Heyward-Washington House

The Heyward-Washington House (87 Church St., 843/722-0354, www.charlestonmuseum.org [1], Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 1–5 p.m., $10 adults, $5 children, combo tickets to Charleston Museum [2] and Manigault House [3] available) takes the regional practice of naming a historic home for the two most significant names in its pedigree to its logical extreme.

Built in 1772 by the father of Declaration of Independence signer Thomas Heyward Jr., the house also hosted George Washington himself during the president’s visit to Charleston [4] in 1791. It’s now owned and operated by the Charleston Museum.

The main attraction at the Heyward-Washington House is its masterful woodwork, exemplified by the cabinetry of legendary Charleston carpenter Thomas Elfe. You’ll see his work all over the house from the mantles to a Chippendale chair. Look for his signature of a figure eight with four diamonds.