The Story of Historic 2 Water Street in Charleston, South Carolina
Handsome Properties October 16, 2014
Handsome Properties October 16, 2014
In honor of Throwback Thursday, we feature 2 Water Street, a famous Charleston, SC historic home, also known as the Nathaniel Ingraham House.
2 Water Street, Charleston
Located where Water Street and East Bay meet, on the High Battery. ~6 Beds, 6.5 Bath, 7,453 SqFt, $6,950,000~
Two Water Street is a famous Charleston historic home. The three-story brick and stucco home was built by the merchant Nathaniel Ingraham between 1810 and 1818. Unlike the rest of the houses oriented toward the harbor, the entry of this house faces Water Street. By the 1820s, Two Water Street and the newly built house next door were owned by William Burgoyne. Following this, Otis Mills, developer of the Mills House, bought both Two and Six Water Street.
During the Civil War, the property was shell-damaged by the bombardment of 1864; major restorations were needed following the war. The original hipped roof was damaged and replaced by the Second Empire mansard style that remains today. Dr. Edward Wells, a Confederate hero and writer, further changed the exterior of the house by incorporating a cast-metal cornice and window heads. Sabina Elliott Wells, the Newcomb Potter, was another famous tenant.
Over the last century, aspects of the Federal-style home have been reconstructed on both the exterior and interior. Fortunately, various pieces of the original interior décor have lasted, including frame moldings, original heart pine floors, Adamesque fireplace mantels, cedar ceiling beams, and Venetian chandeliers.
French doors open onto the piazza from the kitchen, and custom ironwork gates enclose the driveway, courtyard, and garden. Paved bluestone and classical fountains lead to the grand pool. The kitchen, modified in 2007, is equipped with a 17th-century marble sink. All the bedrooms have large windows opening to the harbor.
Two Water Street stands out as one of the most stunning properties on the High Battery. The mansard roof, stucco façade, and corner location catch the attention of those wandering down the Battery. It is luxuriously classical on the inside, while simple and elegant from the outside.
For more information on this listing, visit our website.
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