There exists, in some homes, a place where most women don’t care or dare to tread. It is a haven where the man of the house seeks reprieve from the chaos of the day. It is his personal sanctuary – a mantuary, if you will. Over time, this sacred space has worked its way into the American vernacular by way of the term “man cave.” And in the Mount Pleasant area, the man cave has been elevated beyond simple pigskin paradises into luxe, rustic recreational lairs. To bring you the ultimate inspiration for your own manland, we venture inside four decidedly decadent man caves East of the Cooper.
Man Cave #1: The Huntsman’s Dream
If you’ve ever wondered what heaven looks like to a hunter, well, you’re looking at it. The homeowners – who are avid hunters – designed this spectacularly taxidermied space as a display area for their many “trophies.” A wealth of wood, including bamboo ceilings, snow fence barn wood walls, snow fence bar and cabinetry to match the walls and pine flooring, add warmth and depth to the room, while a pool table and rich leather club chairs contribute to the man cave’s masculine appeal.
Love this man cave? Call builder Phillip W. Smith, General Contractor, Inc. at (843) 881-9828 or, for more information, visit PhillipSmithContractor.com. The home was designed by Herlong & Associates Inc. Architects + Interiors.
Man Cave #2: Pinballer’s Paradise
The owner of this harbor-front Old Village home collects vintage, full-size pinball machines – all in working order, no less – so he had a room custom designed to house his unique collection. Pulling double duty as an entertainment area, the resulting man cave is truly a pinballer’s paradise. Crisp white shiplap walls and light fixtures by Circa Lighting lend a little nautical flair, and antique heart pine floors add a sense of history. Classic mantuary components – think leather club chairs, a cocktail “zone” and a flat screen TV – make the space perfect for stress-free R & R.
Photo credit: Holger Obenaus
Love this man cave? Call Structures Building Company at (843) 856-6901 or, for more information, visit Structures.net.
Man Cave #3: Lowcountry Island Lodge
When the owners of this creekside Daniel Island home decided to outfit their home with a man cave, they went above and beyond to create a space that is both stunning and functional. Knotty alder wainscoting and reclaimed river cypress floors complement each other and are nicely juxtaposed by modern red lava Pyrolave counters. A pool table in coordinating colors and an entertainment center offer leisure time fun for the man of the house (and apparently the man of the house’s best friend, too).
Photo credit: William Quarles
Love this man cave? Call architect Herlong & Associates, Inc. Architecture + Interiors at (843) 883-9190 or, for more information, visit HerlongArchitects.com. The home was built by Phillip W. Smith General Contractor, Inc.
Man Cave #4: Beach Chic
A direct reflection of the homeowners’ love of both billiards and the beach, this multitasking man cave – which is separate from the main house – also serves as a retreat for the family’s grown children to have parties without disturbing the sense of tranquility in the rest of the home – an attached bedroom and bathroom ensure the ultimate in comfort and privacy. The charming kitchenette (what would a man cave be without a bar?) is outfitted with mahogany cabinetry by William C. Pritchard, which pairs well with walnut floors from Charleston One Source.
Photo credit: Warren Leib
Love this man cave? Call builder Herlong & Associates, Inc. Architecture + Interiors at (843) 883-9190 or, for more information, visit HerlongArchitects.com. The home was built by Buffington Homes.
By Julie Sprankles.
Photos Provided.
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