A few summers back, we took a road trip to the Southeast, and after visiting Charlotte, we arrived in beautiful Charleston. At the time, we were “researching” possible retirement destinations including Savannah and beyond. I was one very wide-eyed, swooning flâneur* as we strolled Meeting, Church, and Battery Streets, absorbing inspiration from historical homes near White Point Gardens (aka “The Battery”). Sooooo much more than pretty old houses. Indeed, these architectural wonders somehow remain intact after natural disasters and war. Join me as as we revisit Historic Charleston Mansions and Gardens of the Battery.
* flâ·neur/fläˈnər/. From the French noun flâneur, it means “stroller,” “lounger,” “saunterer,” or “loafer.” Flânerie is the act of strolling, with all of its accompanying associations…a near-synonym is ‘boulevardier’.
Photos: Hello Lovely Studio (unless otherwise noted)
Charleston Mansions and Gardens of the Battery
What is the Charleston Battery? An area of the city at one time home to a battery of canons along the seawall. The battery protected Charleston as well as mansions near the wall. It’s home to White Point Garden, Charleston’s first public park where you can enjoy: live oaks, palmetto trees, views of Charleston harbor, historical monuments, peaceful benches, and…
…lovely night herons. Oh, they were my favorite feature of the park along with the oaks!
Historic Charleston House Exteriors
What style of homes can you expect to see in the area? The historic homes I strolled by hail from the pre-Revolutionary, Antebellum, and Victorian periods.
How big are these Charleston mansions? These are not tiny summer homes! Even though many were built as summer homes for wealthy plantation owners, I was surprised by their square footage.
The largest home is 20,000 square feet.
What Does it Cost to Live Here?
How much do Charleston mansions here cost? Sometimes more than $1,000 per square foot. Get a feel for the style from one of my favorite homes:
1762 Charleston Home for Sale: Dewar Lee Pringle House
The Dewar Lee Pringle House, circa 1762, is an exquisite four-story Charleston Single house located on one of the most iconic streets in downtown Charleston. Just shy of technically being a “mansion,” it is 4,949 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 6 baths.
At the time I penned this, the price had been slashed a half million dollars! This stately home uniquely blends Greek and Egyptian Revival styles with large, elegant rooms, seven fireplaces, fine moldings, and original heart pine flooring.
A three-tiered piazza and a rooftop deck overlook a luxurious garden with a private drive and parking for four cars.
Extensively renovated over the past few years, this incredible masterpiece provides owners with modern luxuries while honoring its storied history.
This home is located on a picturesque street in the prime location of South of Broad known for its tree-lined sidewalks, lovingly maintained gardens, and stunning architecture of preserved homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Many homes boast intricate architectural details, including ironwork, multiple piazzas, and grand columns. Meticulous private wall gardens, brick courtyards, and bubbling fountains complement the magnificent residences.
I could move right into this beautiful home with its traditional, tasteful, timeless designs. While the home is magnificent, it also feels very livable. (The tile in the shower below is the same tile we put in our kitchen, pantry, and laundry room!)
Named after the many prominent Charleston families who owned it before, the Dewar-Lee-Pringle House, at 92 Tradd Street, is a relic of Charleston history. Charles Dewar built this house shortly after purchasing the lot in 1762.
And don’t get me started on that rooftop deck! The views must be stunning.
Historic Charleston Homes to Admire
What notable antebellum mansions will woo you? The Louis DeSaussure House, George Chisholm House, William Washington House, Edmonston-Alston House, Colonel John A.S. Ashe House, Charles Drayton House, Roper House, James Spear House, Colonel John Ashe House, William Ravenel House, and Villa Margherita.
Quotes from Charlestonians
You know I love collecting inspirational, humorous, and whimsical quotes, so those in this post have a common thread running through them: they are by Charleston hometowners.
Lush Charleston Window Boxes
Even when the color story is retrained, it’s breathtaking!
Don’t you love those lush leaves the size of your head?
Lovely Charleston Secret Gardens
Carriage Ride in Charleston
Since this visit to Charleston entailed only a single day downtown, we didn’t have time for an architectural tour beyond the wonderful historical carriage ride tour we took with Palmetto Carriage Works.
From a 4th generation Charlestonian former trial attorney, we learned so much about the history of Charleston, churches, earthquakes, alcohol consumption, architecture, gullah culture, and hauntings. Yes, hauntings.
Fortunately, there was plenty of laughter on the tour too. When discussing a particular religious denomination and the love for drink in Charleston, he remarked “when two are more gathered, there’s always a fifth.”
Pretty Pops of Blooms on Stucco Homes
Seafood, Please
We enjoyed a delicious casual lunch at Charleston Crab House.
Inexpensive Stay Off the Beaten Path: Double Tree Hilton in North Charleston
Our vacation was spur of the moment when my husband’s schedule unexpectedly opened up and we winged it. No fancy hotels or quaint downtown airbnb for us since we held all of our plans loosely.
We stayed at the Double Tree Hilton in North Charleston which was more than adequate.
Hotel details: 5264 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC 843.576.0300.
I much prefer staying at a quiet property where trees (and not rowdy tourists) sway outside my windows.
102 Degrees To Remind Us Where We Are!
It was hot, and I’m always good with the heat even when my hair is not. But forget about capturing a relaxed selfie!
Eclectic Unexpected Lovely in a Renovated Charleston Home
Even if the unique interiors are not your style, I guarantee you will find inspiration from savvy creative dynamo, Jill Sharp Weeks.
Your turn. What do you love about the city? Let us know points of interest to not be missed.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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