Raines and Vantage Realty Partners have closed on the purchase of the historic Rose Hill Estate in downtown Aiken and announced plans to restore the property into a boutique hotel with food and beverage operations, private event spaces and restored public gardens, scheduled to open in late 2027. The estate was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The redevelopment brings together Raines as a hospitality partner and co-developer with Vantage Realty Partners. Verity Works, a historic preservation studio and co-owner of the estate, is guiding the rehabilitation with a focus on preserving the property’s historic character while aligning with state and federal historic tax credit programs.
“We were captivated by the property’s history, its architecture and its prominent location,” said Chris Carter, cofounder of Vantage Realty Partners. “We understood from the beginning that the scope and significance of Rose Hill required a partner with specialized, best-in-class hospitality expertise. Through a mutual connection, we were introduced to the Raines team, and after walking the grounds together, it was clear we shared a unified vision for preservation and activation. This partnership is built on a shared commitment to executing this project at the highest level for Aiken.”
A community-focused mission is central to the project with the intent to preserve the estate’s history while creating an active site for residents and visitors.
“Rose Hill is a rare gem, and we are approaching this project with the deep respect its history deserves,” said Grey Raines, managing partner of Raines. “Aiken is a world-class destination, and it deserves a world-class hospitality experience. Our goal is to create that experience — a place that feels both timeless and vibrantly current. We aren’t just building a hotel; we’re stewarding a legacy and creating a central gathering place for the community. We are thrilled to partner with Vantage to bring this vision to life.”
Rose Hill was purchased by the Phelps family in 1898. The main house was designed by J.F. Leitner and completed in 1900. The estate includes a main mansion, historic stables and auxiliary buildings set among formal gardens and landscaped grounds. Its design incorporates elements of the Shingle Style with Colonial Revival details. The estate also played a role in Aiken’s horticultural history through the work of Mrs. Sheffield Phelps, who helped shape the grounds and hosted garden clubs at the property.
Rose Hill will also collaborate with the Aiken Center for the Arts as a satellite exhibition site. An Artists in Residence program will provide on-site studios for artists with ties to Aiken. The ownership team is also working with the Historic Aiken Foundation to ensure consistency with local preservation goals. In addition, the planned rehabilitation includes reestablishing the gardens with public trails and outdoor art displays.
“We made community engagement a priority during the rezoning process earlier this year, and that commitment will continue as we move into the rehabilitation of Rose Hill. Our goal is for this project to reflect the values and aspirations of the Aiken community at every step,” said Chris Jackson, principal of Verity Works.
