William H. Gist House, U.S. Route 176, Union

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS SC,44-UNI.V,1-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

From research compiled by the History Section of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION A. General Statement: 1. Architectural Character: This building is rather large and elegant considering its era and location in the up-country. The building is often referred to as Rose Hill stemming from the belief that William and Mary Gist had over one hundred WILLIAM H, GIST HOUSE HABS No. SO390 (3} types of roses in their gardens. The house is located on a gently rising knoll and is almost completely shaded in the front by Magnolia trees. The gardens and house are surrounded in the front by brick retaining walls with cast iron fencing. B. Description of Exterior: 1. This Federal style, plantation home is about 50 feet long, 36 feet wide.

It is three stories high including the attic. 2. Foundations: Brick and stone. 3. Wall construction: Six to seven layers of brick covered with stucco. M-. Porches: Double tier porticos, front and back. 5. Chimneys: Two chimneys on each side with a fireplace in each room of the first and second floor. - 6. Openings: a. Doorways and doors: The main entrances are recessed with a semielliptical arch characterized by a fanlight and pilasters. The doors are seven panel. Other entrances are of plain transom design with Cross and Bible doors. b. Windows: Double sash, six-over-six recessed window openings with shutters. C. Description of Interior: 1. Floor Plans a. First Floor: The main entrance opens into a large vestibule and leads directly to the staircase.

To the left is the parlor which leads back to a bedroom. To the right is the dining room which leads back to a bedroom. b. Second Floor: To the left are two bedrooms and to the right is the ballroom. The ballroom has a semipermanent partition, which closes off a bedroom, and was removed for special occasions. Adjacent to the ballroom is a trunk room. c. Attic: Extends over the main part only. WILLIAM GIST HOUSE HABS No. (4) 2. Staircase: Spiral staircase leading to the second floor, but it is angular leading to the attic. 3. Walls: Painted plaster. M-. Trim and Color: Chair rail, baseboard and cornices through- out, originally stained, now painted white. 5. Flooring: Narrow hardwood floors.