Robert Mills House and Gardens

I only experienced the free gardens and the gift shop at the Robert Mills House but left with such a positive experience! The Hydrangeas were reaching peak bloom during my visit and smelled absolutely wonderful. The exterior of the home is kept in great condition despite its age and the gardens are a must add to your list. Free admission and longer hours to visit if you aren’t able to join the tour. Restrooms on site available to the public in a side building were very clean! Every staff member I came across was incredibly helpful and kind. Perfect place for a picnic, a little inspiration or just to get your steps in. As an out of town guest, I would have regretted not visiting this home and garden during my stay, so add it to your list!

This handsome, historic house and museum at 1616 Blanding Street in Columbia, South Carolina was built in 1823, preserved by the Historic Columbia Foundation and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It was designed by South Carolina native architect Robert Mills, notable for not just one but two Washington monuments. Tours are offered regularly, providing insight into the history of the building that reflects the symmetrical Early Republic, Federalist architectural style. The backyard formal garden and grounds blossom exuberantly in the spring, bursting with vivid, harmonious color, while mirroring the graceful elegance and decorum of the antebellum era.

Well preserved mansion designed by prolific 19th century architect Robert Mills. The surrounding formal gardens are open to the public to enjoy for free.

I toured all four of the Historic Columbia houses, and I started with the Robert Mills house, though the Hampton Preston across the street is my favorite of all four. Robert Mills is my next favorite - fantastically restored and preserved, and I love how they have it all set up - especially down stairs in the kitchen, with biscuit flour and a cracked egg on the floor (all pretend, of course.) There's a beautiful symmetry and curves to Mill's work (he's the architect, no one family actually lived there in the end, though it was used for other things.) I love the curved front hall and rooms. I think the tours pre-covid were more guided. The guides told me that they were supposed to stand in the hall while visitors read the plaques, but most of them couldn't help themselves and stood in the door and told me all about everything anyway. Plus, I was the only person on three out of the four tours I took, so I think they were generally more casual. Also, you get a discount the more tours you take - they came to recognize me over the week I visited, so I paid anywhere from $7-10 for each of my tours. EDIT - don't sleep on the monthly garden tours, they are really informative and interesting!

Informative tour with a knowledgeable guide (all of the staff I interacted with were wonderful) and good interpretive signage inside and out. The garden is beautiful and well kept.

One of the highlights of visiting Columbia South Carolina. The house has a rich history involving Robert Mills, the architect of the house and most famous for designing the Washington monument. The guide was very informative and always asked if we had questions. Great Costomer service all around. The price for a guided tour is $10 a person and well worth it.

I actually took the tour for this one and my tour guide was the best. I ended up being the only one on the tour, but he was very knowledgeable and great to talk to.

We have only observed the gardens. Peaceful and well maintained! There's a little maze behind the house. Don't get distracted by the ugly radio tower nearby 😉