Meng House

Antebellum Greek Revival landmark

Historic properties of this pedigree rarely come to market.  The circa 1832 Meng House is individually listed on both the State and the National Register of Historic Places as important for its architecture and has been featured in books on southern architecture and history.  

This exceptional residence has four large bedrooms and large entertaining spaces. Guests are greeted by a huge center hall that runs the full depth of house.  A sweeping open staircase winds up three stories to the walk up attic.  Four large rooms, each with a fireplace, open off  the center hall on both floors.  A small galley kitchen is located on the first floor and features a recently installed Kitchen Aid professional range and dishwasher.  New electrical service was installed in 2022 and the electrical systems were substantially updated.  Plumbing and sewer lines have also had updating.  In 2024 a new Landmark Pro max definition roof was installed featuring exposed copper valleys and copper drip edges.

Built by Zachariah Herndon, a legislator, lawyer, and colonel in the South Carolina Militia, the home was subsequently sold to the aristocratic Meng family. Built of heavy timber frame construction with mortise and tenon joinery, the structure has proudly stood for almost two centuries.  Original plaster walls and ceilings with ornate medallions grace the interior. Original heart pine floors have been preserved.  The hand carved mantels, millwork, doors, and windows were brought from Charleston by horse drawn wagon.  Original cast iron rim locks likely came from England.  Bricks for the house were made on the property and iron fasteners were forged by the blacksmith on the property.  High ceilings and huge windows, many with original glazing, create a spacious light filled interior.

The handsomely proportioned exterior features a detailed Greek Revival composition with a large pedimented portico on both the front and west facades. The porticos feature well defined triglyphs, metopes, and guttae while the eight monumental columns are constructed of plaster over brick. 

The house is located on a private large 1.2 acre lot in downtown Union, just a few blocks from the shops on main street and the University of South Carolina at Union campus.  Spartanburg is conveniently located just 30 minutes away.  Union offers low taxes and cost of living with a temperate southern climate.  Zoning is favorable for potential commercial uses.

Make life extraordinary and become the next steward of this remarkable piece of South Carolina history. 

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