The Ruffner in Charleston invites celebrations into its historic rooms.
written by CHRISTY PERRY TUOHEY
photographed by CHRIS TUOHEY
Stepping into Charleston’s newest boutique lodging and event center is like time traveling to the mid-20th century Capital City. Co-owners of The Ruffner, Nikki Koenig McClanahan and Maria Belcher have worked long hours to make the historic home welcoming and comfortable for contemporary visitors while also honoring the original homeowner, one of Charleston’s most prominent 20th century women.
The Ruffner sits at the corner of Kanawha Boulevard and Ruffner Avenue, just steps away from the Kanawha River. It was designed in 1929 by famed Charleston architect Walter Martens for Nancy Myrtle Wood Hall, widow of Judge Cyrus W. Hall. Martens’ plans mirrored classic Georgian architecture using his trademark symmetrical cut stone.
Hall was active in multiple city organizations and generously opened her home to women’s groups and charity events. “Myrtle had some fabulous parties and would host people from out of town here, so it’s really kind of cool that we’re essentially bringing The Ruffner back to life almost to its original purpose,” says McClanahan.
After Hall’s passing, the home took turns as a law firm and private residence. McClanahan came across it when she became its listing agent. During a broker’s open house at 1500 Kanawha Boulevard, she called friend and former Clay Center colleague Maria Belcher to come over for a look. Their husbands joined them as well, and their collective creative gears began whirring.
“I remember coming back downstairs and finding Nikki in the kitchen,” says Belcher. “We locked eyes, and I’m like, ‘Girl, we’ve got to sit down, because I think we’re mindmelding right now.’”
They knew they wanted the house to become a celebration space and began sourcing an eclectic mix of traditional and modern furnishings. They closed on it in October 2024 and, by late November, welcomed their first guests, a family who chose The Ruffner for their Thanksgiving celebration.
Recent Ruffner gatherings have included family reunions, small weddings, baby and bridal showers, and nonprofit fundraisers. The space has also hosted Mother’s Day and Easter brunches and murder mystery–themed dinners.
Although The Ruffner is listed on Airbnb, most guests contact McClanahan and Belcher directly for customized bookings. “This is a really great congregating space where everybody has their own place to sleep, but with big communal spaces where folks can gather for meals and game night,” Belcher says.
The third floor, which includes a kitchenette, can accommodate a 40- to 50-person wedding or sit-down dinner. One of the room’s sprawling bookcases is also a secret door that leads to a tucked-away game room with a poker table.
There are six bedrooms and four bathrooms in the three-story home. The main floor has a full kitchen and dining room, with cozy side rooms for sitting, sipping, and chatting. The Ruffner has hosted 75 to 100 people for open house–style receptions. Guests can use two adjacent parking lots and a private driveway.
“When you rent The Ruffner, you rent the whole house,” McClanahan says, adding that the best way to contact them is through their website or by visiting their Facebook page. 1500 Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston, theruffner.com, @theruffner on FB
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