Deep in the heart of Charleston County, nestled along the serene Wando River, lies a hidden gem. Wando Gardens, once a sprawling plantation, whispers tales of a bygone era. Wando Gardens has witnessed centuries of history unfold, from its early days as “Four Men’s Ramble” to its transformation into a luxurious estate.
Before Europeans arrived, Native American tribes, known as the Sewee and the Wando, called this land home. They may have even built a fortified village near the site. In 1696, a vast 1,000-acre grant was awarded to Landgrave Edmund Bellinger, marking the beginning of Wando Gardens’ recorded history. The land changed hands several times. Major Alexander Parris acquired it in 1704. Then in 1712, Captain John Vanderhorst, Joseph Vanderhorst, and Thomas Lynch, whose grandson signed the Declaration of Independence, became its owners.
By 1754, Arnoldus Vanderhorst consolidated the land between Toomer and Wagner Creeks, establishing a substantial holding. Wando Gardens thrived, primarily cultivating cotton and rice. Interestingly, brickmaking also played a significant role in the plantation’s economy. In 1765, 61 enslaved individuals labored on the property. This number increased to around 80 between 1830 and 1837. Twenty slave cabins housed these individuals. Their stories, though largely untold, are an integral part of Wando Gardens’ complex history.
The plantation eventually became known as Lexington. In 1827, it was sold to A.S. Willington, the first editor of the Charleston News and Courier. The Civil War brought significant changes. The main house was left in ruins. The plantation was later purchased by Henrietta Hartford, a remarkable woman who would leave her own mark on Wando Gardens.
Henrietta, the widow of Edward V. Hartford, transformed the property into a luxurious 32-room estate. She planted a grand avenue of oaks. She also added a saltwater swimming pool, tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, stables, a guest house, and servants’ quarters. Her gardens, designed by the renowned Olmsted firm, added to the estate’s beauty. Henrietta’s marriage to Prince Guido Pignatelli in 1937 brought a touch of European royalty to Wando Gardens. Sadly, in 1942, the magnificent house mysteriously burned down.
Today, Wando Gardens forms part of the Dunes West Golf Club. The clubhouse stands on the site of the original house and outbuildings. Though the grand estate is gone, the echoes of its fascinating past remain. As you stand here, imagine the lives lived and the stories whispered within these historic grounds. Wando Gardens stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of this remarkable place.