Middleton Place
4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414



Middleton Place is one of Charleston's most iconic historic landmarks, with a history dating back to 1741. Situated along the Ashley River, the estate is best known for its gardens, recognized as America's oldest landscaped gardens still open to the public. Inspired by the formal gardens of Europe, the grounds feature terraces, garden rooms, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, seasonal blooms, and the Butterfly Lakes, which were designed to resemble the wings of a butterfly when viewed from above.
Nearly 300 years later, Middleton Place remains one of Charleston's best-known historic estates. Much of the garden still follows its original 18th-century design, giving visitors a chance to experience the landscape much as it was first imagined. Today, the estate is a National Historic Landmark and continues to welcome visitors from around the world.
One of our favorite Middleton Place traditions is its Southdown sheep, who greet guests during cocktail hour and have become a favorite among visitors. Between the live oaks, views of the Ashley River, and the historic gardens, it's easy to see why Middleton Place has remained one of Charleston's most visited landmarks.