Built in 1854, The Lace House was the home of Mary Caldwell and Thomas James Robertson. John Caldwell, original owner of the Caldwell-Boylston House, gave the land for the Lace House to his daughter as a wedding gift. The house was bought by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in the early 1950s. In 1965, it was purchased by the Richland County Historic Preservation Commission, and in 1968 the state acquired the house through the efforts of Mrs. Robert McNair, First Lady, and the Mansion Commission. The project was completed under the direction of Mrs. John C. West, First Lady. The Lace House became the official guest house of the SC Governor’s Mansion.

A modest interior refurbishment of the Lace House has just been completed to accommodate the contemporary use of this beautiful historic home. The refurbishment was the result of the generous work of Kathleen Rivers, an interior designer from Charleston, and was paid for with private funds by the Governor's Mansion Foundation, a 501(c) 3 charitable organization. The garden adjacent to the Lace House has also been redesigned by George Betsill and is now open for public enjoyment due to the generosity of Mr. Donald Dial.

For additional information regarding the rental of the Lace House or Caldwell-Boylston House please contact Katherine Haltiwanger, 737-2235 or khaltiwanger@gov.sc.gov.