The Constantine House known for the historic beauty that it is, was built in 1935 by a Greek architect named Augustus Edison Constantine. Constantine had completed design projects in Atlanta before going on to design many more buildings in Charleston. The Constantine House is one of Aiken’s truly fine homes. The house was built with 14 rooms offering beautiful millwork and hardwood floors. The first floor, alone, offers formal sitting and dining rooms, a library, game room, breakfast room, kitchen and several pantries. While the second floor features five bedrooms and a screened loggia with red tile flooring. The home very much still holds these feats but with a restored touch. The back of the house has a 30x60 red tile terrace with wrought iron railing and stone urns, sat on six acres of landscaped land.
The house was home to a few names you might recognize, including Strom Thurmmond and his family, and is now owned by Aiken resident, Cody Anderson, who owns and operates Aiken’s historic George Funeral Home. Cody firmly believes in community involvement and serves on several boards and committees. It is his passion and obligation to give back what has been given to him. And he will go on to do exactly that.
Anderson mentioned that, growing up in Aiken around the Constantine House, he always saw the house as mysterious. With his favorite superhero being Batman, he saw the historic house as Wayne Manor, this intriguing and mysterious residence that no one knew much about. When he purchased the property, he planned to not disrupt the historical aspects of the house but to honor the work that Constantine brought to Aiken. Anderson, instead, focused his attention on restoring what needed to be fixed and paying more attention to places that needed a little love.
Along with the home being restored, the home is more alive than ever. Anderson often hosts charitable events and entertains for the Aiken community. His long-term plan is to transition the home to USCA, when he passes, to become the Chancellor’s residence. Therefore, enabling the university to recruit talent and give the Chancellor a place to entertain and fundraise for the university. The Constantine House holds so much local history and Anderson has preserved the life of this historic home in all of its splendor. So, next time you're driving down Richland Avenue make sure you glance at this beauty!
