Historic Rose Hill Estate in Aiken, SC to Be Transformed into Boutique Hotel by 2027

Raines and Vantage Realty Partners have announced plans to restore the historic Rose Hill Estate in Aiken, South Carolina, into a boutique hotel, with completion expected by late 2027.

Raines and Vantage Realty Partners have finalized the acquisition of the Rose Hill Estate in Aiken, South Carolina, with plans to convert the historic site into a boutique hotel. The estate, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, will undergo rehabilitation to include a hotel, food and beverage services, private event spaces, and public gardens.

The project is scheduled to open in late 2027. Vantage Realty Partners identified the site’s potential and selected Raines as the hospitality partner to co-develop and manage the hotel upon completion. Verity Works, a historic preservation studio and co-owner of the estate, will oversee the rehabilitation process to ensure compliance with state and federal historic tax credit programs.

Atlanta restaurateurs Chris Hall and Ryan Turner, co-founders of Unsukay Restaurant Group, will participate as general partners in the project. They will collaborate with Raines to develop the hotel’s food and beverage program.

The redevelopment aims to preserve the estate’s historical significance while creating a modern facility for both Aiken residents and visitors. The Rose Hill Estate includes a main mansion, historic stables, and auxiliary buildings, all set within formal gardens. The estate’s history is linked to Aiken’s identity as a Winter Colony sporting retreat, with the main house designed by J.F. Leitner and completed in 1900.

The project will maintain the legacy of Mrs. Sheffield Phelps, who played a significant role in shaping the estate’s gardens and horticultural reputation. Plans include reestablishing the gardens and grounds as a defining feature of the estate, with public trails and outdoor art displays.

Rose Hill will also collaborate with the Aiken Center for the Arts, serving as a satellite site for exhibitions and art installations. An Artists-in-Residence program will be established to provide studio space for artists with connections to Aiken.

The development team is working with the Historic Aiken Foundation to ensure the project aligns with local historic preservation goals and guidelines. The project aims to address a gap in Aiken’s hospitality offerings by providing accommodation and amenities not currently available in the region.