Sweeping down to the Ashley River, 110 acres of terraced lawns and 18C English-style gardens burst into their fullest glory in early spring. Laid out by Henry Middleton, the gardens once formed part of the Middleton rice plantation. The original plantation house was burned during the Civil War; the brick structure that remains, Middleton Place House, was built as a gentlemen's guest wing. After strolling through the gardens, visit the stableyards near the house, where plantation life is re-created.