A historic Georgetown inn offers privacy and an easy path to stillness.
In a world dominated by social media, buzzing group chats and a constant sense of forward motion, quiet can feel elusive. Sometimes the most restorative thing you can do is step outside, soak up the sun and let the ambient sounds of nature wash over you. Wicklow Hall makes slipping into that slower rhythm feel effortless.
Located in Georgetown, South Carolina, about an hour north of Charleston, the historic Lowcountry retreat has an intentional sense of calm. Originally built in the 1800s, the estate now operates as an intimate inn run by husband and- wife team David and Judith Rinella. Guests can book one of five rooms and suites in the main house or choose from several private cottages, cabins and bungalows scattered across the 11-acre property. Though the accommodations sit close enough to feel cohesive, they’re thoughtfully arranged to preserve a sense of privacy.
My family stayed in the Cottage, a charming yet luxurious 3.5-bedroom retreat complete with a fireplace and hot tub. In the mornings, sunlight poured through the windows before we wandered beneath moss draped trees to the main house to pick up breakfast. Inside, we passed under Egyptian archways, taking in the hand-painted mural along the way. Breakfast arrived pre-ordered in a wicker basket—perfect for lingering on the covered porch or picnicking in the gazebo. Fresh squeezed orange juice, lemon ricotta pancakes and granola parfaits set the tone for the day. Afterward, we explored the grounds. While the resident pond alligators remained elusive, we spotted butterflies, dragonflies, cats and squirrels darting through the landscape.
From there, we set off for even more open space on Pawleys Island, an easy 35-minute drive past farms and historic plantations. The day was spent collecting shells along the wide shoreline and wading through tide pools, with a casual lunch stop at nearby Whiskey Moon Cafe & Coffee Room. The friendly service and eclectic decor made it a comfortable pause before returning to the beach.
That evening, after rinsing off the salt and sand, we headed to Georgetown’s Harborwalk, about 20 minutes from Wicklow Hall. South Carolina’s third-oldest city after Charleston and Beaufort, Georgetown developed as a mill town along the Sampit River. Today, a four-block wooden walkway traces the waterfront, lined with restaurants and bars where live music drifts through the air and diners linger in the coastal breeze.
We had dinner at The Independent, a polished seafood restaurant inside The George Hotel. Operated by The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, the team behind Atlanta’s O-Ku, it serves refined Lowcountry fare. We started with decadent she-crab soup and deeply satisfying grilled broccolini dressed in sweet pepper butter, pickled vegetables and a peanut-benne crumb. I went with the crab cake, paired with tender Sea Island peas, which felt just right for the setting. Dessert brought the restaurant’s playful “Mile High” key lime pie, a smooth cylinder of key lime filling and graham cracker crust topped with sea-salt meringue. The kids couldn’t decide what delighted them more: the tangy sweetness or the pie’s unmistakable wobble.
After another sound night’s sleep, we said goodbye to the Rinellas and headed into town for one final stroll.
Later, friends asked the inevitable questions: “How was your trip? What did you do?” The answer came easily: “We relaxed.”
WICKLOW HALL
843.765.2818
wicklowhall.com
@wicklowhall
