In addition to large comfortable accommodations and many amenities, you can customize you stay at The Grove by connecting with the activities and sources that make The Grove a unique working estate. Most guests leave wishing they had planned to stay longer because they were unaware of many experiences offered at The Grove.
Choose from the following or sample them all:
~ The Joinery:
One of the most active spots on the estate is the joinery (a woodshop where furniture and other items are made).
Located in the barn, primitive hand tools are king and the old world approach to woodworking is practiced by Denley and his apprentices. A project is always taking shape there, whether it be fashioning a new piece of furniture, restoring an antique, or making a trellis for the garden.
The shop is a safe environment and guests are always welcomed. Specialized instruction is available: check our Facebook page and watch the website for special weekend packages built around the joinery.
~ Cooking in the Servant’s House:
The early 20th Century kitchen is located in the downstairs of the Servant's House, and the wood burning range is lit most of the time. Frequently, part of the inn's breakfast is cooked in this kitchen.
This is a favorite place on the estate, especially in cool weather, and the kitchen offers an outdoor dining option. You can also try your hand at cooking on a stove that belonged to Denley's grandmother, splitting wood, gathering eggs from the "fowl house", pumping water from the well using a hand pump, chopping vegetables and preparing other foods for your meal.
Watch the website and check our Facebook page for packages connected with this unique room.
~ The Garden:
The Grove's flower and shrub garden was established more than a century ago - we have photographs of the garden that are over 90 years old.
Most guests tour the garden, but you are invited to get your hands dirty and take home heirloom plants and seeds that have grown here for many years.
Old timey bulbs and plants are always being discovered and you are welcome to take some with you when you leave, whether you have "dug" in the garden or not.
~ Francis Marion and the American Revolution:
Denley is well versed in the southern campaign of the American Revolution with a specialty in Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox), our town's namesake.
The Marion Parlor in the manor house is loaded with information and items related to the Revolution.
We have the Disney "Swamp Fox" television series on DVD.
There is a self-guided tour of local sites, and a tour with a guide is available.
~ The Montgomery Family History and Memorabilia:
Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Montgomery were married in 1877. They and their children were outstanding contributors to their life interests. We have a very large collection of personal items that relate to the fields listed below, and if notice is given, the owners will make sure you can experience the parts of the collection that are of interest to you.
1. Banking and law: Mr. Montgomery was a founder of the SC Bankers’ Association.
2. Photography: Mabel was able to make people feel comfortable in front the camera in 1900. She is also a published author, and the solo printer of "The Marion Mail" that was sent to every service man from Marion in WWII.
3. Pioneer aviation: John Kenly made aviation history in South America in 1929, flying a Ford Tri-motor plane over the Andes Mountains.
