Old Strother Place
The Old Strother Place, also known as Fruit Hill, is a historic plantation house located near Saluda, South Carolina. Built around 1856 by George James Strother, the property is recognized for its architectural significance and historical context.
The house is a two-story, frame structure designed in the Greek Revival style, characterized by its symmetrical façade and classical proportions. Notable features include a full-width, one-story porch with a shed roof, which originally extended across both the front and rear elevations. The rear porch was later enclosed in the 20th century. Additional contributing structures on the property include a barn and kitchen building, both dating from around 1856, a garage built circa 1930, and a water tower constructed around 1936 .
The Old Strother Place was one of the largest plantations in the area during the 19th century. In 1850, Strother owned 27 enslaved individuals, and by 1860, this number had increased to 43. The plantation also had eight slave houses, though their exact locations are unknown . In 1936, the house became one of the first in the vicinity to receive electricity and running water, marking a significant advancement in rural living conditions .
The property is situated on the eastern side of Fruit Hill Road, approximately 0.3 miles north of its junction with Chappells Ferry Road, near Saluda, South Carolina . As a privately owned historic site, the Old Strother Place is not open to the public. Visitors are advised to view the property from a distance and respect the privacy of the owners.