Description
Reside on one of the most prestigious addresses in downtown Charleston, South Battery, in the famed South of Broad neighborhood at the Robert Murray House. This cheery yellow Charleston single house is located just a block from the water, diagonal to White Point Garden. The c. 1802 stucco home exemplifies the graceful proportions, soaring scale, and detailed architectural elements of the Adams period when it was constructed. Yet it has been lovingly updated with all tIt has been lovingly updated with all the modern conveniences and the interior is beautifully designed by Amelia Handegan and Chelsea Handegan.A street-facing privacy door leads to the first floor piazza, finished in a striking herringbone brick pattern. As is typical of single houses, the main entrance is to the side andand the front door features Palladian fan windows. The first floor is comprised of impressive formal living and dining rooms with original heart pine floors, architectural moldings, high ceilings, and delicate Adams mantlepieces over fireplaces that have been converted to gas logs. Numerous windowpanes retain the swirls that define historic handblown glass.
The dining room is wrapped in an eye-catching mural of custom hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper hung on muslin. Based on a late 18th century British pattern, "Early Views of India" from their Papiers Peints Panoramique collection transports you to an exotic locale of landscapes, architecture, and wildlife.
The hyphen accommodates a contemporary eat-in kitchen whose wood cabinets complement the historic parts of the home. High-end appliances include a Sub Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, Wolf 5-burner gas range and double wall ovens, and a built-in microwave and warming drawer. Behind the kitchen are 2 less formal family rooms with polished concrete floors. The first boasts a soaring open-beamed ceiling and fireplace. The back room has a full bath and can be closed off to be used as an additional guest room. Each of these 3 newer spaces include glass atriums that open to the private courtyard and gardens.
The gardens were designed by Charleston's premier landscape architect, Loutrel Briggs, and restored by Glenn Gardner in 2021. Brick and flagstone hardscaping meanders through the space and encircles an artful fountain with small pond just outside the breakfast area. Palmettos, flowering camellias, and fruit trees decorate the outdoor space. The entire landscape and even the window boxes have a convenient irrigation system. With the atrium doors open, the interior, porch, and outside spaces create a marvelous flow perfect for all-season living and entertaining. The rear of the property features a grassy garden room punctuated with a new plunge pool and spa. The side yard also accommodates tandem parking for several cars.
Back inside, the second floor has 2 bedroom suites, each with fireplaces. The front room is currently outfitted as a sitting room/study, with built-in bookcases flanking the fireplace and Adams mantle. Closets and a full bath are cleverly hidden behind the historic paneling and chair rail molding. Even the space between the thick walls has been converted to storage. The primary suite occupies the rest of this level, with another fireplace, bath with dual sinks, and a laundry room. Both rooms access the second-story piazza.
Ascend to the third floor for 2 more handsome bedrooms, both with fireplaces. The front room has glimpses of the Ashley River beyond the Low Battery. The back room has an en suite bath with dual sinks, and a changing room. It could function as an alternate primary bedroom. Construction details from throughout the home's history are preserved and revealed in these rooms. You'll find remnants of old bell pulls, exposed lathing between walls, an unrestored door, and unfinished pine floors. A convenient elevator accesses the 3 stories of living spaces, including both primary suites.
The dormer 4th floor has a large finished, climate-controlled storage room. With enough headspace to stand, it could be turned into a home office or playroom. There's also a skylight window that offers a truly unique rooftop view. Savor the genteel South of Broad lifestyle that makes Charleston a world-class city in the historic showpiece home at 42 South Battery.
