The John Rutledge House Inn

Charleston, South Carolina, is home to some of the best bed and breakfasts in the country, each with its own unique charm and story behind it. The John Rutledge House Inn is one of these special places, and it’s steeped in history.

Who Was John Rutledge?

John Rutledge was a native South Carolinian who took the prominent stage in local and national politics.

In South Carolina, he served as president from 1776 until 1778 when he resigned due to his refusal to approve changes in the state constitution. He later went on to serve as South Carolina’s first governor, serving from 1779 through 1782 after the South Carolina state constitution changed its executive title from president to governor.

In 1789, Rutledge was appointed as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and left that position in 1795 to return to South Carolina to become chief justice of the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas and Sessions.

Another notable fact about Rutledge is that he was a signer of the United States Constitution.

The John Rutledge House

Rutledge’s Charleston residence is a beautiful three-story Federal-style single house and is a fine example of American colonial architecture. Originally built in 1763, it found new life in 1989 when it became a beautiful bed and breakfast.

Fun Fact: It’s the only home of a signer of the United States Constitution that now serves as both a living national historic landmark as well as an inn.

The Inn Today

Today, the inn is listed among the top 25 historic hotels of America and features 19 guest rooms, each with its own private bath.  There is the main house where John Rutledge and his wife lived along with two carriage houses.  The home has beautiful hardwood floors, guest suites, and a ballroom with a piazza that overlooks Broad Street.

Separating the main house from the carriage houses is a beautiful patio and courtyard.  It’s a great location for unwinding after exploring Charleston.

Guest Rooms

Bedroom options king, queen, two double beds, and grand suites.  All rooms come with an iron and ironing board, hairdryer, robes, refrigerator with bottled water, flat-screen TV and DVD player. And to make for a better night’s sleep, they all have Tempur-Pedic beds.^®

Additional Amenities

In addition to daily housekeeping and turn-down service, there are more extra touches that you won’t find at a regular hotel, like afternoon tea with delicious treats like macarons, sweet tea, and lemonade.

The complimentary breakfast at John Rutledge House Inn is not your typical hotel breakfast. Guests at the inn can choose from deluxe continental or the special of the day. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the ballroom, in the courtyard, or have it delivered to their room.

For adults, there is even complimentary port, sherry, and brandy every evening.

The Concierge Services at John Rutledge House Inn® are second to none.  They are more than happy to help you navigate your way around Charleston, find the best restaurants, and more.  They are like your best friend at the inn.  (When you go, be sure to tell Margo “Hello!” from Jeff and Lynda.)

Location

The John Rutledge House Inn® is located in historic Charleston at 116 Broad Street and is located just steps away from all the best that the city has to offer, including popular King Street.

Nearby Attractions

• King Street – 300 feet
• Heyward-Washington House – 0.3 miles
• The Provost Dungeon – 0.4 miles
• Charleston City Market – 0.5 miles
• Pineapple Fountain – 0.6 miles
• Battery Park – 0.7 miles

About Charming Inns®

Charming Inns® has four inns and one restaurant in their Charleston portfolio. Each inn has its own unique characteristics and charm. In addition to the John Rutledge House Inn®, there are

• Fulton Lane Inn is located at 202 King Street and dates back to 1889 when its earliest building was constructed for the YWCA. A wine and cheese reception welcomes guests every evening at the family-owned hotel.
• Wentworth Mansion is located at 149 Wentworth Street. Once a private home, it was acquired by Charming Inns® in 1997 and converted into a 21-room luxury boutique hotel. It has been named one of the top five hotels in Charleston and one of the top five small luxury hotels in the world.
• Kings Courtyard Inn, located at 198 King Street, is a 41-room inn that occupies one of the city’s oldest buildings dating back to 1853.
• Circa 1886 is located at149 Wentworth Street in the historic carriage house behind Wentworth Mansion. The restaurant serves Lowcountry cuisine and has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in Charleston.

Staying at one of Charming Inn’s boutique hotels is the perfect way to stay when visiting Charleston. Their central location means you can easily walk to all the best restaurants, shops, and attractions. Their historic charm will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

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