Auldbrass Plantation

Hear the word “plantation” and visions of moss-draped trees, dramatic entrances and wide, sweeping verandas come to mind. But famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright had his own vision. In 1939 C. Leigh Stevens, owner 4,000 acres of land amidst the cypress swamps of the Combahee River combined from the Old Combahee, Mount Alexander, Richfield, Charlton and Old Brass plantations in Yemassee, SC, commissioned Wright to design a contemporary, self-sufficient plantation, not just for farming but for entertaining and hunting, too. Wright’s design was centered around a home in harmony with its natural surroundings. Along with a main house and multiple guest cottages and service quarters, he envisioned a complex of outbuildings stables, pavilions and kennels. Plans also included laundry and bath houses for the staff and a swimming pool. The creation of Auldbrass was underway.

Plans and drawings for the project were completed in 1940. In 1941 work was well under way but World War II brought supply shortages, and the work was paused indefinitely. The intervening years saw changes in ownership and changes to Wrights original plans until 1987 when Hollywood producer, Joe Silver purchased the property. Already an owner of a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Los Angeles, Silver was eager to restore the plans to Wright’s original vision and complete the project. He recruited Eric Lloyd Wright, grandson of the designer, to assist with this monumental task. Silver and his team have spent over thirty-five years restoring buildings to their original design, rebuilding destroyed buildings, completing the unbuilt portions of the project and adding structures needed, all staying true to Wright’s concept.

The result is a celebration of geometry and organic inspiration. The main house has brick and cypress wood walls, a copper roof and rainspouts resembling Spanish moss. There is no imposing entrance or imposing driveway leading to the property. The design, aided by the brown and rust hues, blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Go to https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/auldbrass-plantation/ to see photos of Auldbrass Plantation.

The interior is a tribute to Wright’s vision as well. Silver’s purchase of the property included not only the blueprints, but furniture designs and drawings.

Less than an hour from Hilton Head Island, SC, a trip to Yemassee, SC and Auldbrass is a delightful way to spend a beautiful Lowcountry afternoon. Auldbrass is on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Beaufort County Open Land Trust. Privately owned, Auldbrass is rarely opened to the public. The Beaufort Open Land Trust allows tours for just one weekend every two years. Check out https://openlandtrust.org/ for more information.