As a Christmas surprise this past year, my in-laws gifted us a night’s stay at Mansfield Plantation, a bed & breakfast located in Georgetown, SC. Also, included in this was a night of babysitting services, so that we could have a day of rest and relaxation, something we haven’t had since our son was born in August.
While Georgetown is only an hour’s drive from Myrtle Beach, its beauty and pure charm offered an ideal spot for a brief getaway. After we enjoyed a leisurely lunch in Pawleys Island, we made our way to Mansfield Plantation, which is located off US 701.
At first, driving down the long dirt road, we thought we were going the wrong way, but eventually, we ventured upon the large cast iron and brick gates and knew we were on the right track. Once the large weeping willows gave way, the main house greeted us and we were reveling in the serene beauty of the area.
Mansfield Plantation was a rice plantation in its heyday, and even now is recognized as ‘one of the most architecturally intact rice plantations in South Carolina’, according to their website. Although the fields were damaged during Hurricane Matthew, the innkeeper told us the family hopes to flood them again this summer, restoring them to their former glory if nature allows.
The Izard Room
We were to stay in the Izard room, part of the Old Kitchen, which was constructed in 1800, separate from the house as a precaution against fire. Our room was one of three that encompass the building that sits right to the main house, overlooking the marsh and swamp area.
The room itself was splendid. Manicured ivy and a wrought iron handrail welcomed us at the door. Inside, a four-poster queen bed with luxurious bedding and aqua toile linens greeted us, offering the rest and relaxation we were seeking. A private bathroom, needlepoint chairs, and beautiful watercolor prints and quaint décor added to its charm. The room was quiet, with only the faintest sounds of nature spilling in through the shutters. In a few words, it was wonderful.
Property & Amenities
Mansfield Plantation offers a lot of great amenities and as a bed and breakfast, it was a wonderful treat for someone to spoil us in the morning with a gourmet meal tailored to our liking.
Swings and benches area scattered throughout the lush countryside for those who like to sit and swing or read. Or if you prefer a more active time, Mansfield offers a collection of bikes, perfect for pedaling around to explore the property.
A fire pit was lit at night, offering a relaxing location for reveling in flickering flames and a glass of wine. The stillness of the dark night was the most welcome, with the soothing sounds of crickets to lull us to sleep.
If you plan to go, and I recommend you do, as we hope to return soon, their website offers a great amount of history and information about the plantation. Or, if you’re like me and love to read, I picked up Christopher C. Boyle’s Mansfield Plantation: A Legacy on the Black River, on the way home and is currently queuing in my ‘to read’ list.