Featured Listing: Five Historic South of Broad Homes
Handsome Properties October 8, 2020
Handsome Properties October 8, 2020
Charleston’s South of Broad neighborhood abounds in historic homes, yet covers a small area of about 0.4 square miles. That’s because South of Broad is one of the oldest and best preserved neighborhoods in downtown Charleston.
Generations of homeowners have maintained South of Broad properties. Many historic homes have been preserved through the efforts of citizens who formed groups like the Preservation Society of Charleston.
Founded in 1920, this organization helped prevent the demolition of the 1803 Joseph Manigault House. South of Broad is a piece of living history, filled with gracious homes that have hosted presidents, endured wars, and survived Hurricane Hugo.
At Handsome Properties, we’re proud to represent historic homes and we take care to educate prospective buyers about the characteristics and qualities of these special residences. This fall we’re highlighting five historic homes in the sought-after and prestigious South of Broad neighborhood. Contact us to arrange a showing for any of these exclusive properties.
National Historic Landmark
There are very few places in the United States where someone can lay claim to living in the home of a ”Founding Father.” Edward Rutledge, signer to the Declaration of Independence, lived in this magnificent Georgian-style mansion from 1763 until his death in 1800.
Rutledge also served as South Carolina’s 10th Governor. Now known as The Governor’s House, this home was first built in 1760 by James Laurens, brother to the President of the Second Continental Congress, Henry Laurens.
His son John Laurens served as aide-de-camp to President George Washington and was a close friend to Alexander Hamilton. Sitting on nearly 1/2 acre just outside the original walled city, on the site of the former Charleston Orange Garden, the house has been altered and added onto since construction. Read More
Recipient of the Carolopolis Award
This grand South Battery residence is composed of a 4 bedroom, 4 full and 2 half bath main house with water views from the top 2 floors, a 3 bedroom, 2 full bath kitchen house and a partially finished heated and cooled ground floor. The apx. 1,358 sf ground floor, not included in the total square footage, would make a fabulous wine cellar, workout room or artists’ studio, and includes a half bath.
Constructed circa 1835 by sisters Anne and Catherine Johnston, this three-story plantation-style home with attached kitchen house was later purchased by General Benjamin Huger Rutledge after the Civil War. The Johnston House has been completely renovated while maintaining original historic details, and includes a brand new masonry wall which surrounds the entire property. Read More
Rear Garden Designed by Glen Gardner
Built circa 1837, the Winborn Lawton House is a spectacular, three-story, masonry home. Meticulously renovated, the home boasts 4 bedrooms and 4 full and 1 half bathrooms, as well as gorgeous garden views and ample privacy.
The rear garden was designed by renowned landscape architect Glen Gardner, and it comes complete with a saltwater swimming pool with cascading waterfall and a gas fire pit. An elevator services all three floors, and there is ample off-street parking, both open and covered.
The kitchen, dining room, living room, a full bathroom, powder room, and laundry room are all on the first floor. The eat-in kitchen with a sitting area opens directly onto the garden and pool, making it perfect for entertaining. Read More
Recipient of the Carolopolis Award
The John Blake House, Circa 1800, is an L-shaped, two and a half story black cypress and heart pine frame structure that sits on a high masonry foundation on a double lot. This sturdy post revolutionary, Category 3 home is classified as ”Valuable” in the book ”This is Charleston,” and, according to John Poston in ”The Buildings of Charleston,” survived the natural disasters of the 19th century that many surrounding buildings of the same period did not.
Behind the wrought iron gates lies an old parterre, restored in the 1980s and separated from a manicured lawn by an archway. The first floor piazza overlooks the old parterre and is accessed from the main entry. Read More
22 Elliott Street in renowned South of Broad. This historic property has been meticulously restored and features luxury finishes while maintaining many original 18th century features. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 4,389 square feet, 22 Elliott has been updated with a new roof and new wiring, heating, AC and duct work.
The downstairs dining room features extremely rare indigo dyed cypress paneling and still has its original fireplace. Old and new juxtapose seamlessly in the kitchen, which has floor to ceiling custom cabinets designed by master contractor David Hoffman, a restored fireplace and unlacquered brass furnishings.
Downstairs also features coral pavers and a fully installed privacy garden using original bricks found in the cellar. A downstairs floating staircase, designed by renowned architect Simons Young, is accented by reclaimed wood from the home’s original heart of pine floor boards.
The staircase throughout the house features hand-carved stenciling. Unique to this property is the enclosure of the arched entryway, originally completed in 1947. This formerly open passage now seamlessly connects the home’s kitchen, garden, and living areas. Read More
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