News Summary
A contract has been signed by a potential buyer for the historic Rose Hill estate in Aiken, South Carolina, with plans for significant redevelopment including a restaurant and boutique accommodations. The new owners are committed to historic preservation and have allocated $2 million for renovations aimed at restoring the estate’s historic character while providing modern amenities. The redevelopment also hinges on a successful rezoning request to the city, which will allow for overnight accommodations, with community support highlighting the cultural significance of Rose Hill.
Aiken, South Carolina
A potential buyer is under contract to purchase the historic Rose Hill estate, located at 221 Greenville St. N.W., with plans for significant redevelopment that includes a restaurant and accommodations. This information was provided by consultant Chris Jackson, who is involved in the process.
The Rose Hill estate, built around 1900 for original owners Sheffield “Ted” Phelps and his wife, Claudia, has experienced a tumultuous ownership history. Currently owned by Ketan Patel’s Niki Inc., the property was reacquired after a foreclosure auction in 2024. In August 2020, the estate was sold to Alescca, Inc. for $1.375 million. However, the subsequent owners failed to meet their financial obligations, leading to the property’s current state.
The potential new buyers have expressed a commitment to historic preservation and have allocated approximately $2 million for renovation efforts. Plans for the estate include transforming the first floor of the main house into a restaurant, while the outbuildings will be renovated into boutique cottages intended for overnight stays. This project aims to restore the historic character of Rose Hill while providing new amenities for visitors and residents alike.
Historically, Rose Hill was home to two restaurants operated by the Hobbs family, which sadly closed their operations in 2022 and 2023. The estate’s legacy and its contribution to the community’s dining options make its redevelopment particularly significant.
Currently, Rose Hill’s zoning designation is “limited professional,” which does not permit overnight accommodations. Chris Jackson has submitted a request to the city to rezone the property to “Downtown Business.” If approved, this change would allow for the establishment of 20 to 24 overnight rental units on the property. The Design Review Board has already voted unanimously in favor, recommending the rezoning request.
The next steps in the process will involve discussions at upcoming city council meetings scheduled for June 9 and June 23, where the Planning Commission’s recommendation will be evaluated. Should the rezoning be approved, the redevelopment of Rose Hill could soon begin, marking a new chapter for this historic estate.
The broader context surrounding the Rose Hill estate reflects ongoing discussions in Aiken regarding the balance between historic preservation and modern development. Many community members voice enthusiasm about restoring such landmarks and providing new economic opportunities, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining the character that makes Aiken unique.
As the potential new owners prepare to take the next steps, the community watches closely, hopeful for a revived Rose Hill that honors its past while embracing new uses that meet contemporary needs.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken Rose Hill Winter Colony Estate
- FitsNews: South Carolina Jury Awards $4.5 Million in Airbnb Voyeurism Trial
- Post and Courier: Discover Aiken Winter Colony Left a Lasting Legacy
- WJBF: Hometown History – The Willcox
- Post and Courier: Rose Hill Foreclosure in Aiken
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Google Search: Aiken South Carolina history
- Google Scholar: Housing Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken South Carolina
- Google News: Aiken Rose Hill estate
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
