An exclusive look into one of the most historic homes in Summerville, SC and a restoration that has had the town talking for years.
Bruce Hippel Brings an Ancient Art to Modern Times
By Susan Frampton
55
Along the Ashley
There are natural and historic wonders to be found in the parks nestled on the banks of the Ashley River.
By Eliza Chapman Bailey
60
Southern Painter
Translating commonplacetheinto the extraordinary through his work, Lowcountry painter, McCulloughWilliam has much to teach us about seeing the light.
By Eliza Chapman Bailey
The Porch, William McCullough, 1994
"Here comes the sun."
~The Beatles
Letting the Light In
Summer is upon us and I'm here for it! While many of my neighbors are planning their "escape the heat" itinerary, I'm basking in the glow of the season (with a little sunscreen, of course!). I'm ready to indulge in the ease and magic of summer as the heat rises and beckons us to slow down and truly appreciate the joys found in the small summer indulgences of a good book by the pool, that first bite of a summer vine-ripened tomato, an ice cream run with the kids (for me the first cone of the season is always vanilla with rainbow sprinkles), and warm nights spent staying up just a bit later sharing stories and watching the lightening bugs dance.
It has been an absolute pleasure watching our beautiful summer issue take shape. One of the greatest joys for me was discovering the work of southern painter, William McCullough. Once you start looking at his paintings it's hard to stop. They bring you in immediately and invite you to stay a while and appreciate the beauty of the ordinary scenes of life all around us that are somehow magically illuminated by his brush strokes into something...extraordinary. Personally, it has been an absolute pleasure to call his daughter, Currie, a dear friend and I thank her for graciously sharing his work with us.
I am also incredibly grateful to Pete Knight for inviting us into his breathtakingly beautiful home or as Pete calls it, his "200 year investment." It is not just a restoration and rennovation it is truly a labor of love that not only honors the history of the home but is infused with a staying power all its own. I'm excited to share it with you.
And I'm excited to announce that we are working on a sister publication and special AZALEA Homes edition focusing on both the heritage of our area's historic homes and the innovation of our budding communities. Stay tuned friends!
So let's welcome the sun and invite its light to illuminate the beauty found in a simple, sweet summertime.
Jenna Lachenman Owner /Editor in Chief
BEAUTIFULLY MODERN. NATURALLY HISTORIC.
Welcome to The Inn at Middleton Place, where nature’s wonders and American history unfold before your eyes. The Inn at Middleton Place is an architectural masterpiece intentionally designed to blend seamlessly within its natural environment. It immerses you in stunning surroundings and ignites your curiosity with the vibrant, raw, and human stories of those who lived here. For those looking for peace and discovery, an adventure, or a quiet retreat, the Inn is just a short drive from historic downtown Charleston. Come watch the sunset on the Ashley River, discover the beauty hidden throughout America’s oldest landscaped gardens, ride horses through the morning mist, indulge in the rich flavors of traditional Lowcountry cuisine and watch the fireflies dance at the woods’ edge. Be our guest and join us as we forge a path to the next chapter of American history.
SUSAN FRAMPTON
Writer
Susan Frampton began her second act as a writer over a decade ago. The fascinating people and places she has gotten to know along the way make her appear far more interesting and a much better party guest. She is currently living the dream with husband Lewis, who is mortified by the (true) stories she tells of his adventures, but grateful that she takes first aid supplies everywhere.
ELLEN HYATT Poet
Hyatt’s writing has garnered recognition from professional, literary, and mainstream sources. Her works have twice been the recipient of what the Poetry Society of SC refers to as “the big one” (the Dubose & Dorothy Heyward Society Prize). She is a Fellow of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project, professor, columnist, and appointee to the Board of Governors of the SC Academy of Authors.
TARA BAILEY
Writer
Tara Bailey is married with three (mostly) grown daughters. When she is not teaching English, she can be found somewhere outside. She loves exploring the local landscape, nurturing native plants and wildlife, riding her bike, and playing ball with her dog. She has even gotten her husband in the habit of counting bird species in their yard.
ELIZA
CHAPMAN BAILEY Writer
A Lowcountry Native, Eliza grew up in Summerville and Mt. Pleasant. She currently resides in Summerville with her husband, two children, three dogs and two cats. An Elementary School Media Specialist in N.Charleston, Eliza has a BS in Political Science from the College of Charleston, and a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of SC.
JANE REILLY MOUNT
Writer
Jane Reilly Mount is a magazine editor and writer; she is a former New York Post columnist. Jane lives in Aiken, SC, with her husband, chickens and horses.
Will and Diana Thompson met while in college at Clemson University and married in 2003. They are parents to three children (Wyatt, Ruthie, and Seth). They have years of experience serving and encouraging others. In their spare time, you can find them supporting their kids at the dance studio, the ball field, or going for a run in Summerville.
BIANKA LAMB Photographer
Bianka Lamb, a visionary photographer born in Canada, studied Photography at Trident Technical College. She currently resides in Summerville with her Husband, two cats and two dogs. With each click of the shutter, her passion for storytelling through imagery has led her on a journey of exploration and creativity.
WILL & DIANA THOMPSON Writers
Dig into the sweetness of summer.
Q&A
In Season
Jessica Walton ~ Coastal Produce Market
Summerville, SC
With the arrival of summer, the produce stand beckons and entices with juicy tomatoes and peaches, ripe melons, seasonal squash and well, you might as well pick up some boiled peanuts while you're there. For over 30 years, family owned Coastal Produce Market has served the Summerville, SC community and third generation and Summerville native, Jessica Walton, would have it no other way. We caught up with her at the market where she can be found personally greeting the customers who have become like family over the years. Carrying on a long-standing tradition of customer service inspired by her parents and grandparents, Jessica's smile and passion for her family's business is immediately engaging and infectious. How sweet it is!
What is your favorite thing about living in the Lowcountry?
I've lived in Summerville for forty-two years and I love it. I can honestly say there is no place else I would rather be.
What was your favorite thing about growing up in the Lowcountry?
Just being outdoors all the time. Growing up we played outside, rode our bikes everywhere and were out all day. I guess that's what you did before cell phoneswe were catching lightening bugs.
What is your dream job?
This is it!
Is there a motto you life by?
I always try to treat people right. You never know what someone is going through. A lot of people come through here and you develop relationships. We have customers that are like family.
What are you a fan of?
My family. Family is so important to me.
Do you have a favorite hobby?
I love watching our son play ball. We travel across the state to watch his games. I'll be sad when the season is over.
The Sweet Life Jessica Walton is the third generation to manage this local market that has been serving the Summerville community for over 30 years.
What is your dream vacation? Probably a trip with my family to an island - some place tropical.
What is your fondest memory of growing up in the Lowcountry? I remember being here, helping my father and my grandfather when I was a little girl. Watching my dad, how he treated people and helped people, how he served and always with a smile. Those are the memories that have impacted me the most. My parents are a big influence on my life.
Do you have a favorite fruit or vegetable at the market?
This time of year, I'd have to say tomatoes. My dad used to call our tomatoes "come back tomatoes" because once you try them, you'll be back!
What's your favorite way to eat them?
I love to make just a simple tomato sandwich - nothing but Derst's Good Old Fashioned Bread, fresh tomatoes, Duke's mayo, and salt and pepper!
Malcom Melfi
Cairn Terrier Age: Six
Hometown: Summerville, SC
"Every morning he wakes up and goes outside to bark, letting the world know he is alive."
Malcolm Melfi is a six year old cairn terrier who lives in Summerville with his mom, Laura.
An adventurer and lover of any water activity, Malcom is definitely a Lowcountry pup.
You name it, he's game: paddleboarding, boating, swimming and just taking a run on the beach.
He also likes to chase balls and the ocassional squirrel.
Indoors he can be found playing with his favorite toy, a stuffed Monkey twice his size, or begging for his favorite food, chicken.
According to his mom, Malcom is always ready to sieze the day, "Every morning he wakes up and goes outside to bark letting the world know he is alive." AM
The Dog Days of Summer (Top to Bottom): Poised like a pro on the paddle board, Deck Dogging
visitsummer ville.com
SETTING THE SCENE
Taking life outside is among the most restorative r ituals we can give ourselves. Gathering together in nature, typically over food and drink, fosters a kind of intimacy and connection unique fr om any other setting.
Summerville interior designer, Lissette DelVecchio, curates a selection of tabletop items from local shops in and around Charl eston to set the scene for an effortlessly chic summer gathering fosteri ng that connection to nature and one another, and doing so in style.
Canton Collection Cooler Bucket $150 Rhodes Boutique, West Ashley rhodesboutique.com
1. Isabella Acrylic Pitcher $54 and 5. Provence Rattan Gathering Basket $195 Juliska Flagship, Downtown Charleston www.juliska.com | 2. Haint Blue Citronella 9oz Soy Candle Tin $28 available at The French Mercantile, Summerville www.frenchmercantile.com and Charleston Candle Co., Downtown Charleston charlestoncandleco.com | 3. The Cheese Board Deck $20 Simple to Sublime, Nexton Square - Summerville simplesublime.com | 4. Ani Rechargeable LED Lamp $138 Iola Modern, North Charleston iolamodern.com | 6. Caitlin Wilson French Blue/White Round Mod Charcuterie Board $140 etuHOME etuhome.com | 7. Bamboo Wrapped Bootle Opener $13 and 8. Marra Lantern Sm. $96, Lg. $163 Megan Molten, Mount Pleasant meganmoltenshop.com With classic blue and white palettes, natural textures, and practical materials that don’t compromise on style, these pieces are sure to elevate your outdoor gathering experience.
photo by Kyle J Caldwell
By Eliza Chapman Bailey
Photography by Jenna Lachenman
Environmental and health-conscious consumers read labels to identify products' origins. Certified organic produce is pesticide-free and grown without artificial fertilizer. Green produce has no specific standards but does not damage people or the ecosystem. It is difficult for products to be 100% green because, let’s face it, manufacturing, transportation, and packaging all impact the environment. During the pandemic, interruptions in the food supply chain challenged consumer choices and exposed more people to food insecurity.
In 2020, the Harsta family, owners of Hardee Greens (Roel, Jennifer, and their sons Eric, Chase, and Logan), discovered, "It ain’t easy being (or eating) green.” Passionate to see the region become healthier, sustainable, and independent of outsourced and imported foods, they researched viable alternatives to food production. Roel, a business owner-engineer specializing in process controls/automation, found the technology-supported aspects of vertical farming- growing crops indoors in stacked layers in a controlled environment, fascinating. He pitched the idea of starting a vertical farm to his family. Everyone agreed the time to bring a new form of farming to the area could not be better.
The Harsta’s bought an abandoned church next to the Town of Hardeeville’s Municipal Buildings and Baseball fields, located at 45 Randall Street. The vaulted ceiling and open layout were retrofitted with the technology needed to house 12 vertical acres to grow herbs, microgreens, and lush lettuce without pesticides or herbicides in a controlled environment.
Jennifer reflects our goal with Hardee Greens “is to serve and strengthen the community while coming alongside area farmers – not as competition, but as a complementary and collaborative addition to the local
This Page: Serving Up Freshness
Jennifer Harsta at the Bluffton, SC Farmer's Market
Opposite Page
(Top Left to Bottom Right)
Easy Being Green
Basil Microgreens, Market Menu
Eric demonstrates the process, Vertical beds
landscape.” Adding to her sentiment, Roel expounds, “and to ensure that everyone can have fresh produce 365 days a year, but we are also thrilled that we are helping address even larger issues: reducing the carbon footprint of trucking produce across the country, using less water and land, and providing reliable availability.”
The Sanctuary at Hardee Greens employs an innovative oxyfertigation process. This method infuses extra oxygen into the water, promoting the growth of more nutritious and hardier plants. It also uses less waste than traditional methods. Each vertical acre at Hardee Greens is equipped with 56 non-GMO seed cartridges packed in organic soil. The watering system recycles water from catch basins below the plants, minimizing water consumption. The light, temperature, and atmospheric conditions are meticulously controlled, ensuring optimized growth year-round with 70 to 90 percent less water consumption than field farming. Each room has its own HVAC system, allowing the Harasta’s to create the ideal conditions for each plant variety.
Hardee Greens has taken a community-centric approach by partnering with the City of Hardeeville to sponsor a farmers’ market in the future. They have also developed educational programs and field trip opportunities for all age groups to enhance the community's understanding of food production and consumption. This initiative is a call to action, urging individuals to become conscientious consumers and reap the health and environmental benefits.
For more information, please visit Hardee Greens at www.hardeegreens.com to learn about regional Farmer’s Market locations, Agri-Tourism opportunities, and upcoming events. AM
The Spirit of Summer is Tequila
LALO takes tequila forward by taking it back to its honest roots.
by Jane Reily Mount
Photographs by Meredith Wiksell, Courtesy of LALO TEQUILA
The margarita is America’s most popular cocktail, and it holds a special place for us during the summer heat. Tequila, which lifts the cocktail into its signature taste, is synonymous with Mexico.
But not all tequila is the same. Like Kentucky Bourbon and French Champagne, it can only be called tequila if it comes from a certain region of Mexico. “However, 90 percent of all tequila is harvested and made in Jalisco,” explains third-generation tequila maker Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez, the man behind LALO TEQUILA. “The elevation and the weather make it ideal for harvesting
and growing the blue agave plant.”
Of course, at the heart of tequila is its main ingredient: the agave plant, a succulent often mistaken for a cactus but more closely related to the lily.
“I think that historically, tequila is a summer cocktail; it’s a fun and celebratory spirit,” says Gonzalez. While Mexicans have been making tequilas for centuries, its expansion into popularity began in the 1980s with the help of Gonzalez’ grandfather, Don Julio Gonzalez.
“The reality is, in the beginning, the brands you could get in the U.S. were not quality
tequilas,” says Gonzalez, “and it wasn’t 100 percent agave.” As new premium tequilas began to enter the market, consumer perceptions started to change. In 1987, to celebrate Gonzalez’ legendary grandfather (also known as “Lalo”), the family hosted a private celebration in his honor and created a special tequila for the occasion. This became known as Don Julio 1942 and, two years later, it was launched to the market with great acclaim. You can still buy Don Julio 1942 for a very pretty penny, although the Don Julio brand was sold in 2014.
“Like my father, I want to change the perception of tequila: it’s not just for dive bars and making shots; you can make great
Summer Mixer LALO dinner with Alex Snodgrass and Clara Pierce in Charleston, SC
Photographed by: Meredith Wiksell
The Spirit of Summer (cont.)
cocktails with it,” Gonzalez shares. “My father wanted to put it on the same level as whisky and cognac – it’s a place tequila deserves.”
LALO TEQUILA takes tequila back to its honest roots, says Gonzalez. It’s 100 percent agave and additive-free, made with just three ingredients: agave, champagne yeast, and water. “There is a misconception that tequila tastes like vanilla, or is super sweet, but that is what added additives do – they change what people think tequila tastes like.”
So, what does LALO TEQUILA taste like? According to Gonzalez, it’s a balance of tropical notes, citrus notes, sweetness, and minerality with a subtle peppery finish. AM
LALO Fresh Paloma Recipe
2 oz LALO Tequila
3-4 oz Sparkling Water
2 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
0.5 Agave Syrup Pinch of Salt
Garnish with a Lime Wedge
Add LALO, lime juice, grapefruit juice, sweetener, and salt to an ice-filled shaker tin. Shake to chill and dilute. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lime wedge. For more recipes, visit www.lalospirits.com
A Fresh Take on Old Traditions
(Top to Bottom): LALO Fresh Paloma,LALO TEQUILA, Eduardo LALO Gonzalez
N O W L E A S I N G
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Alchemy RV Renovations
Tessa Terry transforms RV's into refined spaces for modern living.
by Eliza Chapman Bailey Photographs Courtesy of Alchemy RV Renovations
Recreational vehicles are popular for those wanting to travel or seeking a simpler lifestyle. While new models can be pricey and lack personality, older ones, though more affordable, may be outdated. Tessa Terry, owner of Alchemy RV Renovations in Andrews, SC, has a solution to these dilemmas. With her exceptional creativity, she specializes in RV interior design and renovation and breathes new life into these compact spaces. Known for her attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and distinctive artistic expression, she transforms standard RVs into captivating and functional treasures with her 'psychic vision' and eclectic oldworld aesthetics.
From her earliest memories, Terry would walk into a room and, without pretense, visualize and redesign the space in her mind. She feels and sees the overall scheme, pattern
scale, and textures needed to transform small spaces into timeless, luxurious, and livable areas. Relying on this sixth sense, she is cognizant of the form, function, and layout when purchasing RVs and consulting with clients. Leslie Bolinger affirms, "Tessa Terry of Alchemy RV Renovations is a magically creative talent. Her renovation of our 2012 Cedar Creek Forest River 5th wheel luminously blurs the lines between home and RV. She elegantly enhances the RV lifestyle and offers elements of sophistication, whimsy, and comfort with informed detail. In addition, Tessa has been a delight to work with, offering helpful support throughout the process".
Terry's design aesthetic is rooted in contemporary design and old-world charm that creates a cultured European flair; she curates high-quality decor, appliances, colors, accessories, hand-painted wallpaper,
and furniture traditionally reserved for upscale permanent homes. Since most of Terry's clients enjoy traveling, working remotely, or living in recreational vehicles, the practicality of life and the journey are woven into the fabric of her designs. Each renovation seamlessly integrates the needs of her client's mobile lifestyle, including ways to easily secure items on the move and use limited storage. She fine-tunes seating arrangements, workspaces, bedrooms, and bathrooms into stunning areas for work and relaxation. For her, “ Good design has been my passion since I was a little girl; I think it's really true that what you surround yourself with either inspires or doesn’t. My personal style is very much my own; it incorporates old-world romance designs, Frenchinspired, and modern/transitional. I love what I do because I believe life is something you design, and we're always in the process of doing just that. I'll never tire of helping
Glamping Redefined
Designer Tessa Terry brings glam and attention to detail to RV renovations
others design parts of their life to create their own experiences within a space.”
Whether you are vacationing or telecommuting, Terry's renovations offer a minimalist lifestyle with the flexibility and freedom to go wherever you want without sacrificing modern style or comfort. Customers have the option to purchase buildouts and finished renovations from her. Her consultations also include tips and ideas for those interested in hiring her to do the work or doing it themselves. While staying up to date with current trends and staying true to her artistic template, she has the ability to envision design and the skill to convert concepts into reality. Through her, Alchemy RV Renovation's turn-key renovations power of transformation, maximize functionality with exquisite taste to elevate the art of RV living.
For more information and to see before and after pictures, visit https://www. alchemyrvrenovations.com/ and Instagram at Alchemyrvrenovations. AM
Lux Living Hits the Road Upper Left to Right: Open spaces in small places, Mastering sleeping quarters on the road, Bottom: Serene support areas
Open House
People Are Talking
Watching the transformation of Sumter Avenue's Brownfield House has kept people in Summerville talking for many years. Pete Knight has given them something to talk about.
By Susan Frampton
by Margaret Wright Photography, Bianka Lamb
Photography
KTHE KNIGHT HOUSE
When Pete Knight signed his name on the contract for the stately residence at the juncture of Sumter and Charleston Streets in the heart of Summerville's Historic District, he had no idea of the tiger he had by the tail. He knew that the main house and the adjacent cottage would need work, but little did he imagine the years it would take to restore both to their original state. Sitting at the kitchen table of the beautiful and historically accurate restoration project, he clearly considers the time well-spent. And if the original pine floors, now gleaming in the afternoon sun, could talk, they would speak of the warmth of the light pouring through the original windowpanes. This home is giddy with gratitude.
The Brownfield family built their new home on Summerville's Sumter Avenue in 1868. The Civil War was only three years over the country's shoulders, and the world had changed dramatically. With what would become its trademark resilience, the Town of Summerville brushed the dust from its skirts. It carried on, laying the groundwork for the international acclaim it would soon enjoy as a place of elegance, hospitality, and healing.
Old-world-inspired design brings the house into the present while honoring its past with careful attention paid to color, texture, and print. Welcoming the Future, Honoring the Past
Standing two and one-half stories tall on Sumter, the Brownfield House embodied all the grace and sophistication characteristic of the architecture of the time. Set on a raisedbrick foundation and topped with a tin, gabled roof, the balustraded five-bay porch and balcony across its front façade gave way to a wide, transomed, and side-lit entrance. Though the family may not have realized it then, their white frame structure would represent a new day for Summerville.
Sadly, there is not much recorded history available regarding the residence of the Brownfield family and the adjacent site of Brownfield Academy. We know that at some point, the residence became the
school's boarding facility. Several decades following its construction, an 1893 advertisement pronounced the facility as "particularly desirable for Northern young ladies with impaired health, who would probably be successful in their studies in this healthy climate." It has also been noted that the congregation of what is now St. John's Catholic Church held services in a chapel on the premises.
Knight, a native son and familiar face in Summerville, is someone you feel you know, even if you've never met. He is quick to smile and open about the challenges and frustrations presented by the property's historical significance and the attention to detail needed to maintain the residence's position on the National Register of Historic Places.
"ITS INCLUSION ON THE UNITED STATES' OFFICIAL LIST OF BUILDINGS, DISTRICTS, STRUCTURES, AND OBJECTS DEEMED WORTHY OF PRESERVATION FOR THEIR HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND/OR "GREAT ARTISTIC VALUE" REQUIRED A TEAM THAT WOULD HONOR THE GUIDELINES FOR AN ACCURATE RESTORATION."
It also demanded a designer who could incorporate the modern-day needs of Knight and his two daughters. The design plan had to create support spaces such as a primary bathroom, mudroom, and laundry room while honoring the home's original appearance.
"I had been given the names of several different design firms," Knight recounts. "But only one met the criteria I was looking for." Lauren Sanchez Design Ltd provided comprehensive Architectural, Interior Architecture, and Interior Design for revitalizing the 9,000-square-foot historic residence; the results speak for themselves.
With a reputation for thoroughness in detail and creatively elegant solutions to design problems, the Charleston-based firm's award-winning portfolio included various projects, including residential, corporate, healthcare, education, civic, institutional, retail, restaurant, and hospitality. There is no better description of the breadth of the firm's commitment than Sanchez's own narrative of the project.
"Located in the heart of the historic district of Summerville, the 9,000 square foot house sat unoccupied for some time before the current homeowner undertook a complete and comprehensive restoration and renovation. Encompassing six years, the renovation was a thorough and holistic passion project. The structure was first taken down to the studs and completely stabilized before the original and historical details were meticulously restored. Custom millwork was designed to meet the home's modern functional needs while maintaining the historic aesthetic that felt most authentic to the home. Some pieces were
even made from wood reclaimed from the property."
No detail went unaddressed, and painstaking research guaranteed historical accuracy. "Historical paint colors and custom-designed, old-world-inspired wallpapers completed palettes of rich natural finishes, textures, and traditional decorative lighting. A blend of custom and antique furniture, art, and window treatments added the finishing touches, ensuring that every inch of the house was lovingly curated to speak to its past while serving as a comfortable sanctuary for the family calling it home."
Knight's passion for the project fueled his frustration with a process he describes as "one step forward and two steps back. "We restored the cottage (home to the original Brownfield Academy), then started the site work, demolishing an old garage and pool house and getting plans approved for the new garages and new pool house with the intentions of starting at the back working
Attention to detail throughout highlights the historical beauty of the home while creating cozy spaces that don't compromise on function or comfort. Historically Modern
For all its perfection, this house is a home that invites friends to visit, encourages gatherings and celebrations, promotes settling onto a window seat with a book, and won't have a hissy if you take your shoes off. It is where a family lives.
my way to the front." It did not take long for him to see the dramatic difference between the steps required for new construction vs. that needed to begin renovations on a 150-year-old house.
Those who drove past the house daily could not imagine what was taking so long. Summerville's curiosity was piqued, and the restoration was a frequent topic of conversation – people were talking. "He's taken out all the walls, clear down to the studs," reported joggers and dog walkers. "It looks like he's jacking it up," armchair architects observed. "I hear he's sparing no detail," said those with their ears to the ground. None had any idea of the time and effort required to restore and level the foundation, add space without changing the house's appearance from the front, or research and re-do any of the million design details necessary to maintain the
historical integrity while meeting presentday codes. "The foundation ended up taking the better part of a year," says the man who earned his place in his family's business by starting at the bottom and working his way up. "But there was no point in moving forward if we were building on the equivalent of shifting sand."
Knight quickly credits the dedicated design firm and incredibly skilled craftsmen who made the renovation possible. All of their perseverance paid off when he and his daughters were finally able to move in late last year. While the property is a showcase in every sense of the word, this is no vanity project meant to be looked at but not touched. For all its perfection, this house is a home that invites friends to visit, encourages gatherings and celebrations, promotes settling onto a window seat with a book, and won't have a hissy if you take your shoes off.
It
There is no doubt that cars, joggers, and dog walkers who pass the gates that lead to Brownfield House slow their pace to take it all in. Pete's a little shy to say so, but he's justifiably proud of the jewel he has restored on Sumter Avenue. People are talking, only now they talk about the Knight Home. Pete Knight has undoubtedly given them something to talk about, and Summerville is proud to share the story.
ONE COAST DESIGN
TRANSFORMING DREAMS…INTO REALITY
The overall design for your new or existing home can have you feeling overwhelmed - We get it! There are paint and stain colors, finishes, hardware, lighting, and furniture pieces to coordinate to get the ball rolling. With new interior design directions to consider, worrying about the final result looking disjointed or even clashing is common. It’s a new chapter, and wasting time and effort trying different color palettes and furniture combinations that don’t work well together can be frustrating. It’s a lot to take in!
At One Coast Design, we thrive on helping both new and existing homeowners in Charleston & beyond identify their unique design challenges and help them conquer them with confidence.
Our winning interior design philosophy revolves around giving existing spaces a second chance, breathing new life into them, and opening a new chapter in their story. We believe extraordinary design transcends trends and fleeting fashions, aiming to create interiors that stand the test of time.
We can help you transform any space from concept through completion with a cohesive color palette, glorious furnishings, and beautiful accessories.
“One Coast Design has been phenomenal to work with! We had them completely redo our kitchen, office, den, and updated our son’s bedroom! Our guests are blown away with the changes. Michelle and her team are highly professional, courteous and have excellent ideas. They coordinate with multiple vendors and take care of all the oversight to ensure the work is done flawlessly. I highly recommend them and will most definitely be using them for future projects.”
- M.K., Summerville, SC
NATURAL WOMAN
Start Your Engines!
It may not exactly be NASCAR, but a seat in the stands at a red clay racetrack in rural South Carolina is just the ticket for a Saturday night adventure.
by Susan Frampton
My friend Jennifer always has the best ideas for new adventures, so we were all in when she suggested a trip to a stock car racetrack an hour or so away. Though I'd written some feature stories about Darlington, South Carolina's iconic racetrack, "The Lady in Black," I had never been to a race. Lewis is a die-hard NASCAR fan, so I've spent many Sunday afternoons watching racecars on television make endless circuits around tracks across the country. However, I have never experienced the sights and sounds of auto racing. "It's a dirt track, she continued, "so don't wear anything nice." After asking around a bit, I was also advised not to wear anything white and to consider a hat, earplugs, a scarf, possibly goggles, and a cup with a lid. I thought they were kidding.
On Saturday night, we loaded up at Jen and William's house, cramming their daughter, Caroline, into the third-row seat. "You just wait, Mrs. Susan," she grinned. "This isn't like anything you've seen." We drove west on the interstate for a bit before taking an exit,
which led to a series of turns down backroads thick with pines bracketing farms and fields. After an hour or so, we turned into a crowded, streetlight-illuminated dirt parking lot. In the distance, garbled speakers excitedly fueled our anticipation like barkers at the circus. I felt like a kid at the circus when they gave us our wristbands.
We bypassed what William called the "old" viewing stands built right around the time Jesus started high school, of ancient boards supported by peeling paint, old nacho cheese, and prayers. The throngs climbing the rickety stairs apparently had more faith than I did. Thankfully, we made our way to the sturdy "new" aluminum stands. The red clay oval stretched out before us, and our view from above the 4th turn would offer us the drama of cars sliding around the bend to floor it to the finish. That seemed like a good thing, but at that point, I had no idea what cars sliding sideways on dusty red clay at 80 mph would look like.
The facility was a world of its own, unapologetically basic. The concession stand offered hot dogs, corn dogs, and fries. Chili, cheese, and onions were optional, and soft drinks came in cans. But the ladies who
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served the snacks did so as if they'd known you since birth and hadn't seen you since the last family reunion. "Baby, you can't carry all that," one said. "Let me get you a box lid to carry it in," said the lady handing us our dogs, fries, and diet cokes. "Get you some ketchup for those fries, too." We left the stand feeling like her favorite relatives.
The weather was cool, with a slight breeze. Around us, dads carried toddlers on their shoulders, and teenage first dates shyly held hands. People smiled and called out to friends. Unruly children stopped in their tracks when their mamas arched an eyebrow. It felt like we'd stepped back in time. It was smalltown America, and I wanted to freeze it. It would have been perfect if I had found an actual restroom rather than the port-o-let I have yet to recover from.
The races were a diverse spectacle, each category offering unique characteristics. Lewis explained that there would be a half-dozen races, each with categories based on horsepower, which meant little to me. I observed categories based on size and noise level. Category 1: Tiny cars with mismatched parts, possibly carrying 6 clowns with big shoes and red noses. Category 2: Cars resembling the Batmobile, painted with cool color schemes but constructed out of something akin to aluminum foil. Category 3: Muscle cars like in The Fast and the Furious, but without Vin Diesel. Category 4: Super-fast NASCAR-type cars with engine noise capable of communicating with deaf tortoises in the Galapagos Islands.
Finally, it was time for the first round of drivers to start their engines. Below us, right on the rail, was a dead ringer for Duck Dynasty's Uncle Si, resplendent in a ball cap, tee shirt, and scraggly beard. Well into his cups, he leaned out over the rail to give the drivers directions like a traffic cop in a roundabout. Around the oval, the mini-cars went, wrecking each other like bumper cars at the fair, with the field completing exactly 2 laps in the race's allotted 15 minutes. It was underwhelming. A dusting of red clay was the only tangible result of the field of racers, and the wreckers completed more
laps than the drivers.
The next race brought the Batmo biles. Even without the Bat Signal in the sky, they responded by fly ing around the track with impres sive speed and sound, their engines rumbling and their flimsy bodies threatening to become airborne as they careened around the corners. This was more like it! The dust became thicker, and the crashes became more dramatic. Uncle Si frantically signaled his thoughts on the drivers' speed and direction. It seemed lost on him that there was only one direction for the cars to go. He made up for what he lacked in spatial awareness with enthusiastic choreography and a high capacity for canned PBR. On his own, he was worth the price of admission.
The speed and sound of the succes sive races made me grateful for the accessory tips I'd been given as we donned our hats, glasses, and ear protection. The sound of the roar ing engines was a physical throb in our chests, and the grit made our scratchy eyes tear. Dunes of red dust built on the lid of my cup. Completing my ensemble with a scarf covering my face, I was per fectly attired to anonymously rob a bank. Uncle Si windmilled his arms and wobbled in between gulps of PBR. Pit crews ambled rather than scrambled to change their drivers' tires. The red lights of wreckers followed cars who careened off the side of the track into the woods, and various colored flags waved. Winners were declared, and the crowd cheered.
Caroline was right. I'd never seen anything like it, and while I can't say it was good, clean fun, it was a great adventure we'd never have experienced without Jen's invitation. Despite the red dust, I was sure I'd grind between my back molars for the next week; it was precisely the kind of fun we've learned to look forward to experiencing whenever she calls. We may or may not ever find our way back down all those back roads to the dirt track, but if we do and he needs a ride, we'll be happy to pick up Uncle Si on the way. AM
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KIDS
THESE DAYS
Bug Bite
by Tara Bailey
You should have seen her: she was posed in a field in front of a hickory in full leaf, sitting at an angle where passersby couldn’t help but notice her good side, sunshine highlighting her natural curves, her top coyly sliding down. She was a flirt, indeed. My husband almost ran off the road trying to get a better look. I admit to turning my own head as far as nature would allow and insisted we go back to see her for ourselves.
She wasn’t perfect, but you couldn’t tell until you got a little closer. Even when you could see the scar or two that comes with having lived a full life, she looked pretty good for her age. Beautiful, in fact. And fun. She was the kind of classic beauty that made people smile without gawking and desire without coveting. She was a little older, but she still had it. And we wanted it.
It’s easy to connect with others from your generation; you immediately recognize the souls of those who have experienced the same music, language, societal upheavals, and celebrations. You’ve been through the same things at the same times. Strangers from your time aren’t strangers at all; they’re friends you haven’t met yet. And so it was with the 1979 VW Super Beetle convertible that beckoned to us with her siren-chrome bumpers and white leather seats. I could already imagine myself peeling my legs from those seats on a sweaty summer day and knew we would be fast friends.
I couldn’t imagine why anybody would be getting rid of such a stunner, but that was a question I didn’t ask the seller when he handed me the keys to let me get a feel for her. And oh, it felt good, that driver’s seat! Everything about that car fit me as if I had had it tailored to my own shape. I tapped the brake and the clutch as naturally as I walked. I turned the key as if I were entering my
own house. The sound and feel of the new engine reminded me of my first concert. We buckled up and took off down the country road for a Sunday spin that would seal my commitment. And before we even hit asphalt I knew I’d be going home ten grand poorer than when I’d seen those orange FOR SALE letters on our way home from church. I was in love and didn’t care who knew it.
We pulled back into the spot where we had first seen her. I cleared the strands of hair stuck to my face and looked my husband in the eye. He knew that look well. “If you can hold this till tomorrow, I’ll be back first thing in the morning.” They shook, I beamed, and the drive back home suddenly seemed confining and dull.
I rolled the windows down, stuck my arm out, and felt the air whip through my fingers. It felt like joy.
My daughter happened to be home from college that Sunday, and the whole way driving her back to campus I dreamed how it would feel to to be in that Super Beetle. I could hardly wait to drive to the beach this summer, my flapping ponytail signaling my arrival like the Jolly Roger. My dog would assume her place in the passenger seat, eyes smiling with elation, tongue lapping the breeze. We would slow roll across Pawleys Island, taking in the marsh smells and insect symphony of summer. Once I had that sweet thing I could experience the great outdoors wherever I went - the store, the dentist, the vet - anywhere.
We arrived at the college town and stopped for a quick bite before dropping my daughter off at her dorm. Our soon-to-be new purchase was the topic of conversation. A yellow Karmann Ghia was parked in
the front, and we said it was a sign. My daughter made the comment that buying an old, quirky car was “such a thing people your age would do.” We laughed when soon after a grayhaired couple exited the restaurant and climbed into the Karmann Ghia. I said I was fine being my age if it meant I got to make selfish impractical decisions every now and then.
We were just paying our bill when my husband’s phone rang. I eavesdropped on our way through the parking lot. “Man, I was coming to you first thing in the morning… You’re killing me….I could go up another two if you want…Are you sure?…Okay, well, it was nice talking with you. I understand.” I knew the news was not in my favor and assumed someone had come in behind us and made an offer we couldn’t match. If my belly had not been full of French fries, my heart would have sunk right into it.
“His wife won't let him sell it,” he said. “She apparently told him he could sell anything they owned except that car. I tried, but who am I to get in the way of a marital dispute?”
“I don’t know, maybe he should ask you that.”
I knew I would get over the loss, but that was a long drive home. Well, for my husband, it was. I spent the three hours Googling vintage Beetle convertibles for sale. But nothing seemed as right as that car. My car. “His wife might take issue with you calling it that,” my husband said. And I knew he was right. It was never my car, but my heart had to adjust. Plus, there was good news: we still had our dog, our cars, and ten thousand dollars. And the windows roll down. AM
OOne Degree at a Time LIFE FAITH&
by Diana Thompson
ne degree of change in direction doesn’t feel like much at first, but over time that one degree will send us to a very different place.
It’s easy to see God in the big stuff – when bodies are healed, broken relationships are restored, provision arrives at just the right time or in the perfect amount. But how often do we look at the everyday, ordinary moments of life through a lens of faith? And where would it take us if we started to do that more often, one tiny moment at a time?
In Luke 17:20b-21 Jesus says, “The Kingdom of God is already among you.” It is already here! And we can’t always change our circumstances, but we can certainly change our perspective. And it doesn’t take much.
Load of laundry piling up? Sure, I can be annoyed that someone else in my household isn’t noticing and taking the initiative to help with some of it. But I can also be thankful for the 3 kids God has given me to raise and parent and I can be thankful that their lives are filled with so many great events and activities (which leads to the size of “Mount Washmore” in my laundry room).
Or I can use the time I fold the laundry as sacred time, to pray over each of my family members as I fold a piece that belongs to them (which honestly leads me to being a bit possessive of my laundry folding time which probably explains why no one in my family offers to help!).
Can I be excited for my friends when they or their children expe-
rience a success that I really would have liked to have for myself or my child? Can I see their success as a culmination of hard work and use that moment to encourage them and celebrate a blessing in their lives?
Or do I quickly spray some water on their fire and make sure the accomplishment feels a little smaller, a little less significant, because I feel like success and accomplishment is in limited amounts and now there’s less for me?
Jeremiah 29:11 says,
“For I know the plans I have for you… they are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
What about when you are forced to work or associate with someone who you’ve had a poor relationship (or even just an awkward moment with) in the past? Maybe God put that person in that exact place so you can repair the relationship. Maybe he or she is back in your life to show you how to set healthy boundaries while still maintaining kindness. Maybe it just so God can remind you that you can do hard things. Whatever the case – it’s for your good, your future, and will build your hope.
Often, we pray for God to change our circumstances. But how often do we pray that God would change our heart? And many times, that makes all the difference. And change is not easy – especially when we like to have control (that’s another topic for another time!).
But even just one degree of change can make a world of difference.
Whether it’s a behavior or a perspective –trust that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God” (Romans 8:28) and ask God to help you notice Him at work – for your good! – in the day to day of ordinary life… one degree at a time. AM
Often, we pray for God to change our circumstances. But how often do we pray that God would change our heart?
LIFE FAITH&
56 ALONG THE ASHLEY
Explore the natural wonders and recreation found in the parks nestled on the banks of the Ashley River.
By Eliza Chapman
60
SOUTHERN PAINTER
Illuminating the beauty found in the common scenes of life.
By Eliza Chapman
Photographs courtesy of Currie McCullough
Bailey
Photography by Bianka Lamb
Colonial Dorchester Photographed by Bianka Lamb
Bailey
South Carolina is known for its history, culture, and biodiversity inland and along the coast. Local, county, and state parks and recreation departments safeguard these resources, making them accessible at a nominal cost. In Dorchester County, nestled on the banks of the Ashley River, Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, Ashley River Park, and Rosebrock Park welcome visitors to explore the inland Lowcountry's history, ecosystems, and waterways along the upper reaches of the river.
Originating in the Wassamsaw Basin, the freshwaters of Ashley River flow through the Great Cypress Swamp of lower Dorchester County and enter Schultz Lake. As it meanders, the river's ecosystem provides a habitat for native plant species, wildlife, birds, and aquatic life. Turning brackish on its journey to the Atlantic Ocean, the river traverses 13 miles becoming saltwater before joining the Cooper River to form Charleston Harbor with eloquent repose. Its impact on South Carolina's blueprint is astounding, inviting you to explore its wonders.
In 1550, the Kiawah, Kussoe, Westoe, and Seewee Tribes inhabited the banks, navigated the waters, and relied on the river's resources. After the European contact, the upper reaches became a center for transport and trading. Known to the Tribes as Kiawah, the river was later named Ashley after one of the eight Lord Proprietors granted the Carolina Colony Charter. In 1695, The colonial settlement of Dorchester was established 15 miles inland on the upper Ashley by Congregationalists from Massachusetts. This historical site was purchased by the State of South Carolina in the 1960s and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Aptly named Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, the 325-acre park is managed by State Parks and Recreation. It is located at 300 State Park Road in Summerville. It is open between 9 am -6 pm during daylight savings. During this time, visitors can delve into the physical history of colonial town ruins, including the brick bell tower of St. George's Anglican Church, the remains of an old tabby fort that protected a powder magazine, earthworks, a cemetery, and the foundations of various colonial buildings.
theA River Through Time Park Manager, Noah Letter encourages visitors to see the historic structures that serve as a reminder of our past.
Photographed by Bianka Lamb
On-site archaeological excavations and artifacts give insight into the daily life of early settlers, the town's strategic importance for trading, and its decline after the Revolutionary War due to several mitigating circumstances. According to the park's manager, Noah Letter, "The fort at Dorchester is the best-preserved tabby fortification still extant in the United States." Interactive signs and exhibits, walking trails, picnic areas, and peaceful surroundings invite visitors to explore the past while casually enjoying the interplay of the ecosystem at the river's edge.
Ashley River Park is less than three miles from Colonial Dorchester (200 Renken Road) and contains 85 acres of planned scenic recreational space along the Ashley River. Managed by the Dorchester County Department of Parks and Recreation. The park provides visitors with lush open green spaces, two dog parks, a splash pad, playgrounds, a pavilion, designated covered picnic areas with tables and grills, and views of the inland Ashley River. Winding trails through hardwoods and pines are perfect for leisurely strolls, birdwatching, and observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Anglers can fish in the narrow waterway from riverfront docks off the trails and cast a line into the "catch and keep" 4-acre fish pond stock by the Department of Natural Resources. QR codes placed on signs around the pond take visitors to the state fishing regulations, where guests can pay for a downloadable fishing license on the spot. Located outside of the park entrance is the Howard Bridgeman Access, suitable for "carry down" watercraft. The access is a putin point along the upper Ashley River Blue Trail paddle way. This corridor of the paddle way offers respite from large, motorized boats where paddlers can see numerous historical sites. Here, the waterway's narrow path and low-hung branches harken to a primordial ecosystem and offer a unique paddling experience with few distractions from others.
Close to Howard Bridgeman Access, across Bacon's Bridge, on the other side of the river, rests Rosebrock Park (507 Beech Hill Road). Rosebrock Park contains 70 acres of protected bottomland forest with a 1.5-mile trail to the banks of the river. This scenic park includes interpretive signs about history, conservation, science, and engineering with QR codes for more detailed information. Amenities include
Serene Escape
Ducking out of the bustle of daily life and "screen time" and into nature reminds of the importance of conserved natural spaces within our community. Places where a serene escape is always there just a short drive away.
Photographed by Bianka Lamb
parking, two picnic shelters, restrooms, and a playground. The entrance to this park is a hop, skip, and a jump from Ashley River Park. Plans are underway to build a tunnel under Bacon’s Bridge for safe crossing and a footbridge to join the two parks and the Library on the Ashley. Austin Zuniga, Dorchester Country Parks, and Recreation Director reiterates, “Dorchester County is committed to securing tracts of land that have ecological and cultural significance for its citizens and opening those lands for the public to enjoy in perpetuity. The Ashley River corridor along Bacon’s Bridge is intertwined with the identity of Dorchester County and we can’t wait to expand on the success of Ashley River Park by expanding recreational opportunities on the newly acquired undeveloped land across the street from the park adjacent to the Library on the Ashley.”
Colonial Dorchester and Ashley River Park host community events, educational programs, and recreational activities throughout the year. Space is available to rent for events at Ashley River Park, including the Pavilion, which has a bridal suite and kitchen. The three parks' scenic views, wildlife sightings, and recreational opportunities provide an escape from the hustle and bustle. Whether you want to uncover the past, immerse yourself in nature, or enjoy a day outdoors on the river, these parks are convenient places to unwind after work or visit for the day. For fees or annual pass costs, happenings, and more information, visit their respective websites at: southcarolinaparks.com/colonial-dorchester www.dorchestercountysc.gov/services/parksrecreation/ashley-river-park www.dorchestercountysc.gov/services/parksrecreation/rosebrock-park
Soutthern Painter
William McCullough elevates the common through art.
By Eliza Chapman Bailey
Photographs of McCullough's Work Courtesy o f Currie McCullough
South Carolina is a series of small towns and farming communities. These towns harken to a simpler past, where the interplay of light, colors, structures, and livestock creates a slow-paced ease. They are centered on land, sustenance, and people and represent a unique underlying agrarian grit that defines the Southern ethos. It is this spirit that William Watson "Bill" McCullough (1948-2022) carried with him when he boarded a train in the late 1960s to study at the National Academy of Art and Design in New York to become a Southern Painter.
McCullough was born in 1948 near Kingstree on a parcel of land granted to his forefathers in the mid-1700s. The son of tobacco farmers Watson and Dorothy McCullough, he showed an artistic aptitude at a young age, drawing and painting his surroundings without embellishments. His kinship with the land and its people resonated with the aquarian traditions of realism,which is the opposite of the post-modern movement. The lineage of his classically trained education to the French Barbizon Painters, who left the confines of the classroom to shed light on and paint the beauty of everyday life, is direct and can be found in his studies: McCullough was taught by Robert Bachman (1898-1980) at the National Academy of Art/Arts Student League in New York; Bachman’s teacher was Robert Henri(1865-1929) from the Ashcan School, Henri’s influence was Jean-Francios Millet
(1814-1875) founder of the Barbizon School. While his classmates were focused on postmodernism, McCullough painted figures and represented subject matters truthfully without idealization, distortion, or exaggerated emotion. He immersed himself in the art scene, spending much time in museums and galleries and studying original masterpieces. In the book William McCullough, Southern Painter, in conversation with William Baldwin, Southern Writer, McCullough emphasizes the importance of seeing an original versus a print copy to capture its style accurately. “A plate in a book is very different from a real painting,” he continues, “Using colors in a certain way. People think they are painting classically, but they are not. They haven't seen the real painting. Only a reproduction."
McCullough relocated to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, where he honed his skills in landscape and still-life painting. In the 80s, the lure of the Lowcountry’s landscape prompted a move to Charleston. During his time in Charleston, he taught at the Gibbes Museum Studio and earned national recognition for his work. Brad Collins, Profession of Art History at the University of South Carolina, says, “While the so-called post-modernists heirs of the modernists continue to pursue novelty, realists such as McCullough would prefer to remind us of the extraordinary beauty of light on the side of a house. In a time when the survival of this lovely
little blue planet has come into question, this is not an insignificant thing.” Locally, his work hangs at the prestigious Cassique clubhouse at Kiawah Island, Roper St. Francis Hospital, and the Gibbes Museum of Art. His works are also housed in the permanent collections of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, The Greenville County Museum of Art in Greenville, South Carolina, and private collections.
McCullough's art is not just a reflection of Southern culture but a part of it. Like the church and the tobacco fields outside the windows in his painting, 'Broadman Hymnal,' his work seamlessly weaves the fabric of Southern culture with realism. His daughter, Currie McCullough, echoes this sentiment, “My father was influenced by realistic painters who represented the world with accuracy and detail. While other contemporary artists have employed realism techniques in their works, he is the only artist I know of from South Carolina who used these techniques to depict rural South Carolina and capture the character of small towns in his work.” Continuing his legacy, Currie endeavors to establish the McCullough Arts Foundation to sponsor artists' retreats at his farm in Cedar Swamp and his studio in Pougnadoresse, France.
(cont. to select gallery...)
Haddock House Bins, by William McCullough
Broadman Hymnal, William McCullough, 2003
The Haddock House, William McCullough, 1988
House in Old Mount Pleasant, William McCullough, 1992
The Farm in Cedar Swamp, William McCullough
BIRD'S-EYE VIEW
by Ellen E. Hyatt
He’s ready to secure a roofing “cat” ladder to the ridgeline. I notice the back of his shirt. There’s an image of two crows perched on a branch. Under the pair, the phrase Attempted Murder. Such a clever joke, if knowing “murder” means many crows.
Before climbing, he dons safety boots, called Cougar Paws, and his hard hat. He’s the bossman inspecting his crew’s work. In this summer light—late— where he stands on the roof, his shadow looks like a large bird, a Jurassic pterodactyl.
A roof is Step 3 in the 15-step process for house construction. Routinely, these days developers force and town planners impose neighborliness by building houses close to one another. Despite these goals for togetherness, a particular loneliness descends because of what gets upheaved during the first steps of soulless site prep for more houses: more and more uprooting of trees— earth’s lungs—and demolition of birds’ homesites.
How will we prepare ourselves for such loss?
For not seeing either a gathering of crows or the cardinal’s mate?
For neither hearing the wuk-wuk-wuk of a woodpecker nor the repertoire of nocturnal sounds from the barred owl who prefers being heard rather than seen?
Let’s not relocate there. Here, our cottage is enough. We wonder at a wing-like cirrus cloud and cheer with the Carolina wren when he shares the playlist of his own top ten. It’ll be so easy for us to know what to do with so much happiness . . . or how to forgive it.
