Two Meeting Street Inn Charleston Queen Anne Style Architecture
At the prestigious intersection of Meeting and South Battery Streets in Charleston, South Carolina, gracefully positioned at the edge of the picturesque White Point Gardens, stands the magnificent Two Meeting Street Inn. This iconic Queen Anne style mansion, a true gem of Charleston’s architectural heritage, was erected in 1892. It was built as a grand residence for Waring P. Carrington, a prominent jeweler on King Street, and his wife, Martha. Martha was the daughter of George W. Williams, a wealthy and influential banker residing at 16 Meeting Street. Local lore whispers of a lavish wedding gift from Williams to his daughter and son-in-law: a staggering $75,000 placed upon a satin pillow, intended to fund the construction of their marital home. The Carringtons indeed utilized this generous gift to create the stunning edifice that stands today.
The love story of Waring and Martha Carrington is as captivating as the inn itself. It’s said to have been love at first sight for Waring when he first laid eyes on Martha in the late Victorian era. Their union in 1890 was a significant social event, with reports indicating that an astounding 2,500 invitations were dispatched for their wedding ceremony. Even in that era, the corner of Meeting and South Battery was a highly coveted address, and the newlywed Carringtons were determined to establish their life together in this desirable locale, using Martha’s wedding gift to build their dream home.
In a romantic gesture to commemorate their fifth wedding anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Carrington commissioned the renowned Louis Comfort Tiffany to craft two exquisite stained-glass windows for their home. These Tiffany windows were installed at the front of the house, adding an element of artistic sophistication to the already impressive architecture. While somewhat obscured from direct street view, these windows reveal their full splendor from within the inn, casting beautiful, colored light into the interior spaces and adding to the inn’s unique charm and historical significance.
Historic charm and romantic ambiance at Two Meeting Street Inn Charleston
In 1946, a new chapter began for the mansion at 2 Meeting Street when it was acquired by Minnie Spell Carr. A visionary entrepreneur and aunt (and great aunt) to the current proprietors, Mrs. Carr transformed the private residence into a welcoming guesthouse. This guesthouse gradually evolved into the celebrated Two Meeting Street Inn, which has since gained international recognition as a premier destination. It is particularly renowned for romantic escapes, honeymoons, and unforgettable getaways. Today, this cherished historic Charleston Bed and Breakfast remains under family stewardship, owned and lovingly operated by Mrs. Carr’s youngest nephew, Pete Spell, alongside his wife and two daughters. They continue the tradition of warm Southern hospitality and ensure that Two Meeting Street Inn remains a beloved landmark in the heart of historic Charleston, offering guests a unique blend of history, romance, and luxury.
