One of the best ways to get to know a place is to explore its history and some of its oldest sites. Coldwell Banker Exclusive Realty & Management lets you travel back in time at one of Anderson’s oldest homes, The Wilhite House.
Built in 1858 by Dr. Philip Wilhite, the downtown landmark at the corner of S. McDuffie and River Streets was occupied by the Wilhite family for about 80 years. After 163 years and five owners, the 6,000-square-foot, 14-room antebellum residence has been restored by its present owner to its original beauty with many contemporary conveniences added like a modern kitchen with stainless appliances and large screen TVs.
Today, The Wilhite House is an Airbnb and event venue managed by the property management division of Coldwell Banker Exclusive Realty & Management. Guests can rent suites or the entire home for overnight stays and special events.
“One of our goals going into acquiring Coldwell Banker was adding property management within the first quarter and we did that in February of last year,” said Trent Smith, co-owner of Coldwell Banker Exclusive Realty & Management. “Our property management division was up and running by April of last year, even in the thick of the pandemic.”
The Wilhite House became part of Coldwell Banker’s property management portfolio in November 2020, joining single-family homes, lake houses, apartment complexes and commercial properties throughout the Upstate.
“We’re heavy in the residential sector, but growing in the commercial space,” Smith said.
The Wilhite House features four spacious suites with baths – The Katherine, The Michelle, The Victoria and The Virginia, a formal dining room, two large living rooms – one with a baby grand piano, and a spacious kitchen and keeping room. A side porch and upper-level balcony offer great outdoor space for sipping coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening.
Guests have access to all shared living quarters including the upstairs reading nook, kitchen, dining room, living room, piano room and a half bath downstairs. And there’s a fully stocked self-service coffee and tea bar.
“It’s definitely an experience to stay at this historic house in Anderson,” said Coldwell Banker Property Manager Sydney Thompson. “We have many people reaching out to us wanting to do weddings – either the reception or the wedding itself here. We had someone who just celebrated their 10-year anniversary. They got married here and came back to celebrate their 10-year anniversary here.”
The house also can be booked hourly for photography sessions, luncheons or corporate meetings, Thompson said. For food and beverage events at The Wilhite House, Coldwell Banker recommends preferred caterers Earle Street Kitchen and Bar in Anderson and Grits and Groceries in Belton.
“If you’re looking for an apartment to rent, a house to rent, an Airbnb space – if you’re coming into town, we have great places for you to stay,” Smith said.
For more information on the Property Management Division of Coldwell Banker Exclusive Realty & Management, call 864-225-3788 and ask for Property Managers Sydney Thompson or Teryi Musolf.
