The John T. Stevens House: A “Cotton King’s” Colonial Revival
The John T. Stevens House: A “Cotton King’s” Colonial Revival. Built in 1918, this 7,330 sq. ft. brick masterpiece at 116 N Matson St is the crown jewel of the Matson Street Historic District. It was commissioned by John T. Stevens, a legendary South Carolina industrialist who amassed a fortune in the cotton oil industry and later served as the Chairman of the SC Highway Commission (earning the title “Father of Safety Shoulders”).
The residence was designed by J. Carroll Johnson, the architect responsible for several of Kershaw’s most prominent structures. Known locally as the “Dr. Blackwell House” (owned by the family since the 1970s), the estate is a rare preservation of Gilded Age luxury, featuring one of the first central vacuum systems ever installed in the state.
$1,175,000 116 N Matson St, Kershaw, SC 29067
Estate & Architectural Highlights
The “Lumber & Plaster” Legacy: Showcases quarter-sawn oak floors with teakwood borders, elaborate plaster moldings, and grand Tuscan columns that support a signature porte-cochère.
Warmth of a Bygone Era: The home features nine masonry fireplaces distributed throughout the main and upper living levels.
Masterful Gardens: The 1.1-acre grounds were originally designed by a New York landscape firm. Today, they feature pathways through native plantings and muscadine-heavy arbors.
Modernized Chef’s Kitchen: Updated with high-end Thermador appliances, double ovens, and a gas cooktop, all set within a space that retains its original wood cabinetry.
The Primary Sanctuary: A massive main-floor suite that includes a unique “2nd bedroom” connection through a private dressing room—ideal for a nursery or executive office.
Kershaw, SC: 2026 Market & Heritage Snapshot
Kershaw is a town built on the legacy of the cotton oil and gold mining industries, offering a high density of historic architecture.
Refurbishment Opportunity: The in-ground pool is positioned within the footprint of the original 1918 formal gardens. While it currently requires a new liner and inspection, it offers a rare opportunity to restore a classic resort-style feature to the estate’s private grounds.
Did You Know? John T. Stevens was so influential that the town of Kershaw renamed a portion of the city for him on his 80th birthday. His funeral in 1949 was attended by U.S. Supreme Court Justice James F. Byrnes, with a procession that stretched over a mile long—a testament to the man who built the very house you are considering.
🏛️ The John T. Stevens House | Circa 1918 Colonial Revival Estate ✨
📍 116 N Matson St, Kershaw, SC 29067
💰 $1,175,000
🛏️ 5 Bedrooms | 🛁 3.5 Bathrooms
📐 7,330 Sq Ft | 🌳 1.1 Acres
🗓️ Built 1918 | 🏛️ Historic Kershaw, SC
✨ A Landmark of Architectural Distinction
🧱 Stately brick Colonial Revival residence
👑 Originally built for prominent businessman John T. Stevens
🩺 Also known as the Dr. Blackwell House (owned since the 1970s)
🏛️ Exceptional Original Details
🪟 Leaded glass features
🎭 Elaborate plaster moldings
🪵 Quarter-sawn oak floors with teakwood borders
🔥 Fireplaces in nearly every room
🏺 Grand Tuscan columns & classic porte-cochère
🌀 Rare original central vacuum system (1920s)
✨ Gracious Main-Level Living
🌀 Grand foyer with sweeping staircase
💎 Crystal chandelier centerpiece
🛋️ Formal double parlors
🍽️ Elegant dining room
☕ Cozy sitting room off the kitchen
🌞 Sunroom overlooking the gardens
🍳 Chef’s Kitchen
🔥 Thermador appliances
🍳 Gas cooktop + double ovens
🧺 Separate pantry
🍽️ Spacious eat-in layout
🛌 Thoughtful Bedroom Layout
🛏️ Main-floor primary suite with adjoining dressing room & bath
👶 Flexible adjoining room—ideal for nursery, office, or 6th bedroom
⬆️ Split staircase to 4 generous bedrooms
🛁 Jack-and-Jill style baths
🌿 Upper balconies with garden views
🌿 Historic Grounds & Gardens
🌸 Designed by a renowned New York landscape firm
🍇 Muscadine-covered arbors
🌿 Native plantings & winding pathways
🏊 In-ground pool within original garden footprint (empty; needs liner & inspection)
🏷️ Listed By:
Jeanene Campbell
Peace Sotheby’s International Realty
