This article, about an abandoned mansion that once existed in the Upstate, is about more than just beautiful photos of nature reclaiming a grand old home. It’s about age-old hindsight of not knowing exactly what you have until it’s gone. You see, there are many abandoned mansions in South Carolina that are demolished after years of sitting empty and suffering from gradual decay. Luckily, we still have plenty of amazing photos of this place to admire; the building may be gone, but the memories remain. It will always be a piece of South Carolina history.
Bon Haven was built in 1884 by John B. Cleveland, a man widely credited for being Spartanburg’s “first citizen.”
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube The unique architecture of this old mansion combined Second Empire with 1920’s Neo-Classical additions. The central exterior tower could have even been likened to that of a castle turret.
It rested at 728 N. Church Street, and it was barely visible from the street due to the overgrowth of plants and foliage on the perimeter of the property.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube It was on private property, though some folks did indeed get a good, up-close, and personal look at it over the years.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, this historic mansion included 6.39 acres in downtown Spartanburg.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube The grounds included this reflection pool that was still stunning even though we know this property hadn’t been thoroughly cared for in years. Was this the only thing that remained of the formal gardens that once graced the property here?
Here’s another wonderful capture of the exterior of this grand home. We’ll look at photos of the inside of abandoned Bon Haven shortly!
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube It’s clear from these exterior shots that this grand property had been empty for quite some time. The crumbling window air conditioner seen at the bottom center of this photo is a good example of old technology at the manor.
Yet, even though it suffered some serious decay, Bon Haven’s architectural elements and finishes were astoundingly attractive.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube The moldings and the colors surrounding this window, for example, were extraordinary.
…and so was this porch railing in matching hues.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube For certain, the exterior details of Bon Haven added to the charm and allure of the old Spartanburg home built by the same man who founded Converse College and opened Spartanburg’s first bank; he also represented Spartanburg County in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
On the rear of this estate, there were several outbuildings.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube Could one of them have been the servant’s quarters or the brick “tea house” listed on the 1976 nomination form presented to the National Register of Historic Places? We don’t know. Maybe. It’s fun to think about!
On the inside, Bon Haven delivered just as much awe-factor as she did on the exterior.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube These photos were captured by YouTube user Southern Accents Architectural Antiques back in 2015. From what we’ve been able to determine, since that time, a salvage firm was hired to dismantle the inside of Bon Haven - a clear and commendable attempt to donate her body parts to another deserving house before she was finally laid to rest.
The main floor featured a modest entryway with a tiled floor and high ceilings. The paneling and doors were constructed from walnut.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube A staircase was located at the end of the central hallway and just beyond the double door. It’s shown in the photo below.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube
There was a brick kitchen located at the back of the house. As you can see, it had been pretty much gutted and the ceiling was crumbling.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube Again, these photos were taken in February of 2015, but they clearly represented Bon Haven in an abandoned state.
Strangely, this bathroom - with its beautiful tiled wall - still looked as if it was ready for the next person in line.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube There was even a new roll of paper tucked in the inset shelf above the sink and below the mirror!
In spite of extensive efforts to save this historic South Carolina mansion, it was demolished to make way for who knows what kind of development.
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube There doesn’t seem to be any records of how many rooms this mansion had, or if there were any estate sales or auctions to clear out the remaining items before its demise. One report said that some of the floors had already been removed as part of the repurposing project.
Hopefully, more history of this South Carolina treasure will become known so that, at the very least, she can live on through documentation.
To see more of Bon Haven, watch the video below from YouTube user Southern Accents Architectural Antiques:
Did you know this historic mansion existed in South Carolina – or that it was demolished? If you have photos or more information about this property, we’d love to hear about it and see your photos in the comments! Have you been to any other abandoned mansions in South Carolina?
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques/YouTube
The unique architecture of this old mansion combined Second Empire with 1920’s Neo-Classical additions. The central exterior tower could have even been likened to that of a castle turret.
It was on private property, though some folks did indeed get a good, up-close, and personal look at it over the years.
The grounds included this reflection pool that was still stunning even though we know this property hadn’t been thoroughly cared for in years. Was this the only thing that remained of the formal gardens that once graced the property here?
It’s clear from these exterior shots that this grand property had been empty for quite some time. The crumbling window air conditioner seen at the bottom center of this photo is a good example of old technology at the manor.
The moldings and the colors surrounding this window, for example, were extraordinary.
For certain, the exterior details of Bon Haven added to the charm and allure of the old Spartanburg home built by the same man who founded Converse College and opened Spartanburg’s first bank; he also represented Spartanburg County in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
Could one of them have been the servant’s quarters or the brick “tea house” listed on the 1976 nomination form presented to the National Register of Historic Places? We don’t know. Maybe. It’s fun to think about!
These photos were captured by YouTube user Southern Accents Architectural Antiques back in 2015. From what we’ve been able to determine, since that time, a salvage firm was hired to dismantle the inside of Bon Haven - a clear and commendable attempt to donate her body parts to another deserving house before she was finally laid to rest.
A staircase was located at the end of the central hallway and just beyond the double door. It’s shown in the photo below.
Again, these photos were taken in February of 2015, but they clearly represented Bon Haven in an abandoned state.
There was even a new roll of paper tucked in the inset shelf above the sink and below the mirror!
There doesn’t seem to be any records of how many rooms this mansion had, or if there were any estate sales or auctions to clear out the remaining items before its demise. One report said that some of the floors had already been removed as part of the repurposing project.
Hopefully, more history of this South Carolina treasure will become known so that, at the very least, she can live on through documentation.
To see more of Bon Haven, watch the video below from YouTube user Southern Accents Architectural Antiques:
For a list of some grand old homes you can still visit in the Palmetto State, here are nine historic South Carolina plantations you can visit or tour!
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Address: 728 N Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29303, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Abandoned Mansion in South Carolina December 06, 2021 Tori Jane Where are some interesting, abandoned places in South Carolina? Some of the most interesting abandoned places in South Carolina include:
The Boynton House Castle Pinckney South Carolina State Mental Asylum Atalaya Castle St. Simons Episcopal Church The Lando Schoolhouse Glendale Mill Abandoned Building M17, Charleston Navy Base
South Carolina is an interesting state no matter what your interests are, but if you’re into abandoned places, well, you’re in luck. South Carolina just happens to be full of ‘em! For example, in Columbia, you’ll find an abandoned insane asylum (seriously!). It was once the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum (they were… less than kind with the names back then), and it was the site of plenty of untold horrors as a product of its time. If abandoned hospitals are indeed your thing, you’ll want to check out the Charleston Naval Hospital in North Charleston, which has been abandoned since 1966. Numerous buildings are still standing, and the entire campus is creepy as all get out. Then there’s the old Charleston City Jail, which was built in 1802 and renovated in 1855. It was officially closed down after many tumultuous years in 1939, and it was used as storage for decades after. For more of our favorite abandoned places in South Carolina, check out this article! What are some genuinely creepy places in South Carolina? Some of the most creepy places in South Carolina include haunted inns, cemeteries, and even some creepy forests. Here are a few supposedly haunted places in SC:
The Pelican Inn Oakwood Cemetery Battery Carriage House Inn The Historic Belmont Inn
South Carolina is one of those states that are just, well, naturally creepy. Between the dramatic landscapes, beautiful plantations (including ones with some dark, dark history), and all the ghost stories, well, South Carolina isn’t the place to be if you’re easily frightened. Some of the creepiest places in South Carolina include the old Pelican Inn, said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who used to work in the kitchen. She appears as a solid apparition that most folks assume is simply a living person, except she’s decked out in garb from the days in which she was… you know… alive. Oakwood Cemetery, in Spartanburg, is also a creepy place in this beautiful state known for being as creepy as it is. There, electronics misbehave, and people have reported hearing disembodied crying, whispers, and being touched by unseen hands. We’ll pass, thanks.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Abandoned Mansion in South Carolina
December 06, 2021
Tori Jane
Where are some interesting, abandoned places in South Carolina? Some of the most interesting abandoned places in South Carolina include:
The Boynton House Castle Pinckney South Carolina State Mental Asylum Atalaya Castle St. Simons Episcopal Church The Lando Schoolhouse Glendale Mill Abandoned Building M17, Charleston Navy Base
South Carolina is an interesting state no matter what your interests are, but if you’re into abandoned places, well, you’re in luck. South Carolina just happens to be full of ‘em! For example, in Columbia, you’ll find an abandoned insane asylum (seriously!). It was once the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum (they were… less than kind with the names back then), and it was the site of plenty of untold horrors as a product of its time. If abandoned hospitals are indeed your thing, you’ll want to check out the Charleston Naval Hospital in North Charleston, which has been abandoned since 1966. Numerous buildings are still standing, and the entire campus is creepy as all get out. Then there’s the old Charleston City Jail, which was built in 1802 and renovated in 1855. It was officially closed down after many tumultuous years in 1939, and it was used as storage for decades after. For more of our favorite abandoned places in South Carolina, check out this article! What are some genuinely creepy places in South Carolina? Some of the most creepy places in South Carolina include haunted inns, cemeteries, and even some creepy forests. Here are a few supposedly haunted places in SC:
The Pelican Inn Oakwood Cemetery Battery Carriage House Inn The Historic Belmont Inn
South Carolina is one of those states that are just, well, naturally creepy. Between the dramatic landscapes, beautiful plantations (including ones with some dark, dark history), and all the ghost stories, well, South Carolina isn’t the place to be if you’re easily frightened. Some of the creepiest places in South Carolina include the old Pelican Inn, said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who used to work in the kitchen. She appears as a solid apparition that most folks assume is simply a living person, except she’s decked out in garb from the days in which she was… you know… alive. Oakwood Cemetery, in Spartanburg, is also a creepy place in this beautiful state known for being as creepy as it is. There, electronics misbehave, and people have reported hearing disembodied crying, whispers, and being touched by unseen hands. We’ll pass, thanks.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Some of the most interesting abandoned places in South Carolina include:
- The Boynton House
- Castle Pinckney
- South Carolina State Mental Asylum
- Atalaya Castle
- St. Simons Episcopal Church
- The Lando Schoolhouse
- Glendale Mill
- Abandoned Building M17, Charleston Navy Base
South Carolina is an interesting state no matter what your interests are, but if you’re into abandoned places, well, you’re in luck. South Carolina just happens to be full of ‘em! For example, in Columbia, you’ll find an abandoned insane asylum (seriously!). It was once the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum (they were… less than kind with the names back then), and it was the site of plenty of untold horrors as a product of its time. If abandoned hospitals are indeed your thing, you’ll want to check out the Charleston Naval Hospital in North Charleston, which has been abandoned since 1966. Numerous buildings are still standing, and the entire campus is creepy as all get out. Then there’s the old Charleston City Jail, which was built in 1802 and renovated in 1855. It was officially closed down after many tumultuous years in 1939, and it was used as storage for decades after. For more of our favorite abandoned places in South Carolina, check out this article!
What are some genuinely creepy places in South Carolina?
Some of the most creepy places in South Carolina include haunted inns, cemeteries, and even some creepy forests. Here are a few supposedly haunted places in SC:
- The Pelican Inn
- Oakwood Cemetery
- Battery Carriage House Inn
- The Historic Belmont Inn
South Carolina is one of those states that are just, well, naturally creepy. Between the dramatic landscapes, beautiful plantations (including ones with some dark, dark history), and all the ghost stories, well, South Carolina isn’t the place to be if you’re easily frightened. Some of the creepiest places in South Carolina include the old Pelican Inn, said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who used to work in the kitchen. She appears as a solid apparition that most folks assume is simply a living person, except she’s decked out in garb from the days in which she was… you know… alive.
Oakwood Cemetery, in Spartanburg, is also a creepy place in this beautiful state known for being as creepy as it is. There, electronics misbehave, and people have reported hearing disembodied crying, whispers, and being touched by unseen hands. We’ll pass, thanks.
