San Francisco Plantation is much more elegant and extravagantly furnished than Laura (see journal), but does not have quite as much historical character. A costumed tour guide escorts you through the each room of the interior, and you are not permitted to take pictures, videos, etc. inside the mansion. The tour is quite informative and different from other plantations (each plantation seems unique in one way or other). One of the most striking points of San Francisco are the many elaborate ceiling frescos and paintings. You will appreciate the intricate artwork and outstanding craftsmanship involved in the production of masterpieces. They required little restoration except cleaning and are 90% original. Many of the antiques used in furnishing the plantation are original to the time period, but not to the mansion itself. Of particular interest are an antique "commode" built before indoor plumbing. Also, a shower using gravity as its power was rigged in the downstairs and connected to the huge cisterns flanking the house and used for collecting water.
There are several outbuildings in the process of being researched and restored, but the grandeur of the old South is captured in the main house. The name San Francisco comes from the phrase "sans Fruscins," meaning "every penny," and it is said that the original owner invested every penny in furnishing this showplace!