Real EstateCharleston South of Broad””

What is it like to live “South of Broad” in Charleston, SC? Imagine a neighborhood with architectural styles spanning all of American history. Cobblestone streets and slate sidewalks, the sound of church bells on the hour, the crisp smells of salt air off the Charleston harbor mixed with luxurious Confederate jasmine.

South of Broad is the heart of Charleston’s historic downtown, named for the area on the Charleston peninsula that is located “south of Broad Street,” bordered by iconic East Bay Street on the harbor side and Lockwood Avenue inland to the west. This is an area where George Washington slept, and Robert E. Lee was a frequent visitor. Street after street showcases graceful homes and lush gardens. This includes elaborate mansions, iconic Charleston “Single Houses”, quaint carriage houses and renovated kitchen houses, each home with a unique history.

Some well known businesses are still located South of Broad. The local cheese shop Goat. Sheep. Cow. with its 200 year-old brick walls and exposed beams serves up cheese, wine and charcuterie. Burbage’s Grocery, a small, self serve corner grocery in business since 1948. You can even stop in for lunch and try one of their delicious barbecue sandwiches.

Some of Charleston’s most notable homes and gardens are located in the South of Broad neighborhood. Here are a few that you don’t want to miss:

The Sword Gate House, located at 32 Legare Street is believed to have been built around 1803, possibly by French Huguenots James LaRoche and J. Lardent. The “Sword Gates” for which the house is named, were manufactured by Christopher Werner, and installed in the high brick wall on Legare Street in 1849. Each half has a central cross, formed by point of two vertical spears meeting in center of horizontally placed broadsword, giving the house its popular name.

The Calhoun Mansion, considered the largest private residence in Charleston, is a Victorian home located at 16 Meeting Street. It was built in 1876 for George W. Williams, a businessman, according to plans drawn by W.P. Russell. The 24,000 square foot house has thirty main rooms as well as a number of smaller rooms.

Emily Whaley’s Garden, located at 58 Church Street, is one of the most visited private gardens in America. Designed by Loutrel Briggs in 1940 and tended faithfully for almost 50 years by Emily Whaley, the small, secluded garden is tucked alongside the elegant homes that line Church Street. The symmetrical design extends along a central axis to a brick carriage house at the back of the property. Entered through a wrought-iron gate along a flagstone path, the initial garden room is an ellipse, with a central lawn edged by old Charleston bricks and flanked by borders filled with annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs.

The city of Charleston is tailor made for that buyer who desires to live in a home rich in history. For prospective home buyers, South of Broad not only offers some of the rarest jewels Charleston has to offer but is a great investment as well as a prestigious address. If you have always dreamed of living in a historic property our real estate team are experts at locating that perfect place to call home.