Reviews of Robert Mills House and Gardens. (Museum) in Columbia (South Carolina).

Robert Mills House and Gardens

226 Reviews

125 Comments

Museum

Historical place museum

1616 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States

Description

Information of Robert Mills House and Gardens, Museum in Columbia (South Carolina)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of Robert Mills House and Gardens

Reviews of Robert Mills House and Gardens

Kyle

Great history in this house. Our tour guide Amber was very knowledgeable about the house, grounds and items inside the house.

JitkaKac

We have only observed the gardens. Peaceful and well maintained! There's a little maze behind the house. Don't get distracted by the ugly radio tower nearby 😉 …

Sara Beth Wade

I toured all four of the Historic Columbia houses, and I started with the Robert Mills house, though the Hampton Preston across the street is my favorite of all four. Robert Mills is my next favorite - fantastically restored and preserved, and I love how they have it all set up - especially down stairs in the kitchen, with biscuit flour and a cracked egg on the floor (all pretend, of course.) There's a beautiful symmetry and curves to Mill's work (he's the architect, no one family actually lived there in the end, though it was used for other things.) I love the curved front hall and rooms. I think the tours pre-covid were more guided. The guides told me that they were supposed to stand in the hall while visitors read the plaques, but most of them couldn't help themselves and stood in the door and told me all about everything anyway. Plus, I was the only person on three out of the four tours I took, so I think they were generally more casual. Also, you get a discount the more tours you take - they came to recognize me over the week I visited, so I paid anywhere from $7-10 for each of my tours. EDIT - don't sleep on the monthly garden tours, they are really informative and interesting!

Lindsay B

Interesting property to explore and learn about the local history of Columbia. We did not go inside but the grounds offered plenty of information and interest for about 1.5 hours of fun.

peter stalinescu

One of the highlights of visiting Columbia South Carolina. The house has a rich history involving Robert Mills, the architect of the house and most famous for designing the Washington monument. The guide was very informative and always asked if we had questions. Great Costomer service all around. The price for a guided tour is $10 a person and well worth it.

Vernon Fowler II

I had an amazing time at the Columbia Food and Wine Festival this year!

Andrew Syiek

This handsome, historic house and museum at 1616 Blanding Street in Columbia, South Carolina was built in 1823, preserved by the Historic Columbia Foundation and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It was designed by South Carolina native architect Robert Mills, notable for not just one but two Washington monuments. Tours are offered regularly, providing insight into the history of the building and grounds reflecting the symmetrical Early Republic, Federalist architectural style. The backyard formal garden is a beautiful highlight of the visit, mirroring the graceful elegance of the antebellum era.

Suzanne Miladin

Very beautiful house! Classic example of architecture from famous architect, Robert Mills. He believes in absolute balance of features even if it meant adding a door with just bricks behind it! My tour guide, Margie, was excellent! The gardens are also spectacular! The roses in particular are thoughtfully chosen. Old roses from that time period that flourish in a warm climate; noisettes, chinas, teas. Some were classics like Old Blush and some were rare and unique. Altogether, an amazing experience!

Linda Nichols

Lovely grounds and buildings, beautiful interior. Our guide was very knowledgeable and charming.

Cheryl Rose

Great place for the family! Great tour guides! We took my family who is down from Omaha, Nebraska and they loved it! Thank you again...

Jill K

Absolutely worth the time to tour this historic landmark when you come to Columbia, SC. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and friendly.

Ash Jones

Of the historical houses I've visited, this one is one of the most nicely maintained interiors. Our guided tour took roughly an hour which was just right.

Yolanda Austin

The Easter Extravaganza was Awesome. My family and I enjoyed the fun and games and meeting the mayor and his beautiful wife the judge. We also enjoyed the snacks the vendors gave out. Overall great day this was our first time visiting and since this was their 9th annual celebration. We plan on making it next year.

Pam Ninness

Fascinating! Robert Mills was a famous architect. He built this home though no one ever lived in it. Mills designed the Washington Monument. This house gives you a feel of life in the south in the early 1800's.

Lucas Baumbach

One can find great deals on a stay at the Mills House, located in the heart of old Charleston. When you count the cost of staying elsewhere and the accessibility of this historical establishment, there's little reason to stay elsewhere. We especially enjoyed visiting with friends on the outside patio at night. A very safe and beautiful location too.

Bee

Christmas tour...would loved to have seen more of the houses. We only saw the downstairs.

Emily Paige

Robert Mills House has a lot of history and the gardens are beautiful. A great place to visit.

Scott Jones

Site visit today for an upcoming rehearsal dinner ! Thanks to Shelby for being so great !! We (American Floral) LOVE working here !!

Jessica Watkins

I attended a wine and food festival here and the venue was amazing! The grounds were very well maintained. I wish parking options were more clearly communicated but that is on the event organizers.

Kenneth Brown

An 1820s neo classical style home, centered with the City of Columbia SC! Beautiful!

Vanessa Traylor

Really fun seeing the homes decorated at Christmas! The tours were very focused on race and pointing out the differences between enslaved people and the white people. I had to explain to my children after a field trip why the tour guide kept referring to Robert Mills and Preston Hampton and others as “The White People”. We talked about how that isn’t very kind to refer to people by their skin color and not their names and how we don’t call enslaved people “the black people”. There must be a way to balance the horrors of slavery that actually occurred with history and also not punish people today by referring to something that cannot be helped “the color of their skin”. They had fun historical games the children enjoyed at the end. My children really thought it was a neat field trip overall.

Elena Montoya

Attended a wedding here outside. Nice grounds but lacking in facilities for an event. House is beautiful as are the gardens.

Tina Marie Devlin

The Oyster Fest was here in 2021 and it was a perfect spot. Lots of space for adults and children to play and roam. Oysters were great and loved all the food trucks available.

Maddy Eccles

We visited for $1 Sunday and got to tour the River Mills House! Our tour guide was very nice and informative!

ASHLEY BURT

Cute little place near the Township. Small garden with gravel lined walking path. Small indoor brick built venue with great catering and bar service. Very intimate and would absolutely go to an event here again.

Grace Yvonne Stevenson

The oyster festival is my favorite! I'm sure it would be good for weddings or any kind of concert or event. Room for everything, private spaces, old houses, central location.

Debi Visi

Went to the Native Plant Sale held here. Lots of beautiful plants available to buy. Very helpful, informative gardners willing to share information and tips to grow healthy plants.

Nadine Johnson

We are members of Historic Columbia and have visited the Robert Mills home on several occasions. The lecture we had w last time was very informative. The site is immaculate and definitely reflective of a stately home with period furniture. Last summer I gave 8 passes to a group of friends while they were visiting Columbia. They were very impressed.

Paul Hu

Well preserved historic houses and gardens.

Reyhan Miller

Went for the holiday tour which includes Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion. The holiday tours include the history of celebrating the holiday season in the Southern United States from the 1820s through the mid-Victorian Era (1850s). Both homes are decorated in the style of their respective time periods, although, the tours do not include the regular full home tours. To experience the entire tour including upper levels of the residences, plan to come back after the holiday season. I especially enjoyed the history of how celebrating the New Year holiday led to observing Christmas and exchanging gifts. For example, did you know that Christmas decorations that we use today are inspired by natural decorations brought in from a home's garden mixed with exotic fruits? I also appreciated how Historic Columbia integrated experiences of enslaved people at these and similar Southern properties. Learn these facts and more by participating in a holiday tour at the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion!

William Mancke

Amazing history in downtown Columbia. This place is awesome for a brief visit or for a few hours. The guides are excellent. Add to that the fact that there are tons of events that happen on the grounds and the Robert Mills House is well worth a visit.

Robert M (RobertM)

There's not that much to see. It works if you need to kill time for an hour or so. The gift store is small. Gardens are nice, with good seating areas, but they need better maintenance.

Phillip Johnston

Oh snap, the day I went to see this historic home it was closed. I'm giving it 5 stars since the grounds were open to the public. I felt like a looky Lou peeking in the windows, but it fueled the imagination of what would possibly be inside. All in all a beautiful historic property and definitely a stop when I'm back in Columbia...when it's open of course.

maria espadas

The mansions are a wonderful place to visit and learn about the history of Columbia. They always have family oriented events and the personal are very cotesious and helpful. Please make the time to visit, you won't regret it.

allan clonts

I have only been here for the columbia food and wine festival but it's so nice

Stephanie Bilovsky

These guys are fabulous at everything they do and the summer camp for kids further emphasized that. My daughter does summer day week camps all summer and has for years and this is the best we've ever seen. Super creative ideas and soo much fun in a beautifull setting. Not just a few activities and lots of freetime. Here the play is educational activities but such fun and great ones. Plus the counselors are fantastic... Laid back but organized. Highly highly recommend. Can't wait for next year!

ELLEN MARCUM (EllenMarcumRealtor)

Emily, our guide, was wonderful!

ERIC VALIANTE

Tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable. House was beautiful for not having ever been lived in. Must see for all including historians like yours truly.

Amy Schwartz

Steven was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and made the tour enjoyable. The home is beautiful ly restored. Robert Mills was ahead of his time

Lydia Nelson

Enjoyed oysters. Wish greater selection! Understand venue doesnt have alot of space but musical acts would've been great also hours. Closed too soon.

Denise B. Howard

Being a Lifelong fan of HISTORICAL Settings, whether its Main Street in Columbia, or touring these Fabulous Homes, and envisioning the simplicity, yet behind the scenes of everyday life, inspired me MANY years ago to join The Historical Society of Columbia. My husband and I own a house in Brevard, NC, and have since 2002. What impressed me most was that they don’t destroy their heritage, the jump through hoops with Building Inspectors to try and preserve as much as possible of the way Brevard “grew up”. Our Historical Society is trying to do the same. There’s so much history in Columbia, that WE ALL need to contribute to preserve our Heritage for future Generations. DBH

Melanie Goff

Beautiful houses and gardens. The tours are very interesting and informative.

Jackie Banton

History at it's best in Columbia, SC. Although recently the docents aren't friendly...and the tour feels prerecorded and not open to questions.

Mary-Annice Heinle

Terrific tour guide and info....

Carl

Beautiful! Very nice tour guide as well. Very friendly and welcoming. Good people, beautiful place.

Sharon Baughman

Keith Mearns, Director of Grounds, gave a wonderful presentation on the plants for each of The Historic Columbia properties.

Angelia McGlothin

Very beautiful house

manndy mckenney

Customer service is amazing! They take the extra steps to make you feel welcomed while you tour history!

Claudia Williams

Great tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable and the home was beautiful.

Jeff Search

Very informative tour. Period-correct Christmas decorations were displayed, which added to the experience.

Leanne Johnson

The grounds are beautiful and well kept, the Historic Columbia event there was informative and fun

Rianna Yates

Had a great tour. We took advantage when it was the $1 monthly choice. Very informative.

Debra Holz

Lovely house and grounds. Art event was very enjoyable.

Melida Kinley

What a fun festival! Everybody please come out and enjoy music,food and crafts. MK Originals November 20th 2016

Lee Wolf

Very beautiful piece of Southern history.

Jan Kelly

Beautiful place to take a walk. Beautiful gardens and house!

Peter Sousa

It was the venue for a wedding reception. Beautiful grounds and a nice place for a reception.

Keith Kidd

Our docent was knowledgable and engaging. The home was a very different look at Mills' work.

CEvents SC

Beautiful historic property. Perfect place to get married or have an event.

Judas Doomsayer

Great place to take a dump in the bushes.

Susan Turner

Went for the native plants sale. Wish I'd been earlier.

Ana Santiago

Wedding day, family and friends enjoy the beautiful place

Angel J

The Phi Beta Sigma Crab Crack was fantabulouZ! 💙🕊

Shane Lewis

Beautiful place for a wedding

Vita Quasus

Bobtailed down here to visit this home. Excellent break, friendly knowledgeable volunteers this place is well worth the visit

Mariah Jeffcoat

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!! Perfect venue space for intimate events

Jill Anelli

Great way to spend the day learning about Columbia and quality time with my mom.

Nancy Johnston

Lots of history great to still be able to see it. Very nicely taken care of.

Sonya Davis-Lewis

Simply beautiful place. Great for weddings or romantic walks

Marcy McCann

Starting point for tours including several hour long tours of very large historic homes.

J J

It was raining but it was still awesome. The guide was very knowledgeable.

Manuel Cabrera

Nice

Allen Davis

We went for the city's Easter egg hunt. It was a pretty good time.

Brian JohnPaoli

Beautiful historic home. A very enjoyable experience!

Emily McClintock

Beautiful! And I learned so much from the staff, I definitely reccommend!

Mike Lewis

The tour was perfect and the kids really learned a lot.

Brad Hubbard

The tour is pretty quick but still nice to go through

Jon 'Dieselz' Smalls

Beautiful landscape

Brian Harmon

One of the most interesting structures in Columbia! Don't miss!

Jason Hall

The tour is very informative and the house is beautiful

tonya Mcclam

Beautiful scenery. Great for pictures.

Swan

Very beautiful with an open atmosphere that is welcoming to everybody.

Teri Pressley

Very nice. Loved the gardens!!

Brian Miles

Well keep grounds. Was here this day because there was a kids festival held here.

Towana Allen

Great place for events outside

Kimberly Cotton

Beautiful Historic Home...a must see!

tye block

Was here for the oyster festival - nice setting.

Kimo Jones

Loved the grounds and experience!

Brianna Oliver

This place was great the service was good the decor was excellent

CHRISTOPHER GUENTHER

Learned a lot about sc history and Robert mills

Grant Beans

Beautiful building with a fascinating history.

Thomas Mullens

Fascinating to history lesson from a first class guide.

Victoria Gowan

Very interesting history. Very knowledgeable guide.

Aaron Moore

Beautiful grounds and friendly staff

Elisha Lewis

The gardens are beautiful.

Elizabeth Aravena

They host fun special events!

Christa N

Interesting history and architecture from the 1800's.

Nytasha Glenn

This place is beautiful in the spring time

Kathleen Stesienko

Beautiful grounds and gardens.

Gale Davenport

Great History. African American community

Joe and Joyous Davis

Ok. Nothing spectacular. A little disappointing.

Terri Kester

Glad they keep it up

Lydia Pappas

Best historic house in Columbia

Mary Putman

Interesting place to visit.

Steve Faulkner

Very informative and interesting !

Josef & Cindy Martin

Nice scarecrows

Alexis Stockard

Fun at the oyster roast

Kimberly Green

Very nice place.

bertram hatt

Lovely!

Bett Horn

Lovely grounds

Neo Vadin

Historical & Beautiful

Raleigh Phillips

Southern hospitality and history

Shitokai CBA

Average

Andrew Bruce

Beautiful Gardens!

Michael Porter

Great place

Matt Russell

Worth the visit

James G

Great history

David Williams

Ok, took the Holiday tour, which evidently is shorter than the regular tour

Richard Delmolino

Jk Smith

Jeff Belcher

Ronnie Nowlin

Drew Heavner

Denise

Meredith Targarona

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