Camden, South Carolina

Aberdeen

A sign reading Aberdeen Circa 1810 hangs in front of a white house with columns and lush green landscaping, including hydrangea bushes and a lamp post along a pathway.

One of the oldest homes in Camden, Samuel Mathis purchased this lot in 1805 from Joseph Kershaw and the home was built by 1810. The home remained in the Mathis family until it was sold in 1850.

In 1977, caterer, bon vivant, and collector Jack Brantley purchased the home. Jack lived and operated his very successful catering business, Aberdeen Catery from this house until it was gifted to the city of Camden in September of 2021.

Aberdeen combines many of the original features with Jack’s love of beauty and opulence. Vibrant colors and elaborate moldings enhance his extensive collection of antiques and porcelains. Every piece in the home was either gifted to or purchased by Jack. His collection philosophy was very simple, “It is pretty. I like it. I will buy it.”

Generations of Camden residents remember Aberdeen as the most hospitable home in Camden. Jack never failed to open his doors for friends – and everyone was a friend. The Camden Archives and Museum and the City of Camden are proud to continue Jack’s tradition of hospitality by opening Aberdeen for guided tours.

A Victorian-style living room with ornate red and gold furniture, two matching lamps, pink patterned drapes over tall windows, a decorative clock on the wall, and a patterned rug on a polished wood floor.
A vintage-style bathroom with a clawfoot tub, stained glass window, classical statue mural on the wall, and antique furniture. Decorative figurines and a dog are near the tub, and the floor is tiled.
A vintage-style bedroom with a four-poster canopy bed, ornate rug, antique furniture, two tall display cabinets, and large windows with decorative curtains letting in natural light.