Auldbrass Plantation
Auldbrass Plantation
4.5
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Wright's modern-day rendering of a Southern plantation was bought by Hollywood producer Joel Silver and restored by the architect's grandson, Eric Lloyd Wright.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
30 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Faith N
Walterboro, SC2,299 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
After a few years of planning to get tickets to see this place, we finally did this year and I'm so glad we did. Beautiful place, not as big as I expected but definitely one of the most uniquely built homes I've ever seen. A lot of the property was taped off, so I didn't see as much as I'd hoped, but the volunteers gave us lots of information and a tour of the home.
Written November 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
techfan
Seabrook Island, SC96 contributions
If you ever get the chance to see Audlbrass - do it! The only plantation designed by Wright. It is now privately owned by Joel Silver (Hollywood producer) and lovingly restored by Mr. Silver. He very generously opens the plantation every two years for one weekend in November to benefit the Beaufort Land Trust. Tickets go fast and run around $100 but well worth it to any FLW fan or student of architecture. Located in Yemassee, S.C. between Charleston and Beaufort.
Written December 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chip D
Rochester, NY562 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
If you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, you take the opportunity to see as many of his designs as you can. Auldbrass is one of them and it is truly one-of-a-kind. The only farm he ever designed and we drove down from Rochester, NY to enjoy it. We’ve visited perhaps a dozen of his designs, including one around the corner from us in Rochester that has been fully restored and is spectacular. Auldbrass is certainly not our favorite, but it’s well worth adding to your visit checklist.
Others have written on these pages and elsewhere about Auldbrass, it’s restoration by movie producer Joel Silver, the millions of dollars spent on the restoration and it’s uniqueness among Wright projects. I’m not foolish enough to attempt a critique of Wright or the Silver restoration efforts.
What I do think is important is to put this project in context. The every two year weekend in November tour of the house and grounds sponsored by the Beaufort County Open Lands Trust is a huge undertaking. They sell many hundreds of tickets for the weekend and the money goes to support their efforts county-wide to preserve and restore the history of the Low Country.
Yes, they had a disaster or two during ticket sales for the 2015 tour. NPR, Good Morning America, the New York Times and other media gave them a huge amount of publicity and when sales began at 9:00 AM on August 17, The Open Lands Trust computers and phones crashed within five minutes and PayPal began selling tickets to individuals in blocks of 40 or 50 for several thousand dollars.
I was patient and sent e-mails and made phone calls within the first 15 minutes when I realized what must have happened. I also found out that they have one paid staff person in the office and she was frantic. But, she, with the help of volunteers, soldiered through and got back to all of us who had made contact and got us tickets.
What we found in Beaufort and Yemassee was a great organization effort to ensure a good tour. It was raining on Sunday when we visited, but they got people parked along the road, quickly checked in, moved promptly into the main house in groups of eight with excellent docents and guides. Experts were on hand to answer questions. Golf carts moved those who couldn’t make the long walk into the grounds. Clean restrooms were available not far from the house. Except for a prohibition on interior photography, we were free to roam the grounds, ask questions and enjoy ourselves. This was an amazing undertaking for a small group of preservationists and they pulled it off beautifully.
The bottom line for me is that the Open Lands Trust has partnered with Joel Silver to present a wonderful experience and then make great use of the dollars they bring in to preserve the history of the Low Country. It’s worth 30 minutes of frustration trying to get through when computers crash.
Others have written on these pages and elsewhere about Auldbrass, it’s restoration by movie producer Joel Silver, the millions of dollars spent on the restoration and it’s uniqueness among Wright projects. I’m not foolish enough to attempt a critique of Wright or the Silver restoration efforts.
What I do think is important is to put this project in context. The every two year weekend in November tour of the house and grounds sponsored by the Beaufort County Open Lands Trust is a huge undertaking. They sell many hundreds of tickets for the weekend and the money goes to support their efforts county-wide to preserve and restore the history of the Low Country.
Yes, they had a disaster or two during ticket sales for the 2015 tour. NPR, Good Morning America, the New York Times and other media gave them a huge amount of publicity and when sales began at 9:00 AM on August 17, The Open Lands Trust computers and phones crashed within five minutes and PayPal began selling tickets to individuals in blocks of 40 or 50 for several thousand dollars.
I was patient and sent e-mails and made phone calls within the first 15 minutes when I realized what must have happened. I also found out that they have one paid staff person in the office and she was frantic. But, she, with the help of volunteers, soldiered through and got back to all of us who had made contact and got us tickets.
What we found in Beaufort and Yemassee was a great organization effort to ensure a good tour. It was raining on Sunday when we visited, but they got people parked along the road, quickly checked in, moved promptly into the main house in groups of eight with excellent docents and guides. Experts were on hand to answer questions. Golf carts moved those who couldn’t make the long walk into the grounds. Clean restrooms were available not far from the house. Except for a prohibition on interior photography, we were free to roam the grounds, ask questions and enjoy ourselves. This was an amazing undertaking for a small group of preservationists and they pulled it off beautifully.
The bottom line for me is that the Open Lands Trust has partnered with Joel Silver to present a wonderful experience and then make great use of the dollars they bring in to preserve the history of the Low Country. It’s worth 30 minutes of frustration trying to get through when computers crash.
Written November 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Auldbrass is one of Frank Lloyd Wrights most beautiful but unrecognized buildings. The construction methods and it's fit into the landscape are just two of the many beautiful characteristics inbedded in this buildings. Auldbrass was what inspired me to study Architecutre.
Written October 8, 2001
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichaelKohn1
Saint Louis, MO369 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
This Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece is owned by movie producer Joel Silver and it is open to the public one weekend every two years. Word of advise: GO. It is always open the first weekend in November in odd-numbered years. You must go to the Beaufort County South Carolina open land trust website to get details. It is a good idea to check early in August to sign-up. As an FLW lover I would have to say that this is a "must-see" for anyone even remotely interested in Wright and architecture. This venue is a work in progress but Silver has restored this home and made the grounds spectacular. The house, grounds, out-buildings, entryway---you name it---and it is a site to behold. Do yourself a favor---pay the fee (it was $85/per person this year) and see Auldbrass!!!! Worth every penny and the effort to get there (off I-95 north of Savannah GA) not terribly far from Hilton Head or Charleston SC.
Written November 9, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marlanman
Alexandria, VA209 contributions
Aug 2015
Auldbrass Plantation is open to the public only every other year and tickets went on sale supposedly by phone and on line today. Due to "technical difficulties", the Internet did not work all day. I began calling every few minutes from 9 to 4:15--almost 50 times--and got a busy signal every time. At the end of the day, a message was posted on their Web site saying all the tickets for Saturday had been sold! They also informed the public they had enough email requests (never indicated anywhere as a way to order) to sell all the remaining Sunday tickets!
The plantation may be noteworthy but the people who manage it are not up to the task.
The plantation may be noteworthy but the people who manage it are not up to the task.
Written August 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CreoleMo
Atlanta, GA21 contributions
Nov 2014 • Business
Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the rural landscape of the moss draped south. What a combination! The tour was wonderful, and seeing barns and cabins and horse stalls designed by an American master was a unique experience. The house, pool, and lake were lovely. Be prepared to walk as it is down a looong red gravel road.
Written November 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SCTravelCouple
Conway, SC201 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
Auldbrass is only open to the public one weekend every two years, first weekend in November on odd years (2011,2013,etc). This is a true example of how Frank Lloyd Wright's designs fit right in with nature.
Thanks to current owner, movie producer Joel Silver, this farm property is still being restored to Wright's specifications. The properties have a very informal, tranquil feeling about them, fitting in with the giant oak trees. It's amazing how the buildings join in with the elements of nature to create a masterpiece of nature.
Thanks to current owner, movie producer Joel Silver, this farm property is still being restored to Wright's specifications. The properties have a very informal, tranquil feeling about them, fitting in with the giant oak trees. It's amazing how the buildings join in with the elements of nature to create a masterpiece of nature.
Written November 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
helsimon
Chapel Hill224 contributions
Nov 2011 • Couples
Auldbrass is only open one weekend every other year, part of Joel Silver's deal with the IRS to get a tax break on some of the millions he has put into the renovations (or so we were told). The weekend is coordinated with Open Land Trust of Beaufort County. Prepare for crowds - this year, 700 people visited the property on Saturday and 600 on Sunday. The next showing should be November, 2013. Joel Silver has essentially reconstructed the property how FLW intended it to be built - rather than how it was built the first time, due to material and labor constraints of WWII.
As it is a personal home, much of the property is not available for viewing. Also, be prepared that the house is much more cluttered than any other FLW property I've ever seen - which I can't imagine is how FLW intended the property to be - Joel Silver seems to have quite the desire to collect things, and wants the collections all over the various buildings. Be prepared for lots of taxidermy - some admittedly real, some allegedly fake.
That said, the property is unlike any other FLW house, and well worth a visit to see the unique setting and how FLW designed for the South. The copper patina does match the color of the spanish moss in the trees quite nicely. The low buildings fit well with the partial wetland setting. Seeing how FLW designed everything at a nine degree angle to match the live oaks is incredibly impressive - and then slanted the main boards on top of that. The fence around the property, the house for the pygmy hippo, the aviary, everything is built on a slant and on an angle.
The staff of Auldbrass (we met several) are incredibly friendly and willing to answer questions. They were also willing to share some amazing stories from the property, which much enhanced the visit.
As it is a personal home, much of the property is not available for viewing. Also, be prepared that the house is much more cluttered than any other FLW property I've ever seen - which I can't imagine is how FLW intended the property to be - Joel Silver seems to have quite the desire to collect things, and wants the collections all over the various buildings. Be prepared for lots of taxidermy - some admittedly real, some allegedly fake.
That said, the property is unlike any other FLW house, and well worth a visit to see the unique setting and how FLW designed for the South. The copper patina does match the color of the spanish moss in the trees quite nicely. The low buildings fit well with the partial wetland setting. Seeing how FLW designed everything at a nine degree angle to match the live oaks is incredibly impressive - and then slanted the main boards on top of that. The fence around the property, the house for the pygmy hippo, the aviary, everything is built on a slant and on an angle.
The staff of Auldbrass (we met several) are incredibly friendly and willing to answer questions. They were also willing to share some amazing stories from the property, which much enhanced the visit.
Written November 8, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lola2104
Raleigh, NC256 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
It's open every two years so mark your calendar now for 2017. It is a fantastic site and SO worth traveling to see it. Plan on 4 hours at the site, including about 1 hour waiting to tour the main house. We did not do the optional lunch. Parking is along the street and they offered free rides on golf carts to/from the main gate.
Online ticket sales were totally messed up. I believe they went on sale at 10:00 a.m. on August 17th. (I just kept trying every 10 minutes - no need to stay up all night) We couldn't check out with the correct tickets until after we registered for a userid & password & logged in. Could have been coincidence, but it worked for us immediately. (You can't register until you have something in your cart. To do it ahead of time, maybe pretend you are going to buy something from the gift store)
This year there were no paper tickets mailed, they just kept names at the gate. If they had notified us or put it on the web site I wouldn't have had to contact them directly. They sell out no matter what so it doesn't matter to them......
Online ticket sales were totally messed up. I believe they went on sale at 10:00 a.m. on August 17th. (I just kept trying every 10 minutes - no need to stay up all night) We couldn't check out with the correct tickets until after we registered for a userid & password & logged in. Could have been coincidence, but it worked for us immediately. (You can't register until you have something in your cart. To do it ahead of time, maybe pretend you are going to buy something from the gift store)
This year there were no paper tickets mailed, they just kept names at the gate. If they had notified us or put it on the web site I wouldn't have had to contact them directly. They sell out no matter what so it doesn't matter to them......
Written November 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist272746
Mount Pleasant, SC16 contributions
Date of tour in June?, Cost?, Length of time on tour???
Tourist272746
Mount Pleasant, SC16 contributions
When is the next tour?? Cost?? Length of time for tour???
Janet H
Mesa, AZ3 contributions
Why such limited days and hours?
carolina lady
Charleston, SC43 contributions
It's privately owned. Joel Silver allows tours one weekend every two years to benefit the Open Land Trust that saved the place from bulldozers.
Karen R
Columbia, SC90 contributions
Do you know when tickets will go on sale for March 10th, 2018?? Thanks for letting me know it is coming up.
Larry G
Englewood, CO14 contributions
There is only one tour per year, arranged through the Charleston Historical Foundation. A modest donation is required. The home is maintained as a private residence for a California owner. The date of the tour is usually in the Fall, typically early October. We donated $500 per person to the Historical Foundation to gain access.
Hops68
Phoenix, AZ1 contribution
Does anyone have information on the 2017 dates to tour Auldbrass? I've called the Land Trust, left email messages, gone throught their online "Contact us" link but see no info about this year's tour. Thx
KEBlackburn
Beaufort, SC3 contributions
How do you find out when the tickets are going on sale?
Kathryn Murray
Charleston, SC3 contributions
How can I order 5 tickets and what would the tot add l cost be?
ajansenscr
Chicago, IL63 contributions
Is Auldbrass open to the public between 11/16 and 11/18, (the only time my wife and I will be in the area).
Have a deep interest in Frank Lloyd Wright being an architect and have scheduled our anniversary trip around seeing this work of Wright.
x-man63
Boston14 contributions
The plantation will be open for visitors this year for two days, 11-14 & 15. The tickets sold out in a few hours back in August. There are no tickets issued, names at door. Maybe you could 'crash' the party. Tours are only offered every other year.
Judy M
Tiverton, RI
Are there tour dates scheduled for 2016, and if so, when would the dates be?
Suzette B
Winston Salem, NC
When,are the dates an times,an purchase price for tour of auldbrass?2015.
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