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Historic homes for sale in SC, Charleston. Historic properties for you maybe be different to someone else, but as far as Charleston SC is concerned it usually refers to any house built before 1850. Here in South Carolina downtown Charleston SC homes are where the vast majority of historic homes for sale will be found since Charleston was one of the largest port cities in the world when we were but 13 colonies. Columbia SC also has historic homes, but they don’t go back to the 1600s like some do in Charleston. Owning historical property in downtown Charleston SC can be both very cool yet challenging at the same time as they are much different than a newer home. 

Some of the historic houses of downtown were so large they have been split up into smaller homes or condos to accommodate today’s lifestyle vs the massive plantation style homes of yesteryear. 

MLS Listings Data

Total Listings:49
Average Price:$2,467,061
Highest Listing Price:$8,000,000
Average Days On Market:80
Average Price/SqFt:$774
Historic Homes For Sale Charleston SC currently has fourty-nine (49) for sale on MLS. Historic Homes For Sale Charleston SC listings have an average sales price of $2,467,061 ranging in price from $212,000 to $8,000,000. The average sq ft home size of Historic Homes For Sale Charleston SC Charleston SC is 3,185 square feet. The largest property for sale is 11,737 sqft and smallest 400 sqft. View property listings for sale by price, street, subdivision, age, property type, location, features, size, and listing date, and time on MLS with an of 80 days on the market.

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Number of MLS Listings 1 - 9 of 49

This home features a main house with courtyard and caretakers building and garden, a separate legal short term rental, a long term 4 bedroom 2 story rental and a 6 car parking lot.The Sottile-Glover Mansion, in historic Harleston Village blocks from Colonial Park, Cannon Park, MUSC and the College of Charleston. A brilliant area to enjoy historical walks, local boutiques, and five star dining.The main house includes 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a modern kitchen (completely renovated in 2023). Spacious balconies can be reached from the dining and formal room on the first floor and from the bedrooms on second floor both of which overlook a lush courtyard which include a wide variety of flora as well as 20-year-old pomegranate trees.The ground floor features an enclosed piazza perfect for entertaining guests and accessible to the courtyard perfect for your friends and family to enjoy where you can sit back bask in the beautiful scenery and the grand home. An updated mother-in-law suite with a private entrance is located on the ground floor and could function as an independent unit. It additionally has another entrance to access the main house, enclosed piazza and courtyard. Behind the courtyard and main house is the caretakers building now used as storage building. It includes a half bath, eAC and a charming private garden in the rear. This structure has many options for use for those with a vision. The massive Carriage House includes a ground floor legal STR that's 2/1 and a two story long term rental above it that's 4/2 with a private deck on the top. A parking lot located behind the buildings can fit up to 6 cars. Originally constructed by Dr. Glover, this grand Italianate mansion served as a cherished home for his family for numerous years. Passing through the hands of two esteemed Charleston families, the Roses, and the Moises, the mansion eventually found its way to Giovani Sottile in 1910. Mr. Sottile's patronage led to the mansion's transformation into the Italian consulate, a role it maintained under his descendants until the present owners acquired it. Gracing the prestigious National Register of Historic Places since 2019, this distinguished home proudly preserves its opulent formal rooms and numerous original historic features. An Italian gem waiting for you to enjoy
View details Beds - 11 Baths - 6 Sqft - 11737
Circa 1815 - The Joseph Yates House. This fine masonry Charleston Single home was constructed by local merchant Yates. After purchasing the property in 1810, Yates replaced a two-story frame house owned by Colonel Elias Vanderhorst. The desirable South of Broad location is significant as part of a larger row of masonry single houses representing classic architectural styles when Charleston was a booming late 18th century port. British consul Robert Bunch also resided there around the Civil War period.Featured in ''60 Famous Houses in Charleston'' and listed as ''valuable'' in ''This is Charleston''.This grand home has been thoughtfully restored, incorporating the once kitchen house into the main house floor plan.The high elevation from the street offers total privacy in the main formal rooms, with 6,000+ sqft of living space. Over 230' of depth from the street, the private rear garden is truly an oasis with its pool and courtyard terrace. The spacious, well-appointed kitchen (18x25) comfortably flows into the rear den/media room (13x25). The second-floor primary suite is equally grand, featuring a separating sitting area, large dressing/workout and spacious primary bath, along with two additional walk-in closets. Across from the primary suite is a beautifully detailed second-floor drawing room, with historic views up and down Meeting Street. The third level offers 2 spacious bedrooms and a full bath. To the rear overlooking the garden is a separate 1-bedroom guest suite with its own den/living space, and private piazza.
View details Beds - 4 Baths - 4 Sqft - 6160
Welcome to the Sottile-Glover Mansion, this includes the main house, grounds keeper's building/garage/storage building and courtyard. A horizontal regime is possible to divide the 3 units on the whole property. The ground floor features an updated Mother In Law Suite and covered portico that has 2 entrances to the beautiful Italian Courtyard with its lush vegetation and numerous species of flowers that is your private oasis in the middle of historic Downtown Charleston and a few minutes walk from award winning restaurants and high end shopping on King Street.The first floor has a massive dining room, formal room with covered porches facing the street, a fully updated kitchen all with access to the large piazza that overlooks the courtyard yet still has privacy from the outside world. This floor is perfect for entertaining or enjoying with family. The second floor features the Master Bedroom with a massive walk in closet, additional closet space and a large, private bathroom ready to be your ideal vision of a Master Bathroom. Additionally this floor features a Guest Bedroom that could be a study or exercise room. The second floor also has full access to a piazza that overlooks the cityscape and picturesque rooftops of Harleston Village. The Fourth Floor features a large bedroom and smaller guest room as well as what is now a sewing room, but could be used in many other ways including being returned to a kitchen as the hook ups are still in place. Behind the main house and courtyard is the 916 SqFt groundskeepers building that has a 1/2 bath and overlooks a small garden. This space is being used for storage now, but with the right vision could be repurposed in many ways.
View details Beds - 5 Baths - 3 Sqft - 7897
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.
View details Beds - 4 Baths - 4 Sqft - 4325
The grandeur of Downtown Charleston awaits at the Stephen Shrewsbury House in the coveted Ansonborough neighborhood. A solid-brick single house, 40 Laurens Street commands attention with two levels of iconic piazzas and a ground-level veranda courtyard. The circa 1809 home showcases exquisite Adamesque woodworking, including period mantels and mouldings, expertly curated by the original builder, who had a background in carpentry. With 4.5 living levels and over 6,000 square feet, this residence offers ample room to entertain guests for legendary house parties. The courtyard, separate from the generous gated off-street parking area, provides an idyllic walled sanctuary with minimal maintenance for the perfect lock-and-leave lifestyle.Extensively renovated in 2021, the luxury kitchen wows with high-end finishes and appliances like the Wolf six-burner range and Sub Zero refrigerator. A handsome fireplace, lovingly incorporated into the new kitchen design, infuses the space with character. A comfortable, informal dining area completes the space, with additional refrigeration drawers and bar stool seating. Accessible by the grand staircase and the three-stop elevator, the primary suite encompasses the entire second floor, featuring a library, primary bedroom, recently renovated bath, and walk-in closet. The fourth floor offers two spacious full-height guest rooms with a shared bath - also recently redone- and a third bedroom on the upper dormer level. The Garden Level, also accessible by the elevator, provides a spacious guest or nanny suite with a dedicated living space. The location of this stunning and well-preserved property is unbeatable, within two blocks of the grocery store, close proximity to the beating heart of the city's fine dining and nightlife, cultural performance venues, and Marion Square - truly walkable to all of the best that Downtown Charleston has to offer. Live like a local in grand fashion at 40 Laurens; schedule your showing today.
View details Beds - 5 Baths - 3 Sqft - 6165
Discover a truly unique opportunity to reside or operate in the heart of historic downtown Charleston! Fully furnished and steeped in history, the 1813 Mary Scott House, located in the prestigious Ansonborough neighborhood, is within walking distance to the Holy City's beautiful amenities.The Mary Scott House seamlessly combines historic charm with modern comforts. Renovated extensively in 2014, the property boasts 12.5 tons of new HVAC systems in 6 zones, updated plumbing and electrical, new kitchens with appliances, and various other improvements. Property consists of 4 individual units, each with separately metered utilities. Unit A is 3800 sq ft with kitchen, formal dining, living room, family room, 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths.Unit B is 1000 sq ft with kitchen, livingbedroom, study or second bedroom, and 1 full bath. Unit C is 600 sq ft with kitchen, living room, bedroom, and 1 full bath. Unit D is 600 sq ft with kitchen, living room, bedroom, and 1 full bath. Units A/B form the main house with C/D sharing the carriage house. The property has multiple rental or resident options. You can rent all 4 units long term, you can rent 1-unit long term and 3 units as short-term rentals, make the main house your residence or any combination you wish. Property has zoning and use approval for all the above. Ideal for entrepreneurs or investors seeking a unique business opportunity, leaving the choice to convert to an opulent single-family home or the potential to condo. 11 George comes with one of the rarest commodities. The property includes ten off-street parking spaces and a lot size of approximately .27 acres. There are ample storage areas beside the suites including a detached building. Last but not least, the seller is offering the property turn-key, completely furnished in a personality that equals the opportunity.
View details Beds - 9 Baths - 6 Sqft - 6300
198 E. Bay is located in the heart of the Downtown Historic District next door to the Customs House. Just steps away from fine dining and first class accommodations, this elite location provides one-of-a- kind environment. Class A office space currently making up the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building, offer themselves as a possible conversion to residential. The second and third floors make up approximately 71% of the POA. The property can be purchased in total or can be split between floors. Total purchase price for both floors is $4,000,000 or $2,100,000 per floor.The property is currently owner occupied on the second floor and the rear portion of the 3rd floor. The front portion of the 3rd floor is leased until June of 2025. The owner is open to a potential lease-back. Certain furniture and electronics can be purchased outside of the sale of real estate. Parking passes are available for transfer/purchase in the Cumberland Parking Garage and surrounding surface lots. 198 East Bay St. has been immaculately built out, featuring reuse and renovation of original wood floors, beams, ceilings, columns and re-pointed brick work. Historic renovation meets modern finishes with fully enclosed glass offices and conference room. The second floor features a beautiful kitchen build out with huge island. Ideal for team meetings and hosting events. The third floor provides spacious private offices, expose wood ceilings and modern kitchen/break area. The floors are provided access by an elevator and two interior stair cases. The property also lends itself to be potentially converted and redeveloped for residential use.
View details Beds - Baths - 1 Sqft - 8000
89 Ashley Avenue is an extraordinary downtown sanctuary which combines Federal Period architecture with modern day opulence. This grand brick Charleston single house was built in 1838 and is truly an impressive example of 19th century craftsmanship with Flemish bond brickwork, slate roof, beautiful period moldings, high ceilings, and hand carved fireplace surrounds. The graciously appointed rooms are quite large, have original heart pine floors, and are flooded with natural light. An impressive grand staircase with decorative millwork traverses the center of the home and rises to all four levels, with southerly exposed three-tiered piazzas. The piazzas are wide and most rooms have direct outdoor access. A private courtyard and pool are on the garden level, and the home seamlesslyflows for indoor and outdoor living and entertaining. The pool and garden area was completely renovated in 2022 with new pool lunar quartz tile and an ivory travertine deck. The garden was professionally landscaped and tall Charleston syle wooden fence was installed for privacy. This is a terrific family home, with five bedrooms, each with a newly renovated en-suite bathroom. Once you enter the property, you are welcomed into the garden level with pool. Inside the Charleston single, the living room is to the right and the kitchen is to the left once you enter the foyer. The fully renovated kitchen is a chef's dream, with high end appliances such as Sub Zero refrigerator/freezer, Wolf stove and oven, and Haier refrigerator drawers. A quartzite waterfall edge center island is a focal point. Beautiful cabinetry creates a lot of storage. Floating shelves show off the tiled backsplash. French doors open onto the garden and pool. Beyond the kitchen is a large laundry room with additional sink, powder bathroom, and additional storage. On the second floor you find a second living room, currently outfitted with a billard table for game nights. The primary suite is very large, with a stunning bathroom with soaking tub, marble shower, and separate water closet. There is a walk in closet adjacent to the primary bathroom. Both the living room and primary suite open onto the gracious piazza, which overlooks the pool. On the third floor, there are very large bedrooms, each with custom closets built-in for storage. One bedroom has a very large bathroom with separate soaking tub and large shower. There is a small "peloton room" as well. The other bedroom also has a wall of closets and lovely marble full bathroom. The wide third floor piazza is a wonderful place to catch the afternoon breezes. On the fourth floor are two charming bedrooms, each with their own en suite full bathroom. Built in closets add to the storage options on the fourth floor. A delightful bonus is the .10 acre lot at the rear of the property, accessed through a shared driveway. The large rear lot provides parking for 6+ cars, a garden, and possible additional structure such as a garage. This additional lot is a rare opportunity on the peninsula. Located on a high and dry lot with no history of flooding, this property is a short walk to Colonial Lake, Moultrie Playground, and the tennis and pickleball courts. This house was completely renovated in 2018, with all plumbing, electrical, HVAC and security systems replaced. All bedrooms and living areas were updated, and all bathrooms and kitchen were fully renovated. Interior and exterior has been repainted. The pool and garden area was completely renovated in 2022 with new pool lunar quartz tile and an ivory travertine deck. The garden was professionally landscaped and new Charleston style tall wooden privacy fence was installed. There is additional storage behind the grilling area and pool equipment shed. This gorgeous property features beautiful historic details while being a wonderful family home, perfect for modern living.
View details Beds - 5 Baths - 5 Sqft - 4279
The Thomas Bannister Seabrook House, otherwise known as ''Seabrook Manor'' is on a high, prime corner lot in Harleston Village. The home is absolutely stunning, with large, elegant rooms, exquisite plaster medallion, elaborate carved moldings and paneling details, high ceilings, eight working gas fireplaces with gorgeous mantels, full working interior wood shutters with original hardware, sliding pocket doors, and original heart pine floors. The architectural details in this home are some of the finest found in Charleston. Its sunny southern orientation overlooks the private garden and floods the home with natural light with over 60 windows. Enter through the wrought iron gate from Rutledge onto black and white checkerboard marble walkway and staircase to the wide piazza,welcoming you to the property. The beautiful arched piazzas hint at the elegance of the interior. Through the double doors, you are greeted with an elegant staircase rising three floors. The living room features an incredible 300 year old hand carved marble Italian mantelpiece of exquisite beauty and detail with rosettes, female figures, flowers, and other sculptured ornamentation (even the Smithsonian has commented on this majestic mantle). The gorgeous mirror over the fireplace enhances this luxurious space. The incredible plaster medallion over the crystal chandelier and the finely carved crown moldings are spectacular. There is a reading nook adjacent to the living room in the three story hexagonal "tower", likely added in the late 1800s. Many of the tower windows are stained glass. The dining room is large enough to host all of your gatherings, and features a black marble gas fireplace. The dining room opens onto the kitchen through grand pocket doors. The kitchen, truly the heart of the home, has quality wood cabinetry, granite countertops, large center island with bar seating, farmhouse style sink, Dacor gas cooktop, Dacor oven and convection oven, Subzero refrigerator/freezer plus additional Subzero refrigerator drawers, and plenty of storage. Another working gas fireplace makes the kitchen very cozy in winter months. Doors from the kitchen open onto the generous piazzas, making entertaining a breeze. A large walk-in pantry, powder bathroom with 200 year old marble sink, and hallway with back door entrance from piazza complete the first floor. The primary bedroom on the second floor is a true retreat. This bedroom is grand and features a fireplace and large windows. The very large primary bathroom is spa-like with soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, dual vanities, 2 Murano glass chandeliers and Murano sconces, another fireplace, exposed brick wall and opens onto the piazza for private relaxation. Laundry is conveniently located here, and the very large walk-in closet will accommodate all of your clothing, shoes and gear. The second floor piazza is wide and runs the length of the house. It is ideal for catching afternoon breezes and enjoying a beverage with a birds eye view of the neighborhood. The guest bedroom on the second floor is large and sunny, with an ensuite full bathroom with clawfoot tub. The third floor offers two bedroom and full height ceilings and large windows, rare for third floor bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own ensuite full bathroom. Also on the third floor are two beautiful Adamesque mantels as well as a clawfoot tub and marble sink in the tower bathroom. The east bedroom has views of the Ravenel Bridge. The home includes a coveted and rare detached garage with tandem parking for two cars plus storage. There is additional parking for 2 cars inside the gated driveway with entrance off Bull Street. The southern garden is for exclusive use of 104 Rutledge, and is fully fenced and gated for privacy and security. No history of flooding. This property is perfectly located within the quiet residential neighborhood of Harleston Village, and close to walk to Colonial Lake, the medical district, the City Marina, King Street shopping and several excellent restaurants. This stunning property is a rare find in in downtown Charleston - it is a grand home with beautiful historic details, modern updates, and a highly functional floor plan. The house is simultaneously elegant and comfortable, perfect for modern living.
View details Beds - 4 Baths - 4 Sqft - 5500

PURCHASING HISTORIC PROPERTIES IN CHARLESTON

When renovating homes in historic downtown Charleston we strive to achieve nothing but excellence with the goal of receiving the highest honor you can get; coveted Carolopolis award. The Carolopolis Award is a plaque placed on buildings that have been preserved, restored, rehabilitated or are outstanding examples of new construction downtown. The award is presented to those individuals, businesses or organizations that currently own the property.  Award program was created to recognize outstanding achievement in exterior preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and new construction in the city of Charleston.

Environmental – Economical – Educational :

  • Rehabilitating historic structures and improving existing infrastructure is more environmentally-friendly than to destroy and replace them.
  • Historic preservation initiatives and programs help to manage environmental effects of suburban sprawl, including increased traffic and environmental dilapidation.
  • By protecting and advocating for the reinvestment in the historic cores of Charleston and its Lowcountry environs, the effects of negative growth can be greatly avoided.
  • Learning the history of a community and its historical sites encourages a sense of neighborhood and appeal.When historic buildings and resources are protected, they are the focal point of revitalization in the community which is, in return, appealing to visitors for heritage tourism.
  • Preservation promotes positive growth and is a tool to revitalize and re-invest in neighborhoods, older communities and commercial districts.

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