Equipped with a saltwater infinity pool + three-tiered piazza
It’s no secret– Charleston can be an expensive city in which to purchase a house. But, it’s also where incredible, historic mansions can whisk you back 200 years to the days of carriage houses, functioning hinged shutters, + “haint blue” ceilings.
Today, downtown is still home to many historic dwellings coupled with modern lofts + penthouses. Whether you are lucky enough to be in the market for a huge upgrade, or simply daydreaming of being featured on MTV Cribs, these are some of the most impressive homes in the city– complete with extraordinary price tags.
🏡 44 South Battery St. | 💸 $7,400,000 | 🔑 7,520 sq ft. | 🛏 7 | 🛁 8
This circa 1835 South Battery home, known as “The Johnson House,” was originally built by sisters Anne + Catherine Johnston, + later purchased by General Benjamin Huger Rutledge after the Civil War. With three piazzas, you can enjoy the cool cross breeze, while taking in stunning ocean views. Settle in on the sun deck, wine + dine your guests in the kitchen house (with legal bed + breakfast license), or walk over to the nearby White Point Gardens for the full Charleston experience.
🏡 1709 River Rd., Johns Island | 💸 $8,875,000 | 🔑 15,672 sq. ft. | 🛏 16 | 🛁 16
Located 15 minutes from downtown, Fenwick Hall Plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places + has been home to some of Charleston’s most prominent families. With 16 bedrooms + 16 bathrooms, you can invite the entire family over for a relaxing retreat. Even with a full house, with 50 acres of landscape, you can easily find a quiet moment alone– just don’t be concerned if you see a headless horseman… it’s only Ann Fenwick’s lover.
🏡 60 Montagu St. | 💸 $12,950,000 | 🔑 9,345 sq. ft. | 🛏 6 | 🛁 6
Get your paddles ready, The Gaillard-Bennett House, circa 1801, will be auctioned off on-site on May 5. In addition to the Federal-style main house, the property includes a kitchen house, a carriage house, + a tack house. Aside from the stunning interior, this home hosts a heated saltwater gunite infinity pool + lush gardens for your own personal outdoor oasis.
🏡 18 Broad St., Unit 801 | 💸 $16,500,00 | 🔑 8,363 sq. ft. | 🛏 3 | 🛁 4
If you’re looking for a modern, sophisticated feel, this penthouse shares the top two floors of the People’s Office Building. With 360 views, enjoy watching both the sunrise + sunset over the Charleston Harbor, the Atlantic Ocean, + the historic district. Dine al fresco on the private rooftop terrace, complete with an outdoor shower for those sticky summer nights. The biggest perk– three gated off-street parking spaces.
🏡 32 Legare St. | 💸 $17,500,000 | 🔑 17,142 sq. ft. | 🛏 9 | 🛁 16
If history is your vice, this is the home for you. Built in 1803, the oldest residence on Legare Street, known as “The Sword Gate,” sits behind famous front gates, which were originally created for the City’s Guard House. The dwelling was previously used as a tannery, a prestigious girls’ school, a museum, + an Inn. The estate has “celeb status” as well– having once been owned by Abraham Lincoln’s granddaughter, Jessie Lincoln Randolph. At $17.5 million, its a steal, as just last year it was listed for $19.5 million.
Unfortunately, when I purchased my home, these houses weren’t on the market yet– shucks. So for now, I’ll sit pretty in my 1,200 sq. ft. ranch + dream of the days when I’ll spend Friday nights in my grand ballroom + Tuesday mornings reading CHStoday in my private conservatory.
What’s your favorite house in the Lowcountry? Share your pics using the hashtag #CHStoday.
– Justine, Multimedia Producer