Mansion is a must. Several months ago I had a private tour, with a private car and driver, for an 89-year-old artist from Switzerland. Having survived two hip operations and a knee replacement, she was not really mobile, but she was determined to tour this house. The docent and staff could not have been kinder to us, making sure she was comfortable and even allowing her to use the vintage elevator so she could see the second floor. She was absolutely enthralled with the house and with the collections.

As a licensed guide, I also had the privilege of attending the annual Christmas drop-in two weeks ago. It was a special treat to visit the house as an invited guest. The Calhoun Mansion certainly provided a feast, bringing to mind the abundance of the Lowcountry with ribs, chicken, crab, shrimp, fish, various sides, and a separate table just for desserts. It was truly a grand Christmas celebration in a grand Charleston house!

Next week, we will continue our tour of grand Charleston houses.