The Grove is located on a ten acre green space in the heart of Marion, a remnant of a large farm which refused to yield to development. Half of the acreage is maintained as a park by the city and half is owned privately and contains the gardens and buildings which were once needed in operating the estate known as “The Grove.”
The Eastlake style manor house which was completed in 1895 is the centerpiece of the estate. The 7000 square foot mansion provides for spacious public areas and guest rooms. Each room makes a distinctive architectural and decorative statement. The three parlors and dining room on the first floor are set apart by wide intersecting halls which form an arch at the point of intersection.
The south hall is dedicated to the memory of four generations of the Montgomery family who lived in the house, and family photographs and memorabilia are concentrated there, although items belonging to the family are throughout the house. Miss Annie’s Room, Kate’s Room, The Senator’s Room, and The Brothers’ Room are located on the second floor. The house offers rooms and common areas which will satisfy a variety of tastes and preferences.
You may be drawn to the shrub garden and picture yourself at a leisurely lunch under the canopy of the patrician trees. The smell of a savory apple pie baking in a wood-burning stove in the summer kitchen may lure you to the functioning early 1900’s kitchen and gift shop which features South Carolina produced items and articles designed to evoke pleasant memories of your stay at The Grove. The soft sounds of ancient tools working wood invite you to the barn where you will find Denley at work producing a piece of furniture. On the path to the barn you can gather fresh eggs for your breakfast from the hens at work in the “fowl house.”
From this peaceful setting you can take excursions into town or experience a variety of sites and activities within driving distance from The Grove. Check the Area Attractions page for more information.
