21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast

21 East Battery, Charleston, South Carolina 29401
Innkeeper(s): Abby Martin and Julie Lucas
  • Summary

    Rich in History and Hospitality

    Steeping in the year 1825 and facing Charleston Harbor, the bed and breakfast prides itself on exceptional hospitality and legendary location.

    21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast sits just behind (and shares the property of) the Edmondston-Alston House, one of the first dwellings constructed along the High Battery facing the harbor, in Charleston, South Carolina. Guests of the bed and breakfast enjoy a complimentary 30-minute tour of the Edmondston-Alston House's public rooms and piazza.

    Located in Charleston's historic district on the famous Charleston Battery, the bed and breakfast is within walking distance of several restaurants, attractions, events and landmarks. The Battery offers views of the harbor and a walkway beside the seawall that brings you to White Point Gardens with dramatic views of Ft. Sumter along the way. There are also several plantations that provide tours in the area as well as a bustling downtown and miles of beautiful beaches nearby.

    Your stay at 21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast is accompanied by a knowledgeable manager, a tour of the Edmondston-Alston House, daily housekeeping services, a private property garden courtyard and off-street parking. Each morning a cooked-to-order, deluxe breakfast prepared by the innkeeper is available and guests are welcome to raid the kitchen, which is stocked with homemade quiche, granola, yogurt and more traditional breakfast items.

  • Introduction

    21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast front

    21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast is a privately owned luxury bed and breakfast nestled within the urban compound of Charleston’s historic 1825 Edmondston-Alston House in South Carolina. The property is one of the first dwellings constructed along the High Battery facing Charleston Harbor. 21 East Battery was built in 1825 during the tenure of the property's first owner, Charles Edmondston.

    Later, in 1838 second-owner Charles Alston extensively remodeled the house adding significant Greek Revival details. The rear dependency originally served as a stable and livery for the wealthy rice planter's fine horses and handsome town carriages. The Quarters once housed the servants who helped make 21 East Battery one of the city's showplaces of style and gracious entertaining. Today, the property once again welcomes visitors to the city where hospitality has always been an art.

    The city's legendary waterfront promenade, known by Charlestonians as "High Battery" is only a few steps away. A stroll along the seawall to beautiful White Point Gardens offers dramatic views of Ft. Sumter and the glistening waters of historic Charleston Harbor. Within easy walking distance are award-winning restaurants, fascinating and important places of interest and the breathtaking church steeples that add to the Holy City's ambiance.

  • Insider's Info

    Travelers are always looking for memorable and relaxing experiences. Let’s discover more through the words of our innkeepers. Many thanks to Abby Martin for sharing her own secrets with BBOnline.com!
    Why do most travelers stay at your inn?

    Location, location, location. That's why most travelers stay with us! 21 East Battery is located on the harbor and is within walking distance to many of Charleston’s best restaurants and activities.

    What are you best known for? What makes your inn unique? What do you love most about your inn?

    21 East Battery is well recognized for its complete customer service and historic appeal. The B&B is located behind the Edmondston-Alston House and includes a tour of this house museum. With views of the harbor from the Carriage House, you receive a stay rich with history and outstanding service.

    If someone has never been to your city, what is the #1 reason to come visit?

    The #1 reason to visit would be the millions of things to do! We have something for everyone.

    What’s the best compliment you have ever received about the inn?

    Guests sincerely appreciate the time and thought that went into building the B&B, and decorating it. The best compliment received would have to be the numerous guests who recognize our outstanding Innkeeper, Julie Lucas. She is the heart and soul of the operation.

    What’s the best kept secret about the area?

    The best kept secret is the fact that while staying with us, it's like your own private residence and courtyard, and you also receive complimentary off-street parking. In Charleston, that is huge.

    If a traveler is staying at your inn for 4 nights, what should he/she do in the area?

    If a traveler was staying multiple nights, we would recommend a full day at Middleton Place, another full day visiting the various plantations in the area, another spending it in downtown Charleston and one more visiting the many miles of beautiful beaches.

    Is there anything within walking distance of your inn?

    21 East Battery Bed & Breakfast is located on the famous Charleston Battery, with views of the water and a walkway that takes you to White Point Gardens. Within walking distance of 21 East Battery B&B are many of the highly acclaimed restaurants, attractions, events and parks that Charleston is known for.

    What is your favorite restaurant/food in the area?

    My favorite restaurant is the Middleton Place Restaurant. Candlelight offers a glimpse of a menu full of sustainable seafood and local offerings, all served with plantation flare.

    Any good area guides/websites that travelers could reference?

    I like to send my guests to the CVB, Charleston Visitors Bureau for events and activities.

    How many rooms does your inn have?

    The B&B offers guests a choice from 3 rooms within two different accommodations.

    Do you accept pets?

    The B&B does not accept pets.

  • History of Charleston

    21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast tree

    As you begin planning your visit to Charleston, South Carolina, there's a lot you'll discover about this city that predates the Revolutionary War. For example, Charleston was named in honor of England's Charles II and sits at the confluence of Ashley and Cooper Rivers. It seems like no matter what period in history, Charleston has always been at the center of it all, from Fort Sumter, where fighting began in the Civil War to having the distinction of constructing the first theater building in America. We've even had our share of pirates! Other things for which Charleston's history is known include religious tolerance, the mystique of southern charm and unrivaled architecture and beauty. Whether it's the destruction of war, the relentlessness of hurricanes or the demands of social change, Charleston has always had the fortitude to come back stronger than before with its gentility and charm perfectly intact.

  • Bed & Breakfast Amenities

    21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast amenities

    This privately-owned bed and breakfast is nestled within the urban compound of Charleston's historic 1825 Edmondston-Alston House, one of the first dwellings constructed along the High Battery facing Charleston Harbor, and guests are immediately greeted with a personal welcome from the knowledgeable manager eager to make their stay a delight. Roomy interiors, with spacious and comfortable living spaces, along with the following amenities are just a few of the amenities available to our guests.

    21 East Battery Amenities

    • Kitchen pre-stocked with homemade quiche, granola, yogurt and other traditional breakfast items
    • Additional deluxe (cooked to order) breakfast available and prepared by the Innkeeper
    • Tour of the Edmondston-Alston House, a house museum of the Middleton Place Foundation
    • Daily housekeeping service
    • Private property garden courtyard
    • Off-street parking
  • Special Events

    21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast trees

    The unique Edmondston-Alston House can host any type of event: cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and/or receptions. The intimate courtyard is an exquisite location for any small ceremony, and the second floor piazza provides a unique reception venue with the brilliant view of the Charleston Harbor. As a Wedding Venue, along with the use of first and second floor piazzas and courtyard, accommodations for two nights in the Carriage House and the Quarters are included.

    21 East Battery Event Space

    • Events are permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
    • Maximum number of persons: 50 / event
    • Rental Fee’s include the use of the Carriage House Brick area and lawn. Both units must be rented in order to accommodate event.

    21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast wine

    Food and Beverage / Equipment Rentals

    • Approved vendors only – Please ask 21 EB Management for approved list
    • 21 EB Management will require a list of vendor delivery/pick-up times 72 hours prior to the event
    • Guest responsible for coordinating/meeting all vendor deliveries/pick-ups
    • Equipment is required to be stacked to the side and not in-view from the street
    • Equipment is required to be picked-up no later than 9:00 a.m. following the event

    Music

    • Amplified music is not permitted
    • On-site 21 EB Manager has authority over volume levels of music
    • Music is not allowed before 10:00 a.m. or after 7:30 p.m.

    Clean-up

    • Rice is not permitted to be tossed on property
    • Bird seed is permitted
    • Flower petals are permitted if removed
    • Guest is responsible for all clean-up associated with the event. Security deposit will be forfeited otherwise

    Parking

    • Private, off-street parking available for two vehicles with Rental Fee
    • Event Parking – Public, street parking only
    • Guests of 21 East Battery – individuals responsible for removing vehicles the day of event from the private parking area

    Deposits

    • Security Deposit $500
    • Refundable upon inspection by 21 EB Management
    • Rental Deposit $500
    • Rental deposit due upon booking the event
    • 50% payment required 3-months prior to event
    • Full payment required 72 hours prior to event
  • Edmondston-Alston House

    21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast building

    History

    The house was built in the late Federal style by Scottish shipping merchant Charles Edmondston at the height of his commercial success. During the Panic of 1837 Edmondston was forced to sell his house. It was purchased by Charles Alston, a member of a well-established Low Country rice-planting dynasty who quickly set about updating the architecture of his house in the Greek Revival style.

    The house has remained in the Alston family since 1838. Despite the ravages of the Civil War, the Earthquake of 1886 and numerous hurricanes, the Alston family pieces remain in place much as they have for over 150 years.

    Tours

    Come join us for a 30 minute tour of the home's public rooms and piazza with a special focus on its Federal and Greek revival design and the vast collection of family silver, decorative arts and furniture.

    Guided tours are offered:

    • Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • Sunday and Monday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

    Hours are subject to change. In-depth tours are also available by appointment only.

    Guests of 21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast also enjoy a complimentary tour of the Edmondston-Alston House museum.

    The house museum is managed by the Middleton Place Foundation, a not-for-profit educational trust.

    Contact

    21 East Battery

    Charleston, SC 29401

    Phone: (843) 722-7171

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