Discover CharlestonHistoric Ansonborough Neighborhood

Our latest historic renovation project, The Gadsden House, is located in the Ansonborough neighborhood on the Charleston Peninsula. Ansonborough is a thriving area of historic, downtown Charleston and offers one the chance to step back in time to the earlier prestigious Charles Town. This neighborhood is filled with homes built as early as the 1700’s. Ansonborough, bounded to the east by East Bay Street and Charleston Harbor beyond, offers a close-knit neighborhood feel, but is only a short walk to restaurants, shopping and entertainment. This desirable area of downtown Charleston includes homes with beautiful gardens along tree lined streets and condos with endless harbor views.

Ansonborough is considered Charles Town’s first suburb. It is rumored that young Capt. George Anson (for which George Street and Anson Street are currently named after) won the 64-acre tract of land in a single game of cards against Thomas Gadsden in 1724. For the next 20 years, Anson remained at sea protecting the South Carolina and Georgia shorelines from pirates and looters. In 1745 he returned, and having netted over 300,000 English pounds in treasure, he laid his land out in streets and lots.

In the great fire of 1838, almost all of the existing homes were destroyed. Just a few were spared as the fire swept through the southern portion of the original Ansonborough. Only a few of the late 18th and 19th century homes remain in the area now called Ansonborough. The rest of today’s existing homes were built of Charleston brick in the mid 1800’s.

Throughout the next century, Ansonborough fell into slum conditions. In 1960 the Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) began an extensive rehabilitation of the area. The HCF acquired more than 100 homes and completely restored each home. It became known on a national level as an outstanding example of neighborhood revitalization and in turn, inspired many families to purchase dilapidated homes and bring them back to life. Today Ansonborough has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in downtown Charleston.

This neighborhood offers an easy, urban lifestyle, and is home to some of Charleston’s cultural powerhouses. A short walk away is the South Carolina Aquarium, a nationally recognized aquarium and home to a renowned endangered Sea Turtle Rescue program, as well as the exquisitely renovated Gaillard Center, Charleston County Main Library, and Charleston’s iconic City Market. A local favorite, the East Bay True Value Hardware store is a fun place to stop in to browse its combined offering of hardware store essentials and a vintage clothing and thrift section. Cru Café, a culinary destination and home to some of Charleston’s best gourmet comfort food in the Lowcountry, is located “off the beaten path” in a classic 18th century Charleston single-style home in Ansonborough.

This charming, elegant neighborhood offers an ideal backdrop for all of the weddings and events that will be held at The Gadsden House when it is completed in Spring 2015. This circa 1800, Federal Style beauty, restored to all its 19th century grandeur is destined to become one of Charleston’s premiere luxury event venues.