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Thursday, May 15, 2014

I have been to Atalaya several times and it is always fun to imagine what it was like in it's glory days....when Archer and Anne Huntington came from Connecticut to Atalaya, their winter home. The couple purchased 9,000 acres of property to build a parkland to display Anne's sculptures and Brookgreen Gardens is the result. On the ocean side they built Atalaya. I spent quite a bit of time talking to the person who sold the tickets and she was a wealth of information telling me the whole history of the property up to present times. Even as it sit on state property (Huntington Beach State Park) it belongs to Brookgreen. If you are interested, I have provided a link for more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atalaya_Castle_(USA)

Archer was related to the well-known Huntingtons of California (Huntington Beach, Ca.)

I wonder if this is close to the color all the iron work was painted originally.

The house was built in the Moorish style, which Archer was a huge fan.

There is a walk way or drive (not in use now) all the way from Brookgreen, across route 17 and then leading up to Atalaya. This is the main entrance.

So many nooks and crannies to explore ( and take pictures of )

More details tomorrow.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Bridges of Magnolia Plantation Gardens

These are two bridges set to make a perfect scene. There were more bridges that I apparently missed.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Gardens at Magnolia Plantation

Plantation house

We really enjoyed our day at the plantation and although we expected the beautiful gardens we were surprised by all the wildlife. ( and, PS, the gift shop was wonderful too). I loved the bridges and the beautiful flowers. I think April in South Carolina is the best! A lot of walking but also many places to sit and rest and admire the view. Hope to go back next year.

Old slave quarters

There was an observation deck here so you could see the layout of the garden...it was like a maze.

There was a wedding party having photos done by this gazbo.

Great patina

Lovely walk

Monday, May 12, 2014

Strutting Peacock

We were amazed by this peacock who seemed to love strutting around as we took his photo. When he started fluttering his feathers at an approaching Guinea Fowl we couldn't believe our luck at witnessing it. He is so beautiful and he knows it ;-)