Growing up in the Lowcountry meant endless possibilities for summer vacation. There was always plenty of sun and fun at the beach or the lake with my cousins, but thanks to my dad—a devoted history buff—many of our family trips took us to battlefields and historic sites whenever we could get away from Charleston.

A few of those places left a lasting impression. Mount Vernon, just outside of D.C., and Tryon Palace in New Bern stand out most vividly. I was always especially fascinated by the kitchens—those warm, lively spaces where the day-to-day unfolded. That fascination has never left me.

Kitchens, Then & Now, Tell Much of a Home's Story

Kitchen, Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon's kitchen bustled with activity seven days a week. Under the supervision of Martha Washington hired housekeepers and enslaved servants used the space to prepare meals for the Washingtons and their frequent guests. The kitchen was in a separate building to keep noise, heat, and the threat of fire away from the main house.

Kitchen, Tryon Palace

Built between 1767 and 1770, Tryon Palace served as North Carolina’s first permanent capital and home to Royal Governor William Tryon. Architect John Hawks designed the Kitchen Office with a kitchen, scullery, wash house, and a workspace for the governor’s secretary on the first floor; the second floor held servant quarters and a laundry. On April 21, 1791, the Palace hosted a dinner and dance in honor of President George Washington during his Southern Tour.

Scullery to Supper Inside a French Castle Kitchen

Last summer, I had the good fortune to visit my Charleston neighbors at their home in the Dordogne region of France. Naturally, we toured numerous castles—sometimes two or three a day—and oh boy did we have the best time. True to form, the kitchens captured my imagination.

Kitchen Hall, Chateau de Biron

French castle kitchens, particularly those from the medieval and Renaissance periods, were vital spaces for both food preparation and gathering, often holding a prominent place in the castle's architecture and daily life. They were not just utilitarian spaces but also served as social hubs, where staff, lords, and sometimes even guests mingled freely.

Kitchen, Chateau de Castlenaud

28 Lamboll Street Restoration

Fireback, 28 Lamboll Street

Back at home, the restoration of all eight fireplaces in my Charleston house is (I think, maybe, almost) finally complete. My travels in France made one thing clear: I must have proper firebacks. The first one I selected is French, from the 1700s, and came from a dealer in Amsterdam. It is in the Louis XV/Georgian style of 'Woman with Cupid'. I hope to add another this summer and keep building the collection over time.

Kitchen House, 28 Lamboll Street, 2nd Floor (Before & After)

The eighth and final fireplace to be restored is on the second floor of my kitchen house. While the large, first-floor hearth once served as the primary cooking space, this upper fireplace was used for laundry. Just to the right, you can still see the "ghost" of the original chimney that once vented the baking oven below.

As I prepare for another hot Charleston summer, I’m hoping to continue the Lane family tradition of visiting historic sites—perhaps even a return trip to Tryon Palace. Here’s to more history, more firebacks—and perhaps a few more castles—this summer.

Kitchen House on Barre Street

Our agent, Keelin Love, recently represented the buyers of this authentic Harleston Village kitchen house. Constructed in 1802, this two-story brick structure served as the kitchen and carriage house dependency for the Bennett-Simmons House at 64 Montagu Street. This home is set back from the street offering privacy with a long driveway and an enchanting garden. We are thrilled for her clients and their family to enjoy this true gem for years to come!