I had the opportunity to see travertine tile inlay being used in a custom-crafted fireplace recently that had been installed in a fantastic new Charleston Row House-style home under construction in the heart of downtown Aiken, South Carolina. Various shades of tan to brown with specks of slate blue were interlaced within some of the tiles giving interior designer, Tara, the inspiration to give a coat of a complimentary blue paint in the master suite. This particular travertine tile was mined in Turkey and lends a touch of class to an already beautiful Charleston Row House-style home design plan.
![Travertine tile inlay in use in the master suite fireplace on the 2nd level](https://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/files/Travertine-tile-inlay-in-use-in-the-master-suite-fireplace-on-the-2nd-level-thumb.jpg)
![Inlaid travertine tile with a custom handcrafted mantle on the main level of the Charleston Row House style home in Aiken](https://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/files/Travertine-tile-inlay-with-a-custom-handcrafted-mantle-on-the-main-level-of-the-Charleston-Row-House-style-home-in-Aiken-thumb.jpg)
Aiken homebuilder (and old schoolmate) H.L. "Buddy" Stevens, along with Tara, have undertaken quite a homebuilding project in this historic section of Aiken on Park Avenue. He has taken a rather obscure piece of real estate and made it a focal point for what’s in store for that section of downtown Aiken. I lived in Aiken for several years and continue to visit family in Aiken on a regular basis and I can’t (for the life of me) remember what used to sit on the property that Buddy has built this beautiful new home on. Quite a transformation!
![Inlaid travertine tile fireplace](https://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/files/Travertine-tile-inlay-fireplace-thumb.jpg)
Buddy tells me that he gave “open license” to a local craftsman to come up with a mantle that would instill a sense of luxury while keeping in mind the design style of the home. The mantle on the living room fireplace features a plaster-cast shell design that reminds you of the low country with the beach nearby. It also features brackets that flank the mantle sides. Personally, I like the finished product.
![Front view of Charleston Row House style home in Aiken](https://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/files/Front-view-of-Charleston-Row-House-style-home-in-Aiken-thumb.jpg)
Charleston Row House-Style Home For Sale In Aiken
FYI… this 4-story w/elevator, 5,100-square-foot (not including all 5 porches and two-car garage) Charleston Row House style home might still be available for sale
![Stevens Builders](https://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/files/Stevens-Builders-sign.jpg)
I will be posting more from my tour of this home soon so be sure to check back here
Click on this link to read about a whole-home review of this Charleston Row House-style home.
Email the builder at: [email protected] if you want more details. Tell them you saw it on The Fun Times Guide to HomeBuilding.
![Entry level and 2nd level porches on Charleston Row House design built in downtown Aiken](https://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/files/Charleston-Row-House-design1-thumb.jpg)
![rear view of Charleston Row House style home in Aiken](https://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/files/rear-view-of-Charleston-Row-House-style-home-in-Aiken-thumb.jpg)
I started as a home-stalker… visiting brand new homes under construction in the neighborhoods near my house.
That inspired me to write about home building and home renovation projects — chronicling homes during different phases of construction from a consumer’s point-of-view. Basically, the tips you’ll find in my articles are a collection of checklists for what I think should (and should not) go into building or remodeling a quality home.