The tree-sheltered streets of Charleston’s prestigious South of Broad neighborhood are wrapped in romance, and at the very heart of the area’s narrative is the charming Two Meeting Street Inn.
The history of the enchanting white house that stands on the coveted corner of Meeting Street and South Battery begins with a love story. Back in the late 1800s, Charleston jeweler Waring Carrington met and married the lovely, young Martha Williams. The delighted father of the bride bestowed an incredibly generous gift: a check for $75,000 to be used for the newlyweds’ first home. The stunning Queen Anne–style house they built in 1892 now welcomes guests as Two Meeting Street Inn, a bed-and-breakfast.
It’s now owned by Pete Spell and his family, who try to make every stay memorable and relaxing. “When you stay with us, it’s the quintessential Southern experience,” says Pete’s daughter, Karen Spell Shaw. An arched veranda welcomes guests to the inn. Nine beautifully appointed rooms feature hardwood floors, sky-high ceilings, and antique furnishings.
Windows frame the views of live oaks, as well as neighboring historical houses dating to the 1700s and 1800s. When it comes to dining, the inn is up to Charleston’s high standards, including a gourmet breakfast and an afternoon Lowcountry tea. The perfect flourish to a day in this refined Southern town? Evening sherry on the veranda as the sun sets over the water.
But the Two Meeting Street experience begins long before guests arrive. The staff talks with visitors in advance about their interests, and then will help plan their itinerary down to the last detail, even booking tours and making dinner reservations. “One of my favorite parts of the business is introducing everyone to our wonderful city and sharing its secrets so that guests can get the most out of their visit,” says Karen.
