What does the word vernacular mean to you? That’s the question that Daves Rossell, an architectural history professor at Savannah College of Art and Design, asked as he opened his lecture. Among the answers given were: traditional, indigenous, of a specific time and a specific location, and local. Rossell confirmed that these were all correct, but the question that he set out to answer was: how do you apply the word vernacular to architecture in the Lowcountry? It begins with looking at vernacular qualities and analyzing why they have remained unchanged throughout history.
Vernacular qualities can be defined as common features that don’t catch our attention from a distance and are often overlooked due to their frequent usage. Think about that medallion around your chandelier mounting, or your neighbor’s raised house, or your parents’ cherished wraparound porch. All of these are common features of Lowcountry homes that are rare finds in the north. If you take a stroll around Charleston, you might notice that many of the homes have side porches that operate as both a place to “porch” as well as their entryway. Conversely, Savannah homes also have side porches, however they are used solely as a porch, with their front door located on the street-facing side of the home. These differences are derived from the cultures that have migrated over time. (Not exactly sure what you’re trying to say here…?) Savannah-style homes are also well-known for displaying Caribbean influences and are easy to spot if you know what to look for.
There is no debate about the tradition that lives within the Lowcountry, but it goes well beyond the biscuits and fried chicken. Next time you’re in Savannah, spend some time in the neighborhoods on the border of the city like Frogtown, Currytown, and Waynesville. These areas specialize in Lowcountry architectural vernaculars and will grow your appreciation of this wonderful place we get to call home.
Marie McConnell Director of Member relations, Palmetto Bluff Club Where are you from and how did you get here? I am from Buffalo, New York—born and raised. Go Bills! My husband and I got married at Sea Pines in Hilton Head in 2012 and fell in love with the ...
Nestled amidst the tranquility of Palmetto Bluff, Longfield Stables stands as a beacon of serenity amid lush green pastures and the gentle presence of grazing horses. Its picturesque setting makes it a haven not only for the esteemed Palmetto Bluff Club Member...
The Conservancy is looking forward to another summer of fun with our upcoming kid's programs! Wild Child Camp and Junior Naturalist Camp will have dedicated weeks in June. Registration is $200 per child for the week. To participate, parents must fill out t...
Photographs by Summer Pagatpatan Palmetto Bluff is a wilderness playground for families, a gateway to the outdoors, to living life close to nature. Palmetto Bluff Growing Outdoors, or PBGO, encompasses the ethos of this extraordinary place. CampGO is PBGO’...
Discover the May River and Crossroads Golf Courses at Palmetto Bluff Positioned within the enchanting Lowcountry landscape, Palmetto Bluff boasts an array of world-class amenities, with its golf courses standing as a testament to the community's commitment to...
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5 Benefits of Living in South Carolina Known for its charming small towns, pristine coastline, and natural beauty, the South Carolina Lowcountry is one of the most popular places to live. The Lowcountry is a unique and desirable place to live, offering an arr...
Photographs by Patrick O’Brien Words by Rob Collins Designer Rob Collins of King-Collins offers a first look at Crossroads, Palmetto Bluff’s new nine-hole reversible golf course. It is a feat of design. One routing, The Hammer, is a whirlwind of angles and u...
Story by Katie Epps Photographs by Joel Caldwell Beneath Palmetto Bluff’s sprawling oaks lie twelve cemeteries that serve as the final resting places for hundreds of people and nine dogs. Five of these cemeteries were started as burial grounds for enslaved...
Putting Down Strong Roots The Grove seamlessly combines curated style with courtyard living, welcoming the lush beauty of the Lowcountry at every doorstep. With twelve homesites meticulously designed to maximize outdoor living, Palmetto Bluff Builders offer...
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