”My husband and I recently went to Charleston to help our daughter move into her new home. We had the opportunity and pleasure of staying in the Riverhouse located inside Lowndes Grove. During our stay we learned all about the restoration and preservation Patrick Properties did to the property. Anyone interested in history and preservation would really enjoy this property and the lessons. The accommodations were superb as was the service we received by the staff. My husband and I loved the seclusion and privacy we felt while staying on the property. It was hard to believe the highway and the historical district was as close as it is. The properties landscape and views of the river are just breath taking. Though we did not attend an event while staying there, we did observe one that was taking place and I must say I was impressed. The food looked scrumptious. This property is definitely a must stay for anyone who wants to enjoy Charleston at its finest.”

Call (843) 853.1810 for William Aiken House and Lowndes Grove accommodations availability and pricing.

The Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu includes four courses (lobster, seared tuna, duck and a handcrafted chocolate dessert) for $50 per person. The regular seasonal menu will also be available. Wine pairings are offered for an additional $15. We’ve done our research, and this is one of the most affordable ways to treat your sweetie to Valentine’s Day dinner in Charleston! Also keep in mind that Fish will be offering this mouthwatering menu for the entire weekend from Friday, Feb. 12 to Sunday, Feb. 14. Yes, we are going to open on Sunday just for Valentine’s Day!

If you’re looking for something extra romantic this year we’ve got just the ticket. Whisk your special someone away for a relaxing retreat at either the William Aiken House Carriage House or Lowndes Grove Plantation. You and your Valentine will be treated upon arrival to a bottle of champagne, a rose and gourmet truffles from local Christophe Artisan Chocolatier. Enjoy an evening on the town and retire to your downtown suite at the William Aiken House, or watch the serene sunset on the Ashley River at Lowndes Grove Plantation and wake the next morning to a continental breakfast delivered to your door. For only $250 you can create this memorable, intimate experience to share with the one you love. Upon request, we’ll also make a reservation for you to dine at Fish, just around the corner.

Call 843-853-1810 for room reservations and 843-722-3474 for Fish dinner reservations. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Saturday a group of girlfriends came to town from Columbia and invited me to dinner. They had made reservations at, where else? Fish. I had been looking forward to trying the new winter menu so I gladly accepted the invite. We shared a lot of small plates like calamari and dim sum, but I ordered the golden trout with potato, zucchini and butternut squash quiche as my entrée and a cheese plate to share. Both were exactly what I wanted. The brown butter almondine sauce on the trout was fantastically sweet and went well with the quiche, too.  The cheese plate was a big hit with the all of the girls as it was passed around the table.

On Sunday Patrick Properties hosted an oyster roast and BBQ at Lowndes Grove for the employees. It was nice to see everyone out of the office, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. The highlights for me were definitely the fresh local oysters and susnet views. I”ll leave you with these photos that sum up a Lowcountry Oyster Roast at its finest.

The truth is, the River House was a bit of an ugly duckling when PP acquired the property. And what I mean by that is simply this: no one had really given the River House the love and attention it deserved. But honey, let me just say…that ugly duckling is now quite an elegant swan.

Photographer Amelia Phillips Hale and her husband Dan of Dreamland Images captured some beautiful moments at a recent wedding at the River House. (Which, by the by, is perfect for events with 100 guests or less.)

There’s much to love about these photos: the energy, the colors. But what I find most lovely is the knowledge that we here at PP rediscovered this rather forgotten piece of this exquisite property, and now we have the incredible pleasure of sharing it with the world, one gorgeous event at a time.

No graduation party is complete without a disco ball.

The Lowndes Grove River House framed by oaks.