Greetings from the hive!
Some homes are beautiful. Others carry centuries of history within their walls.
In February 2026, Bumble Bee Blinds of the Lowcountry had the incredible opportunity to work with the new owners of Middleburg Plantation in Huger, South Carolina—one of the Lowcountry’s most treasured historic homes.
Originally built in 1697, Middleburg Plantation has remained a remarkable example of early Southern architecture and preservation. Our goal was to provide modern comfort and privacy through custom window treatments while respecting the home’s original craftsmanship and historic character.
A Historic Lowcountry Landmark
Middleburg Plantation was originally built by Benjamin Simons, a Huguenot immigrant, and sits on more than 326 scenic acres overlooking the east branch of the Cooper River near Charleston, SC.
The home is widely believed to be a precursor to the iconic Charleston single house, featuring a long, narrow structure designed to maximize airflow in the Lowcountry climate. Its hipped roof, dual chimneys, and clapboard exterior reflect Caribbean architectural influences brought by early settlers from Barbados.
Despite standing for more than 300 years, many original elements remain intact today—from historic windowpanes to marks left during the Revolutionary War. Every detail tells part of the property’s extraordinary story.
Designing Window Treatments for a Historic Home
Working inside a historic Charleston-area property requires a thoughtful and preservation-focused approach.
The homeowners wanted custom window treatments that would:
- Preserve the integrity of the original windows and frames
- Provide privacy for guests
- Maintain the home’s natural light and open feel
- Complement the home without overpowering its historic architecture
In a property where even the smallest details carry historical significance, every design decision needed to feel intentional, subtle, and respectful.
Our Approach: Minimal, Functional, and Timeless
To preserve the home’s original beauty, we designed a minimally invasive window treatment solution centered around custom honeycomb shades.
Our approach included:
- Positioning shades within the window openings to preserve visibility of the original frames
- Selecting soft, light-filtering materials that enhance natural light
- Using a neutral palette appropriate for historic interiors
- Maintaining a clean, understated appearance that complements the home’s architecture
The goal was simple: allow the history of the home to remain the focal point.
Why Honeycomb Shades Were the Right Fit
To balance preservation with modern comfort, we selected honeycomb shades in a soft, textured cream tone.
These shades offered several important benefits for the home:
- Added privacy without visually overwhelming the historic windows
- Preserved the visibility of original craftsmanship and trim details
- Softened incoming natural light while keeping rooms bright and inviting
- Added energy efficiency through insulating cellular construction
- Helped protect historic hardwood floors and interiors from UV exposure
- Created a subtle contrast that complemented the home’s rich wood tones
The final result feels warm, timeless, and intentional—where modern performance quietly enhances centuries-old character.
Thoughtful Window Treatment Design for Lowcountry Homes
Projects like Middleburg Plantation reflect what we value most at Bumble Bee Blinds of the Lowcountry: creating window treatment solutions that enhance the way a home looks and feels while respecting its unique architecture and history.
Whether we’re designing for a newly built coastal property or a centuries-old historic landmark, our commitment remains the same:
- Thoughtful design
- Quality craftsmanship
- Personalized service
- Professional installation
Custom Window Treatments in Charleston & the Lowcountry
Every home has a story, and thoughtful design helps bring that story to life.
At Bumble Bee Blinds of the Lowcountry, we proudly help homeowners throughout Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Summerville, and surrounding Lowcountry communities find custom window treatments that feel seamless, functional, and uniquely suited to their homes.
Whether you’re preserving a historic property or upgrading a modern space, our team is here to help you create a solution that balances beauty, comfort, and performance.
