PRICED REDUCED!! Circa 1853 Cedar Tree Plantation

Own the home of  South Carolina's first Congresswoman - Elizabeth Hawley Gasque Van Exem - "Cedar Tree Plantation". 

Mrs. Van Exem called this one and one-half story 2,900 square foot Antebellum property, known as Cedar Tree Plantation, her home.  Built in 1853 by the Palmer family and set in a very private and secluded area of Ridgeway, SC, Cedar Tree Plantation remained in their family for many years; since their ownership it has belonged to the DesPortes, Burlows, Van Exems and the current owner. 

The property consists of the main house, an 800 square foot two bedroom cottage/guest house, a large barn and various outbuildings all set in 17.17 acres of mature trees, fenced pasture, meadows and many ornamental bushes and rare shrubs (including Cherokee Roses planted over 100 years ago).  In later years Cedar Tree Plantation was also known for its traditional upland bird hunts for pheasant and quail on acres of prime, natural habitat and reopened pasture land. 

The plantation house, with its striking front porch flanked by large columns, contains a first floor master suite with a full bath and sitting room, formal living and dining rooms, music room/library and kitchen.  The first floor is completed by a spacious enclosed back porch that runs the full length of the building and provides the common access to the grounds and outbuildings.  The second floor provides two additional bedrooms, a full bath and attic storage.

The current owner began a program of extensive repairs and refurbishments upon purchasing the property, including foundation work, tree and brush thinning and pruning, new HVAC, new roof, plumbing and wiring updates, significant redecorating and re-establishing the chef’s kitchen with several new stainless steel appliances and relocation of utility connections as necessary.  Most recently, the house has been redecorated and completely furnished with many period antiques, thus bringing it closer to its former appearance and ambience and realizing much of its potential as a historic home.  Be sure to ask about the Italian marble fireplace mantels.  The new kitchen appliances and some of the period antiques are available separate from the sale of the home.    

The barn and cottage/guest house could be restored for active use.  This property is well-priced for this location and the potential it offers!  Located just six minutes from I-77, it is an easy drive to Blythewood, Columbia, SC or Charlotte, NC and only a few hours from either the coast or the mountains.  This offering affords the history buff an opportunity to own a piece of South Carolina history as well as an extremely comfortable life-style in a rural area not too far from the benefits of city life.

Mrs. Van Exem was one of South Carolina’s charming great ladies.  Her first husband, Allard Henry Gasque, was a member of congress until his death just hours after the close of the Seventy-fifth Congress.  His wife, Elizabeth “Bessie” Hawley Gasque, was the first woman elected from South Carolina to serve in congress.  She filled Gasque’s unexpired term, winning in a special election, until January, 1939.  Mrs.Van Exem was known as an author, lecturer, writer, dramatist, patron of the arts and became a master tree farmer.  She remained in the home until her death at 103 in 1989 and was the oldest living U.S. Representative, sitting or former.

For more information on Elizabeth Hawley Gasque Van Exem, South Carolina's first Congresswoman click the link below or contact Sean Schaeffner at 803-718-0909 or info@carolinarealestatecompany.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Hawley_Gasque