The Thomas Rose House, one of the most historic properties in downtown Charleston, has sold for $3,350,000. Helen Geer, president and broker-in-charge at William Means Real Estate, represented the seller in the purchase of the property.
Built in 1735, the Thomas Rose House at 59 Church St. is one of three houses in the city to be designed in this style and is considered one of Charleston’s most well-preserved colonial dwellings. The residence has retained many of its original architectural elements, including extensive interior wood paneling and decorative mantle pieces.
In 1942, the Whitman family sold the house to Connecticut architect Henry P. Staats. The Historic Charleston Foundation was founded in 1947, with Staats being one of the original founders. In 1960, the Church Street Historic Foundation was founded, and the home served as the headquarters with the mission to preserve the surrounding area of Church Street. This landmark home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was one of the first properties listed within Charleston’s Historic District and is protected by the Historic Charleston Foundation as an initiative of its Easements and Covenants program.
The home has remained in the Staats, Huffman, and Forrester families since 1942. Throughout this period, these family members were exemplary stewards of the property and often collaborated with Historic Charleston Foundation, opening the house to both private and group tours for historic preservation and educational programs.
The house sits on what was a double lot and features an expansive Loutrel Briggs-designed garden and original outbuildings. The lot was granted to Elizabeth Willis on March 15, 1680, one of the few grants given to a woman. Rear piazza enclosures and an addition to connect the outbuildings with the main house have allowed for extra living space without jeopardizing the dwelling’s esteemed Georgian character.
According to historic documents for the property, the house sits on one of the original lots given to the first Charles Towne colonists. Those first narrow lots defined the urban design of the town’s original grid that still is part of the city’s design today.
“The Thomas Rose House is an exquisite example of one of Charleston’s best-preserved colonial dwellings,” Geer said. “This handsome property is appealing to architectural and history buffs, who also appreciate our city’s efforts to protect these historically valuable homes.”
William Means is one of the oldest real estate companies in Charleston and an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. The firm sold more than $198 million in Charleston area real estate in 2016, making it one of the company’s most successful years to date.
