THE MARY SCOTT HOUSE
CIRCA 1813

The Mary Scott House, located in historic Ansonborough, is situated in the heart of Charleston’s attractions. This six-block neighborhood is named after a British naval officer, Admiral Lord Anson. He allegedly won what is now a six city block area in a card game in 1725. Many years later, through the leadership of Historic Charleston Foundation, Ansonborough became the focal point of the first neighborhood rehabilitation program to be established in the United States. About 60 houses were rehabilitated under this extensive outreach program.

Mary Elizabeth Scott was the granddaughter of Daniel Legare, one of Charleston’s earliest developers. She inherited the land on which the present house stands in 1791, possibly as part of a family dowry, although no hard evidence can be found to support this theory. The present structure, completed in 1813, was preceded by a tabby structure. Miss Scott’s house escaped the Great Ansonborough Fire of 1838, and remained in her possession until her death in 1849.
Its next owner was George Locke, a Charleston merchant who purchased the house from Miss Scott’s estate in 1849. He is credited with adding Greek Revival features such as the white marble mantels in the living and dining rooms. Other architectural elements include deep windowsills throughout the entire house, crown molding in many of the 18 rooms, and wainscoting in the dining room.

Post Civil War ownership is quite sketchy. Not much is known about the property until it was acquired by The Historic Charleston Foundation in 1968 as part of the restoration of the Ansonborough neighborhood. In 1988 the house was bought by Dr. and Mrs. Charles Rushing. In 1990 the property was chosen to be the designer showcase home for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League. Some of the wallpapers and window treatments are still in use. In 1997 Catherine and Martin Riccio acquired the property and shared their love of cooking and entertaining with Fantasia’s guests for the next seven years. The floral theme evident throughout the home was their contribution to this historic home. Current owners Sara Ann and Jack Murray are carrying on the tradition of hospitality for which Fantasia is noted. As a native Charlestonian, Jack has many stories to share with guests who visit here as well as information about many of the city’s historic attractions.

Member: The Charleston Bed & Breakfast Association