Annette Buchanan is the creative force behind Boxwood Manor. With a lifelong connection to the property, Annette has transformed Boxwood Manor into a welcoming space that seamlessly blends history, artistry, and community engagement. Rather than simply managing the venue, she is deeply involved in every aspect of its operation, curating experiences, guiding creative projects, and preserving the legacy of the estate while offering modern touches that delight every guest who steps onto the grounds.
Raised in the very heart of Boxwood Manor, Annette’s childhood was intertwined with the rhythms of farm life and the natural beauty of the South Carolina countryside. She spent her days exploring the orchards, pastures, ponds, and barns that have been part of the property for generations. From sliding down hay bales to riding ponies and swimming in the creek, Annette’s early years instilled in her a profound appreciation for nature, craftsmanship, and the quiet pleasures of rural life. This formative connection to the land and its history has shaped her approach to her work at Boxwood Manor, where each project and event reflects her commitment to authenticity, beauty, and attention to detail.
Annette’s educational background further reinforces her dedication to craftsmanship and design. She pursued studies in Clothing and Textiles, complemented by a minor in Home Furnishings, a combination that reflects her long-standing interest in both artistic expression and practical creativity. Through her academic training, she honed skills that would later inform the aesthetic and functional aspects of Boxwood Manor. Her work with textiles, home design, and decorative arts has allowed her to imbue the estate with a unique character, combining historical preservation with a creative flair that resonates throughout the property.
Her professional career has been as varied as it has been impactful. Annette has taught courses in clothing and textiles, foods and nutrition, and entrepreneurship, fostering skills and confidence in students across multiple disciplines. She has led community programs, providing guidance and training to under-employed adults, helping them develop meaningful skills while nurturing a sense of self-sufficiency and pride in craftsmanship. This dedication to teaching and mentorship is reflected in her work at Boxwood Manor, where she creates spaces and experiences that educate, inspire, and engage her visitors.
At Boxwood Manor, Annette’s role extends far beyond that of a traditional manager. She is actively involved in designing and hosting a wide array of creative workshops and experiences. Guests can participate in classes ranging from quilting, sewing, embroidery, and crochet to pottery, cooking, and seasonal craft projects. These workshops are carefully curated to honor the heritage of the property while encouraging personal creativity and skill-building. Annette’s philosophy is that creative engagement fosters connection — not only between the participants and the crafts they are making but also between the participants themselves and the shared environment of the Manor.
Beyond the structured workshops, Annette also organizes seasonal events and curated gatherings that highlight the natural beauty and historical significance of the estate. From harvest festivals to garden tours, holiday celebrations, and farm-to-table dinners, every event reflects her thoughtful approach to storytelling, design, and hospitality. She understands that each gathering is an opportunity to immerse guests in the legacy of Boxwood Manor, blending education, artistry, and enjoyment in a way that feels effortless yet carefully orchestrated. Her attention to detail ensures that every experience at the Manor is memorable, whether it is an intimate family celebration or a larger community event.
What sets Annette apart is her ability to integrate personal creativity with an understanding of the needs and expectations of her guests. She is not content with merely offering a location for gatherings; she strives to create transformative experiences that allow individuals and groups to explore their own creativity, connect with the history of the space, and leave with lasting memories. Whether through hands-on workshops, curated seasonal events, or intimate guided tours of the property, Annette’s work reflects a balance of artistry, education, and hospitality.
Through her work, Annette Buchanan has cultivated Boxwood Manor into a distinctive destination where heritage, artistry, and hospitality converge. Visitors are invited to participate in a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate tradition, encourage creativity, and foster meaningful connections. Every aspect of the Manor, from the gardens and orchards to the workshops and events, reflects Annette’s vision of a space that is at once historically resonant, creatively stimulating, and warmly welcoming.
Annette’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity, heritage, and community, ensuring that Boxwood Manor remains a cherished destination for generations to come. Her hands-on involvement, thoughtful programming, and unwavering dedication to the arts and hospitality continue to shape an environment where every visitor can explore, learn, create, and connect, making each experience at Boxwood Manor unforgettable.
We are part of the SC Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail with 3 quilts painted and mounted on the barns. There is also an Anagama kiln called Fire Song on the property. It is a wood-fired pottery kiln that can hold about 700 pieces of pottery. It takes a community of potters to fill it and to fire it as it is fired up to 2300 degrees over 2 1/2 days (and nights) It is fired at least 4 times per year.
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