Visit treasured house museums in the lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia, exploring the essence of ante-bellum elegance. 222 lovely color photographs guide you through the corridors of nine classically built, exquisite manor homes and the shaded pathways that wend through heirloom gardens. Experience an era long past, when wealthy planters and slaves wrested fortunes from virgin swampland to produce rice and indigo for a hungry European market. Re-discover American history as you enjoy stories of the dynastic families who built these homes, shaped the growth of the region, and were instrumental in founding the nation. This book is a wonderful souvenir for those who've explored the Lowcountry, and a wish list for those who aspire to do so. AUTHOR: Tina Skinner is an award-winning journalist who has authored many books on architecture and design. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. Photographer Steven P. Whitsitt has had his work published extensively in national and regional periodicals and books. He enjoys a dual career, photographing the music industry and traveling the nation recording the work of professional designers. He lives in Durham, North Carolina. SELLING POINTS: ? Regional elegance for natives and visitors alike ? Authentic Neo-classical, Ante-bellum architecture and garden design ? Historical references to this cradle of the nation 222 colour photographs