I hope that the currrent owners don’t mind that I have decided to move in with them. Its just me, the kids, Mr. Flossip, the barking Flossips… surely they won’t care?
The Claussen House is the oldest house in Florence.
(Howard-Harllee-Claussen House) Constructed ca. 1830, the Claussen House is an excellent local example of early nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture and late nineteenth century Italianate style alterations and additions. Built in the raised cottage form, the house is likely one of the most distinguished of its type throughout the upland coastal plain of South Carolina. The house was built for Charles Brown Howard, a planter and merchant. After he died in 1834, his wife married Dr. Robert Harllee, a prominent local physician who was actively involved in state government as a state representative and state senator. In 1870, he sold 1,150 acres, including the house, to Frederick W. Claussen of Charleston. In 1873 Claussen sold 210 acres, including the house, to his nephew William Frederick Claussen, who remodeled the house, expanded his holdings, and planted tobacco and cotton as cash crops on the property. William Claussen also introduced and experimented with several varieties of grapes and pecans on the property. The house remained in the Claussen family until 1985. The house also has a significant collection of domestic and agricultural outbuildings, including a smokehouse, gardener’s cottage, hothouse/greenhouse, chicken coop/outhouse, and carriage shed. Listed in the National Register April 11, 2001. The Claussen House is the oldest home in Florence.
The current owners have decided to rent the house for weddings and other functions. Can I rent it and have a party and pretend like I own it for a night? Email jen534@aol.com if you are interested. They have a large front porch and will allow the use of the two front rooms. They will also have a room for the bride to dress in and allow use of the kitchen.
(Slightly related– did anyone else have that Florence coloring book years ago that had a picture of the Bonnie Shade? I think the Bonnie Shade is the second oldest house in Florence.)
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Bonnie Shade is usually referred to as the oldest house within the city (limits) of Florence.
Its the 2d oldest according to the National Register:
http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/florence/S10817721002/index.htm
Bonnie Shade is considered to be the second oldest house located within the city limits of Florence. Built circa 1854, Bonnie Shade predates the incorporation of the city of Florence in 1871
I’m so pleased you featured this home–it belongs to my cousin, Jencey. What a beautiful place for any type of event–and the owners are beautiful people, too!
It is a beautiful house and has always been one of my favorite “ride bys” I have heard rumors that it is haunted. Not unlike Red Doe Plantation.
Jencey-you are famous!
Hey Vickie! My husband and I bought the Claussen House last July and we have had so many people ask us the famous question…”Is it haunted?” I am happy to say, since my family and I live here, that nothing unusual has happened! The funny part is all the stories we have heard about things that “supposedly” have happened here but after going through all the past history of the house and talking to people in the Mars Bluff area we have found them all to be just false legends. We love how much history our home has and we love reading all the old letters from the first owners of the house. Everytime we see and old picture or read something new about the Claussen House it feels like we are stepping back in time! So glad we are able to open our home up to others now as well! Thanks again flossip!
Which is the oldest in the city limits? I sure thought Bonnie Shade was the oldest. I’m going to have to dig up “Rise Up So Early”.
No Uncle Willie, huh Jencey? So glad the Richardsons, Wilsons and now you take good care of such a beautiful place.
oh wow that looks like an awesome place for an event; i hope i get to photograph something there one day!
Jencey and Brandon have done a fabulous job updating the Claussen House while at the same time keeping the southern charm! I love this house!!!!
I also heard this house was haunted which is why they could not sell it.
LB, it did not sell because the house needed a ton of work and the adjoining land was something that everyone was very unsure about as the owner refused to sell or let potential buyers know what her plans were with the land which made it unclear what may or may not be build around the house. I’m so glad it was a tough sell or we would not have been able to buy it! =)
MEETING MONDAY, MAY 24th – 6:00 P.M. – ART TRAIL GALLERY (Kimbrells). I’m delighted that this beautiful and significant historic home will be available as a venue for the public, and hope that many will take advantage of all you have to offer. All of us that cherish our historical homes in Florence are so happy that the Claussen House is now receiving the TLC from new loving hands that it deserves! I invite everyone interested to please join us as we reactivate the Florence Heritage Foundation, first chartered thirty years ago, but dormant for the past years. We will be actively involved in community initiatives that support many different historic preservation projects in Florence County, primarily the revitalization of our historic district in downtown Florence, Red Doe Plantation, and our historic neighborhoods such as Timrod Park. We are sponsoring a driving/walking tour of sites complete with map and historic markers – we were involved in the publication of the booklet created in 1981, but now in need of updating. Also, we were involved in the publication of the coloring book referred to by one of the commentors, and are discussing the possibility of a new one. Our fundraising project is an updated publication of the history of Florence with many color photos, maps, and lots of colorful anecdotes that tell the story of our heritage. Please contact me if you are interested in getting involved in anyway! Thanks for caring! Agnes Willcox 319-0300
Folks should keep in mind that just because a place may be “haunted”, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything negative or bad should be associated with its history. Perhaps past residents are simply overjoyed that the home they loved so dearly is being cared for again;)
How much would it cost to rent this for a wedding?
Hi, I was recently told that children’s birthday parties are held here. If so, could you send me some information?
Thanks,
Amber Jacobs
hey, this is dee…i was looking at this place to have my wedding in. if you could send me some pics of it and some pricing that would be great. thanks,
Dee
Dr. Robert Harllee was my great-great grandfather, and older brother of General William Wallace Harllee, who was a founder of Florence. I gave his medicine chest to the Florence Museum several years ago and was responsible for getting my cousin in Charleston to donate a portrait of Dr. Harllee. The original portrait hangs in Arundel Plantation near Georgetown. I wrote a paper on Dr. Harllee, which is in the SC Room at the Florence library.
I would love to visit your home and see it.