The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island houses a unique collection of antiques and original artwork that was selected, commissioned and acquired with meticulous care over the course of several years prior to the hotel's opening. Intended to reflect the residential character of a Lowcountry seaside mansion, this evocative grouping of fine art and antiques traces the interests of hypothetical family members over centuries of time. Subsequent generations have continued to add to this collection and maintain its pristine provenance.
The superb antique furnishings, many of which were purchased at estate auctions, are distributed throughout the hotel's public spaces and harmoniously integrated with modern custom upholstered furniture pieces. Several exquisite 19th-century family portraits hang alongside those of more recent family members. You will also find many fine old oil paintings of beloved family pets, favorite horses, and other farm animals that share space with a wonderful collection of 20th-century photography and vintage golf memorabilia. A magnificent assemblage of indigenous birds by master porcelain artist Edward Marshall Boehm has been collected along with antique wooden canes, wooden and ivory toys, lovely crystal decanters, and whole sets of ancestral china.
To assure that the unspoiled beauty of the Kiawah landscape was included in the art collection, many paintings depict tidal creek and marsh scenes, oak-canopied enclaves, indigenous flora and native species, and varied perspectives of the sea and its meandering shoreline. Iconic sweetgrass baskets, woven locally by women of the Gullah culture to whom the weaving skills were passed from African slaves, are interspersed among intricate, antique woodcarvings of marsh birds and sea grasses, and vintage architecturally scaled pond yachts.
Jasmine Porch, a hypothetically converted stable, boasts a selection of commissioned oil paintings that compliment both the sweeping ocean vista and views of the pool. Guests can dine in the poolside cabana while surrounded by Kiawah's natural beauty, while in the Ocean Room, noted ironmonger John Boyd Smith has fashioned intricate, custom wrought-iron railings and gates that are patterned after native sea grasses. In the main dining room hangs an authentic 19th-century Italian crystal chandelier. There are similar chandeliers in the lobby areas. The shimmering light cast from these antiques help establish the refined and elegant ambience befitting a grand Southern seaside mansion.
The Sanctuary's collection of artwork and antiques includes:
Lobby Grandfather Clock — This Scottish grandfather clock dates from the mid-19th century (c.1840) and is made in the manner of Thomas Sheraton, a furniture maker whose designs were de rigueur in the last quarter of the 18th century. This clock, fashioned of beautifully patinated and inlaid flame mahogany, features a broken arch pediment and bracket feet. Each corner of the hand-painted face features an apostle — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Framed Lace Tablecloth — This magnificent antique tablecloth, purchased at auction, is made of hand-stitched Normandy laces pieced together to form an ornate center medallion. "Old Men of Dixie Plantation" — This oil on canvas by Gary Gowans was commissioned for The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island and depicts the Lowcountry's famed live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
Morning Room "Mistress of the House" — This exquisite oil painting, one of a pair, is based on an actual portrait by noted 19th-century artist John Singer Sargent, and was commissioned especially for The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. The artist has brilliantly mastered Sargent's painterly hand, using swift confident brushstrokes and fresh, bright color. The finished canvas was then glazed to achieve its vintage appearance, and is showcased in a beautifully hand-carved custom frame. Its companion, "Master of the House," is located in the hotel's Lobby Bar. "Boy in a Kilt" — This original oil on canvas was painted by Horace Robbins Burdick (1844-1942) of Boston's American school. The young master is seated on an ebonized giltwood chair — a furniture style that was popular during the American Aesthetic movement at the turn of the century. "Katy" — This original oil on canvas hails from the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art (founded by Charles Wilson Peale), is dated April 1864 and signed by George Washington Conarroe (1803-1882 or 1884). Known for his portraits and genre paintings, Conarroe has rendered young Katy as trusting and innocent, and has softened the outline of her figure to enhance her endearing demeanor. Least Bittern — This bittern is entirely a marsh bird, typically found on edges of marsh and canal banks. This is one in a collection of hard-paste porcelain bird figures by the extraordinary Edward Marshall Boehm. George III Bracket Clock — This beautiful brass-mounted mahogany clock was purchased at auction at Sotherby's. In the arch of the hand-painted face is the clockmaker's signature, Johannes Biden/Loudres.
Lobby Lounge Pair of Giltwood Mantel Mirrors — These monumental Rococo Revival mantel mirrors (c.1875) were purchased at auction from the Rattle-Snapp Plantation. "Master of the House" — This exquisite oil painting, one of a pair, is based on an actual portrait by noted 10th-century artist, John Singer Sargent, and was commissioned especially for The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. The artist has brilliantly mastered Sargent's painterly hand, using swift, confident brushstrokes and fresh, bright color. The finished canvas was then glazed to achieve its vintage appearance, and is showcased in a beautifully hand-carved custom frame. Its companion, "Mistress of the House," is located in the Morning Room. Brass-Mounted Armillary — This handsome 19th-century English armillary sphere (a skeletal celestial sphere with a model of planet Earth at its center) was purchased at auction and features an outer ring mounted with Zodiac and months of the year. The sphere is fastened to a Sheraton-style, 19th-century mahogany base. Wooden Segmented Puzzles — These games (which include a set of nine turned balls with interlocking rectangular segments) were purchased at Sotherby's from the estate of philanthropist Carter Burden, a politician and businessman who amassed a remarkable and legendary collection.
Grand Stairs "Marsh Murals" — Located at the base of each grand staircase, these magnificent epic murals depict the contemplative and humble grandeur of the surrounding Kiawah marshlands. A Charleston artist, Karen Larson Turner, was chosen from among several nationally known artists and commissioned to paint these scenes of the local landscape, capturing nature's awesome beauty at both dawn and dusk. Architecturally Scaled Spiral Staircase — This rare and interesting early Georgian-style architect's model measures 41 1/2" high, is fashioned from turned mahogany and was purchased at auction.
Ocean Room Wrought Iron Gates — John Boyd Smith, a noted Savannah (GA) blacksmith and artist, designed and built the Ocean Room's entrance gates. They depict a Kiawah nature scene, complete with sea grass, herons and trees. Gorham Silver Shop Tureen — The lovely filigree detailing is a superb example of period craftsmanship. Marble Boy — This unsigned, animated sculpture of a small boy was exquisitely carved in Carrara marble during the 19th century.
Jasmine Porch
"Frog and Palm" — by Doug Bowman, is one in a series of three paintings that hang in Jasmine Porch.
Spa "Whelks" — Oil on canvas by Diana Cutrone. Cutrone's polished realism, faultless technique, and fascination with minimalism make her representational subjects seem almost photographic. The knobbed whelk, a spiral shell with knobs (or spines) along its shoulder, is found in the shallow waters off Kiawah Island's pristine coastline. "Fence #1" — Black & White photograph by Corinne Adams. This Atlanta-based artist's photographs capture the still moment in time that is poised between a past that is no longer, and a future yet to be.
Perfect ~ by Nature
Located in the Historic Plantation District, Poplar Grove is an escape to the only backyard that gives you 6,000 acres to play on. Just minutes from Downtown Charleston, yet so far away from the mainstream of traffic, Poplar Grove is home to some of the most natural amenities you’ll find anywhere.
Within the boundaries of the original walled city of Charleston, we are building a home of handsome romance ... an enchanting residence by Sintra Homes. Like a storybook, the sparkling new 4,700 square foot residence features tiered Juliet balconies, secret garden spaces and the most sumptuous spa-style bath in all of Charleston.
Executive Chef Randy Williams and Founding Chef Donald Barickman have created a new menu at Blossom focusing on fresh seafood with local flair. Distinctive flavors enhance seafood producing invigorated American cuisine with southern sensibility. Blossom is perfect for sumptuous seafood.
The superb antique furnishings, many of which were purchased at estate auctions, are distributed throughout the hotel's public spaces and harmoniously integrated with modern custom upholstered furniture pieces. Several exquisite 19th-century family portraits hang alongside those of more recent family members. You will also find many fine old oil paintings of beloved family pets, favorite horses, and other farm animals that share space with a wonderful collection of 20th-century photography and vintage golf memorabilia. A magnificent assemblage of indigenous birds by master porcelain artist Edward Marshall Boehm has been collected along with antique wooden canes, wooden and ivory toys, lovely crystal decanters, and whole sets of ancestral china. 
Grandfather Clock — This Scottish grandfather clock dates from the mid-19th century (c.1840) and is made in the manner of Thomas Sheraton, a furniture maker whose designs were de rigueur in the last quarter of the 18th century. This clock, fashioned of beautifully patinated and inlaid flame mahogany, features a broken arch pediment and bracket feet. Each corner of the hand-painted face features an apostle — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 
"Mistress of the House" — This exquisite oil painting, one of a pair, is based on an actual portrait by noted 19th-century artist John Singer Sargent, and was commissioned especially for The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. The artist has brilliantly mastered Sargent's painterly hand, using swift confident brushstrokes and fresh, bright color. The finished canvas was then glazed to achieve its vintage appearance, and is showcased in a beautifully hand-carved custom frame. Its companion, "Master of the House," is located in the hotel's Lobby Bar.
Pair of Giltwood Mantel Mirrors — These monumental Rococo Revival mantel mirrors (c.1875) were purchased at auction from the Rattle-Snapp Plantation. 
"Marsh Murals" — Located at the base of each grand staircase, these magnificent epic murals depict the contemplative and humble grandeur of the surrounding Kiawah marshlands. A Charleston artist, Karen Larson Turner, was chosen from among several nationally known artists and commissioned to paint these scenes of the local landscape, capturing nature's awesome beauty at both dawn and dusk. 
Wrought Iron Gates — John Boyd Smith, a noted Savannah (GA) blacksmith and artist, designed and built the Ocean Room's entrance gates. They depict a Kiawah nature scene, complete with sea grass, herons and trees. 
Visit The Sanctuary 
Perfect ~ by Nature
Located in the Historic Plantation District, Poplar Grove is an escape to the only backyard that gives you 6,000 acres to play on. Just minutes from Downtown Charleston, yet so far away from the mainstream of traffic, Poplar Grove is home to some of the most natural amenities you’ll find anywhere.
Within the boundaries of the original walled city of Charleston, we are building a home of handsome romance ... an enchanting residence by Sintra Homes. Like a storybook, the sparkling new 4,700 square foot residence features tiered Juliet balconies, secret garden spaces and the most sumptuous spa-style bath in all of Charleston.
Executive Chef Randy Williams and Founding Chef Donald Barickman have created a new menu at Blossom focusing on fresh seafood with local flair. Distinctive flavors enhance seafood producing invigorated American cuisine with southern sensibility. Blossom is perfect for sumptuous seafood. 
