The Boone‑Douthit House, also known as Rocky Retreat, is a beautifully preserved example of an upstate South Carolina plantation‑style farmhouse, located just outside Pendleton, SC

The Boone‑Douthit House exemplifies how a modest 19th‑century I‑house evolved into a spacious, functional farmhouse with thoughtful expansions and rich ancillary structures. Its careful stewardship—including modern restoration and adaptation—embodies a successful blend of architectural preservation and livable heritage, securing its place in South Carolina’s historical landscape.

This stately Greek Revival home, built around 1849, expanded through early 1900s additions, and complemented by historic support buildings, remains a vibrant testament to Pendleton’s rural heritage. Today, as Rocky Retreat, it bridges its storied past with present-day hospitality—offering both residents and visitors a living piece of South Carolina history.

Historical Development & Architecture

• Original Construction (c. 1849):
  Built for the Boone family, the initial structure was a classic two‑story Greek Revival I‑house, featuring a central hallway flanked by two rooms on each floor.
• Early Additions (c. 1900–1904):
  Two rear ells were added around the turn of the 20th century: the first including a room with two baths, the second housing a kitchen and butler’s pantry, expanding the home’s functionality as the occupants’ needs evolved.
• Outbuildings:
  The property includes five historic outbuildings, each adding to its significance: a large barn, a secondary tenant or service house, a probable doctor’s office, a small storage building, and an intriguing structure once speculated to be used for silkworm culture.

Restoration & Recognition

• Restoration Efforts:
  In the mid-1990s, Jim Ligon initiated an extensive restoration project on the house, barn, and grounds, reviving its original charm. A later visit in 2012 noted that “much impressive restoration has recently taken place”.
• Historic Designations:
  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 3, 1997, the house stands on a 6.4‑acre site considered significant under architectural criteria.
• Modern-Day Use:
  Now operating as Rocky Retreat, the Boone‑Douthit House welcomes guests for bed‑and‑breakfast stays, whole‑house rentals, and events such as weddings—highlighting its adaptive reuse while preserving historical integrity.