Hidden on 11 acres of the North Santee Delta in Myrtle Beach’s own back yard is Wicklow Hall, an historic estate that husband and wife team David and Judith Rinella have restored as a charming bed and breakfast.
The two-story inn, a grand house built between 1831 and 1840, welcomes guests with an intricate mural portraying the Lowcountry marsh and the wildlife and waterfowl that live within its landscape. Other details of note include the original heart of pine floors throughout, 10 gas fireplaces, a handcrafted wooden bar with a lounge that offers ample seating and a screened-in porch that’s ideal for enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine while reading a good book.
The entry hall of the inn at Wicklow Hall welcomes guests with a colorful mural of the Lowcountry landscape, painted by Beaufort artist Lynne Fensterer.
Additional buildings on the property include what was once a kitchen house, the original home and the stables, all of which the Rinellas have renovated into cozy and rustic — yet luxurious — cottages. Each has its own private outdoor space where guests can grill out, relax in a hot tub or simply appreciate the serenity.
When planning a getaway to Wicklow Hall, make sure to book a weekend during which Judith will be hosting one of her infamous quarterly “Supper Socials.” The next one, which is coming up on Saturday, March 21, begins promptly at 6:00 PM. The dress code for the azalea-themed soiree is “swanky.” Come thirsty and hungry — Dragoon punch will be served in a crystal punch bowl with a silver ladle and there will be wine pourings at the bar. For appetizers, guests will be treated to Judith’s exquisite charcuterie. Dripping with cherry tomatoes and grapes and topped with a $300 chunk of parmesan, the arrangement is what she calls, “an edible renaissance painting.”
Wicklow Hall owner Judith Rinella’s extravagant charcuterie is on display during her quarterly “Social Suppers.”
From 7-9:00 that evening, guests are invited to enjoy a Gullah feast catered by Buckshots from nearby McLellanville. The buffet includes a roast beef carving station, fried fish and chicken, cooked cabbage, collard greens, dirty rice, cold slaw, an “addictive” potato salad, peach cobbler and banana pudding.
Although Judith uses China, silver place settings and fine linens, and will have a jazz pianist tinkling the keys of the inn’s baby grand, she says the dinner is less formal and more social as guests can choose from different seating areas such as the antique dining table, the bar or the porch.
On the Sunday morning, Judith will host a farewell brunch buffet from 9:00-10:00 and is extending the checkout time to noon so guests can linger a little longer.
To learn more about Wicklow Hall and book a stay, visit wicklowhall.com. Rates start at $299 a night and tickets to the social are sold separately, with weekend guests having priority at a discounted investment of $75.00 per person.
As Judith says, “Everything will be taken care of except your outfit.”
