A short history of Gravel Hill Plantation in Allendale COunty, SC

Robwood, original home of tha late Henry Walker family, so prominent in the early history of this section, is one of the few remaining antebellum homes left standing in this section.

Located about three miles from Allendale in the village of Appleton, the house was originally surrounded by the vast estate of the Walker family.
Several generations of the Walker family had lived in the interesting home before it was bought and occupied by the present owner. "Robwood" is said to have been built by the Colding Family and later became the possession of the Walker Family.
The three story structure, built in 1837, is Colonial in architecture, originally having only two floors, the lower or basement, having been built of brick made by the slaves.

In 1897, the third floor with gables was added, also four piazzas with a patio along the front were also added in the remodeling.
Thirty massive pillars of brick support the porches and the kitchen on the second floor. Constructed largely of handhewn boards and timbers handplaned of the finest lumber possible, the house has withstood the ravages of time for much longer than a century and is presently in excellent condition.

Piazzas are decorated with the ornate "gingerbread" architecture of that era. However, balustrades within and without the house are of Chinese Chippendale effect. It is understood that the French architect who remodeled the house in 1897, had served in the Franco-Prussian War, often entertained the late Mrs. Maude Walker Guess, with stories of adventure and battles, when she was at home for vacation from Converse College.
Much more than a quarter of a century ago, "Robwood" was purchased by the late Woodward Allen of Belmont, Mass, and was opened by Mr. Allen and his family, who upon his retirement, made Robwood their permanent home, and it was here that Mr. Allen passed away.
Since that time, Robwood Estate has continued to be the home of his wife, and is presently occupied by herself and Mr. Victor Barker, the gentleman she since married. Mr. Barker is of a pioneer family of Carolina Lowcountry.
Renovation of Robwood has been done by Mr. and Mrs. Barker with much forethought, in attempting to preserve the interesting place in the original.

Mrs. Barker, a connoisseur in antiques, period furniture and furnishings has converted Robwood into a place of beauty and authenticity of its original era. She has also converted the basement floor into an exclusive antique shoppe. As authority on the subject, and a person of unquestionable integrity, Mrs. Barker and her artifacts are in popular demand.
Mr. and Mrs. Barker do a great deal of traveling and spend much time in research and study of the fascinating subject. Mutually fortunate are both the Barkers and also "Robwood" whose preservation means much to many.