[© THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]
By AMY GRIER EDGAR
Tucked away among lush trees on the grounds of the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion, the butter-colored Lace House is one of the few buildings that survived the burning of the city during the Civil War.
The Lace House, named for the intricate black ironwork that graces the front of the building, was built in 1854 by Columbia banker John Caldwell as a wedding gift to his daughter. It served as a rooming house and headquarters for the state branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union before it was purchased by the state in 1968.
These days, the building remains mostly empty. It’s occasionally rented out for wedding receptions or business luncheons, but the state of disrepair makes it slightly distasteful for future brides or businesses.
That’s why Gov. Mark Sanford’s wife, Jenny, with the help of the Governor’s Mansion Foundation, is hoping to raise money to renovate the house to make it more attractive to potential renters.
“This is a beautiful historic home, and we should rent it and have other people enjoy it as much as they can,” Sanford said.
The foundation will hold a high tea and wine party Thursday to raise money for renovations. Sponsors paid $1,000 and guests will pay $50 for a ticket, said foundation spokeswoman Sally Williamson.
Foundation members are hoping to raise between $50,000 and $100,000 to refurbish the house, Williamson said.
The house, with its intricate cornices, arched doors and etched glass, is in need of a face lift. The heavy Victorian drapes and wallpaper are dark and outdated. There were bats in the attic a few years ago and a leaky roof left some walls smeared with mildew. The detailed parquet floor downstairs is scuffed and in need of polish.
Upstairs, several bedrooms are packed with fading antique chairs and sofas. No new furniture is needed to fill the house, but reupholstering is needed, along with some new carpeting and drapes and fresh paint, Sanford said.