Home Care In Abbeville, SC

A fire at an Abbeville apartment complex is under investigation after 17 peoples' possessions and homes were destroyed.

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ABBEVILLE, S.C. —

A fire at an Abbeville apartment complex is under investigation after 17 peoples' possessions and homes were destroyed.

The fire broke out Monday at the Hickory Heights Apartments, and while everyone made it out alive, many wonder how they'll survive going forward.

The fire broke out toward the back of the building on the second floor, blowing out windows on either side, and then spreading through the roof into other apartment units.

"It's disheartening," said Abbeville Mayor Trey Edwards as he surveyed the damage. "It's a tragedy, and people will have to be moved out of their home and placed somewhere else."

Abbeville Fire Chief Chris Clemmons said a neighbor spotted the fire and called dispatch just before 12:45 a.m. on Monday. It took 27 city and county firefighters to put out the blaze.

Clemmons said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The people who lived in the apartment where the fire started were home at the time and left town soon after. Others made it out safely, many with only the clothes on their backs.

"They had children, they had babies that when they woke up, probably had nothing to wear to school," said Christine Long, an American Red Cross volunteer. "One young lady came out, she was in shorts, and she said this is all I've got."

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It took nearly seven hours to fully put out the embers. Every unit was damaged by fire, smoke, flooding, or a combination of all three.

The American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina is providing families with financial, medical, spiritual, and mental health assistance, as well as a few nights at a local motel. Long says many of the families are still in shock.

"One young lady was crying," she said. "I don't think she had rental insurance. She had worked hard to get what she had, and just to lose it in the blink of an eye, it was tough."

But after Tuesday night, that motel stay ends, and several families (some with young children) will have to figure out what to do and where to go.

We reached out to the property managers, DGA Residential. They responded Wednesday, saying:

“We immediately reserved hotel rooms for affected residents and have since been able to move all affected households to other apartments at the property. During this time, we have also worked with the Red Cross to provide immediate assistance to affected households and continue to work with a non-profit to coordinate additional local resources for each affected household. Our first priority is housing and assistance for affected residents and we are now beginning the process of assessing the damage and determining our next steps with respect to the affected building.”

Nestled in the upper western corner of South Carolina, you’ll find the Old 96 District, comprised of five counties offering everything from historic sites and outdoor adventures to distillery tours — an ideal destination if you’re in the mood to be charmed. We’re counting down nine darling bed and breakfasts in the area that are perfect for anchoring your next weekend getaway!

Sharon Manor | Abbeville County

12 Firehouse Rd., Abbeville, SC 29620 • (864) 378-9310

Owned by husband-and-wife duo David and Benita Chupp, Sharon Manor offers four luxurious guest suites, each styled after a place the Chupps hold close to their hearts.

The newest suite, The Amelia, is modeled after Amelia Island, FL, and offers a king bed, kitchenette, and spacious private bath. The Litchfield suite also has a king bed and the property’s largest kitchenette — it’s designed after a town in Connecticut where the Chupp’s oldest son lives. This room can also be adjoined with The Blue Ridge, named after the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers a queen bed, cozy sitting area, kitchenette, and private bathroom. The property’s final room, The Beaufort, offers subtle nods to the Lowcountry and includes a king bed, plenty of natural light, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom.

SB Tip: Don’t skip Sharon Manor’s coffee, which is roasted in-house!

Pictured here is Sharon Manor’s Amelia suite, which channels the beachy feel of Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

The Belmont Inn | Abbeville County

104 E. Pickens St., Abbeville, SC 29620 • (864) 214-7453

The Belmont Inn is an Abbeville landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. What started as a hotel for railroad visitors and Abbeville Opera House performers has been renovated into a beautiful and luxurious modern bed and breakfast — all while maintaining the building’s original architecture.

As you enter The Belmont Inn, you’re immediately greeted by a spacious veranda with marble terrazzo flooring and many antiques and furnishings from the early 1900s. Eight guestrooms are on the first floor, while the remaining 17 are upstairs (with room number 13 being omitted from the lineup to account for superstition). Accommodations include a wine parlor, breakfast room, and the inn’s on-site restaurant, JP’s Food & Spirits.

The Belmont Inn is located near Abbeville’s famous Court Square, home to the famed Trinity Episcopal Church as well as plenty of shopping and dining.

The Lofts at Court Square | Abbeville County

103 Court Square Apt. 2, Abbeville, SC 29620 • (864) 221-6935

If you prefer to stay in an Airbnb, The Lofts at Court Square is a fantastic option. Located off Abbeville’s historic square, the property’s one-bedroom apartment accommodates up to four guests and includes a stunning antique queen bed, a queen pull-out sofa, a full kitchen, and a dining area.

The property also recently introduced a king suite that sleeps up to four and includes a California king bed, a full-size pull-out sofa, a full kitchen, and an additional full-size couch. Both units are within walking distance of some of Abbeville’s best shopping and dining locations, including Two Brews.

Veranda on Main | Abbeville County

802 N. Main St., Abbeville, SC 29620 • (864) 366-9540

Veranda on Main is a luxurious bed and breakfast located in the heart of Abbeville. Beautifully renovated to fit the exact specifications of a historic 1800s home, the property is the perfect home base for a getaway with girlfriends or a relaxing couples’ weekend. As you step inside, take note of the hardwood floors, sourced from the Tennessee mountains, and the Swarovski crystal chandelier hanging in the entryway. No matter which room you stay in, you’ll enjoy high-end bedding, linens, and drapes.

Old 96 District’s Abbeville County is home to over 250 miles of hiking and biking trails, three lakes, and six state parks.

Azalea Inn | Edgefield County

201 Egghouse Rd., Johnston, SC 29832 • (217) 412-9617

Located on a working farm, Azalea Inn is a unique bed and breakfast located in Edgefield County. The 137-year-old farmhouse offers four guest suites, each with a four-poster bed and high-end linens. Plus, guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast every morning, courtesy of the farm’s daily harvest.

For dinner, you’re guaranteed a reservation at the inn’s restaurant in Edgefield, Christine’s Farm to Fork. In addition to other farm attractions like Three Star Vineyard & Orchard and Hickory Hill Milk, guests are just minutes from Palmetto Shooting Complex, the Old Edgefield District Genealogy Society, the Forks Area Trail System, and the Ten Governor Rail Trail.

SB Tip: Azalea Inn’s daily harvest includes fresh strawberries from now through June!

Isabella’s Bed & Breakfast | Edgefield County

601 Mims Ave., Johnston, SC 29832 • (803) 275-0735

Located in a historic 1800s Victorian home, Isabella’s Bed & Breakfast is the third oldest home in Johnston. Offering three guest suites — each equipped with an antique queen bed and private bathroom — this is the perfect getaway for couples, families, or a group of friends.

For a stay with a bit of added luxury, book the second-floor suite, which includes a separate sitting area and a private balcony. When you wake up, you can expect something different (yet equally delicious!) every morning for breakfast — including waffles, muffins, sausage, and more.

Venture outside Isabella’s Bed & Breakfast to glimpse other historic homes in Edgefield County.

Inn on the Square | Greenwood County

104 Court Ave. E., Greenwood, SC 29646 • (864) 330-1010

As Greenwood’s only full-service boutique hotel, Inn on the Square is a top choice for many travelers. Carefully renovated to preserve the building’s original architecture, the inn offers two luxurious levels. Amenities and accommodations include a full-service restaurant, casual bar and lounge, and 24-hour fitness center.

Each of the 49 guest rooms has been thoughtfully designed to meet your every need, offering high-quality linens, premium toiletries, comfortable beds, and more. The hotel is also within walking distance to Uptown Greenwood’s Main Street, which is home to a wide variety of dining and shopping options.

The lobby at Inn on the Square offers guests a warm welcome.

Lady Amelia Bed & Breakfast Inn | Laurens County

258 N Main St, Cross Hill, SC 29332 • (864) 998-3040

Built in 1894, the Lady Amelia Bed & Breakfast Inn is the perfect place to unwind. As you enter the historic home, you’ll immediately notice the stately hardwood floors and carefully curated collection of antiques and furnishings throughout. Upstairs is where you’ll find the warm and inviting guest rooms. A charming red barn is located near the back of the inn and is home to the on-site antiques shop and restaurant. The restaurant is known for standout French dishes, including its fondue and raclette!

Hickory Knob State Park Resort | McCormick County

1591 Resort Dr., McCormick, SC 29835 • (864) 391-2450

While technically not a bed and breakfast, the lodging options at Hickory Knob State Park Resort are equally charming. If you’re looking to disconnect and enjoy the shores of Lake Strom Thurmond, this is the spot to call home for your stay.

The resort includes 16 one-bedroom, one-bathroom cabins for up to four guests, and each one sits about 100 yards from the lake. If you have a larger group, opt for the two-bedroom cabin located in the restored Historic French Huguenot Guillebeau House. The park is also home to 76 lodge/motel rooms that include television, coffee makers, and other modern amenities.

Enjoy your South Carolina travels, wherever they may take you!

This article is sponsored by Old 96 District. All photography provided.

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The adversity and outside noise have been there all season for Gray Collegiate. At one point, they didn’t know what kind of season they would have. They faced the prospect of playing a shortened season once it was decided all their region opponents would forfeit games.

At the end of the day, they’ve persevered. And they also know where the season will end: the Class 2A state championship.

BJ Mongomery accounted for two touchdowns and Tyler Waller threw for two more Friday and the War Eagles used a hard-hitting, tenacious defense to knock off Abbeville 27-12.

Gray Collegiate will be making its second state championship game appearance on Thursday, Nov. 30 when it plays Oceanside Collegiate, a winner over Hampton County, at 7 p.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg. The War Eagles won the title in 2021, their only other appearance in the finals. The Landsharks lost to Abbeville in the Class 2A title game last season.

“It means everything. What these guys have been through all year,” Gray Collegiate coach Adam Holmes said. “We maybe were going to have a four-game schedule. But at the end of the day, our guys persevered. Football teaches you how to face adversity and our football team faced adversity. We went out and played great football teams and it got us ready for nights like this. (Abbeville) set the precedent for 2A and that’s what we’re working to be and get on that level.”

The War Eagles (14-3) had to come back from an early deficit. And it was a special teams play that turned out to be the turning point. Demarcus Leach sprinted 80 yards for a score to bring the visiting Panthers within 13-12 with 1:10 remaining in the third quarter.

That’s when Montgomery made the play of the game. He misplayed the ensuing kickoff and let it bounce around on the ground. He gathered himself enough to go 88 yards just in front of the Abbeville sideline to make it 20-12 with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter.

“I had to stop and give it a second to make sure it didn’t roll through my legs,” Montgomery said. “Coach talked about it all week that if we take it back to the right side, we score. That’s what we did. We executed it very well.”

Holmes confirmed they thought they could make a big play on special teams.

“We worked on that all week,” he said. “We knew it was there. We just had to get our opportunity. We almost broke one every time. Finally, BJ hit it and broke the game open.”

Abbeville struck first on a 24-yard TD pass from Leach to Karson Norman on the opening drive.

But Waller, who was 13-of-22 for 165 yards, sandwiched a couple of TD passes around the half to give the War Eagles the lead for good. First, he connected with Blaine Redmond on a 7-yard TD just before the half to make it a 6-all game at the break.

Then after a turnover on the first possession of the second half, Waller directed 3-play, 23-yard drive that ended with an 18-yard TD strike to Jamarious Lockett with 5:21 remaining in the third. Lockett finished with six catches for 103 yards.

Montgomery, who was the workhorse on the ground with 96 yards on 24 carries, iced it on the next Gray possession with a five-yard run with 7:59 remaining.

The War Eagles defense took over from there.

“Our defense did an amazing job,” Holmes said. “They balled out tonight. Guys like (Michael) Boulware and (Trequan) Singleton played great. Other than that one long run, we held them and made them have to go on long, long drives. Proud of that defense and we just have to do it one more week.”

This story was originally published November 25, 2023, 12:36 AM.

Here’s a real estate deal not often seen — a private airport with a 2,240-foot asphalt runway on 40 acres for sale in Abbeville.

Asking price: $1,497,50.

Known as SC81 by the Federal Aviation Administration, the airport once was home to a flight school run by Michele Keilman. She and her husband Ken decided to sell because they were spending most of their time in the Tampa, Florida, area where Mrs. Keilman has run other flight schools.

Realtor Todd Harper of Wilson Kibler said the airport, located at 82 Hanger Road about 2 miles south of historic downtown Abbeville, was developed in the 1950s and served for a time as Abbeville’s community airport.

Kielman bought it about 20 years ago, he said.

The property includes 8 acres zoned for residential. The rest is zoned commercial. There is a single family home on the property that the Keilmans recently renovated.

The runway is not long enough to handle jets, but there is room for expansion, Harper said. Typically, small jets can land on 6,000-foot runways.

Harper envisions the property as a home for a wealthy aviation enthusiast with plenty of room for a large house, a group of fliers or as a flight school or other aviation-related business.

“It’s very rare to get an asphalt runway,” he said.

And rare too to find an airport for sale.

In his research he’s found fewer than five.

There is a 5,000-square-foot hangar, five outdoor covered pushback hangars, five outdoor tie downs for general aviation planes and multiple entry points for the vacant land surrounding it, which is largely wooded.

Another use for the property is for aviation groups that do camp outs.

“It is a beautiful area,” Harper said. “State parks, natural forest, the Savannah River in the middle of South Carolina.”

This story was originally published October 20, 2023, 6:00 AM.

More than 200 homes were almost built in Abbeville, South Carolina, but ultimately the planning commission unanimously voted it down

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ABBEVILLE, S.C. —

More than 200 homes were almost built in Abbeville, South Carolina, but ultimately the planning commission unanimously voted it down.

As for why, they had more questions than answers.

Randy Jones with Incredible Tiny Homes was looking at the city of Abbeville as his next big project.

Jones has several communities in Tennessee and believed Abbeville was the perfect place for a tiny home community.

However, many at Thursday's planning commission meeting had reservations about the proposed project.

"The misconception is, the people who are going to be buying these tiny homes are going to be a nuisance to the community. That they are going to be low-income housing and that they are not going to take care of their place and that it's going to be a de-value of people's property," Jones said.

Throughout the meeting, Jones emphasized his flexibility with the project and was ready to work with the city of Abbeville to make it happen. However, many neighbors pushed back on the idea altogether.

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"This feels completely absurd that we're even listening to this without any type of specific plan any knowledge of our regulations or rules, any knowledge of our town or county. This is absurd," one neighbor said.

Some were worried about the number of homes.

"Me, I do not want these 200 strangers right in my backyard," another neighbor said.

Others felt it was too much change at once.

"We're living here now and we love it and we don't want some things to change. I understand some things need to change at times when we grow. But there are a lot of things that hold us here that we hold dearly," a neighbor said.

Ultimately the commission unanimously denied the application.

"Is it the best use of that limited area where we can do this? Does it fit the needs of our community? Is it something in 50 years we'll be able to look back and say we were proud to make that decision," an Abbeville commissioner said.

Jones said he was disappointed about the outcome but said it hasn't turned him away from bringing tiny homes to South Carolina.

"I don't think they want to change right now, maybe in the future, they can. It's too new. It's too much. It's just too different for everybody. Totally understand that," Jones said.