In Charleston, South Carolina sits perhaps the most beautiful housing project in America. Built in a Romanesque Revival style, the William Enston Home consists of free-standing cottages set on a leafy green landscaped property. William Enston was a wealthy businessman in Charleston involved in furniture, real estate and shipping. He left his fortunate to the city of Charleston in 1859, with the stipulation that it be used to build a home for elderly poor. Chapel at the William Enston Home Among the few requirements Enston placed was that the residents be at least 45 years, unless they were suffering from “some great infirmity,” that they were not insane, and that they were of “good, honest character.” The complex had to be at least 8 acres in size, with two-story brick cottages that were “neat and convenient” and had kitchens and gardens.The architecture is modeled after that of Enston’s home town in England,… Read More
