Originally built in 1848, this light-filled brick Charleston Single house was meticulously renovated in 2018 with attention to historic preservation without sacrificing luxury, convenience, and livability. This elegant residence is situated in Ansonborough, one of downtown's most coveted historic neighborhoods, sought after for its walkable location, picturesque streetscapes, and palatable charm that is uniquely Charleston. From the street-facing front door, enter to access the first story piazza, an iconic architectural feature of the Charleston single home. This open-air side porch wraps to the rear of the home and overlooks the driveway parking space and a charming courtyard which was custom designed and installed in 2020. This private outdoor space features historic brick hardscaping and is accented with attractive landscape lighting to create an inviting atmosphere to enjoy balmy Charleston evenings all year round.
As you enter the home, you will notice the beautiful original heart of pine floors and generous ceiling height. To the left of the entry foyer is a formal living room, a large formal dining room is to your right. Both rooms feature elegant proportions, functional gas fireplaces, and beautiful original woodwork. Under the central stair is a powder room. At the rear of the home is the kitchen, a beautifully and efficiently designed space featuring custom-milled cabinetry by Goodwin Woodcraft, silver-coated brass hardware from Bird Hardware, Calacatta Gold marble countertops, and Thermador appliances.
On the second-floor landing, there is a door leading to the second-story piazza, again, an iconic feature for historic Charleston homes and an additional outdoor living space to catch a breeze while relaxing or entertaining. On the second story, the room at the front of the home is warm library/den with a third functional gas fireplace. The remainder of the second floor encompasses the primary suite, including a large primary bathroom with a custom cabinetry, Victoria & Albert soaking tub, walk in shower, Calacatta Gold Marble tile and counters, Rohl fixtures, and sconces by Circa Lighting. The third story features two additional bedrooms with full height ceilings, abundant natural light, and charming rooftop and steeple views. At the stair landing is a shared guest bathroom.
While it is easy to be focused on the beauty of this home, recent renovations are not only aesthetic in nature. Updates between 2018-2022 include replacement of the downstairs HVAC unit, new downstairs ductwork, new plumbing, new wiring, new electrical panel, resealing of the roof, new tankless water heater, hardwired security system, under-house storage with sump pump and dehumidifier, pull-out outdoor storage under piazza, installation of a Watercop sensor/shutoff for leak detection, and more.
This home is a quintessential example of Ansonborough historic architecture. While this quarter of downtown Charleston was originally developed in the early eighteenth century, a large fire in 1838 destroyed most of the area's structures. Homes were rebuilt in the decades that followed using primarily fire-retardant materials (e.g., brick and stucco); thus, homes in Ansonborough are predominantly masonry Charleston Single homes dating from the 1840s-1850s. Among them was 34 Anson Street, constructed in 1848.
Today, Ansonborough is one of downtown Charleston's most elegant historic neighborhoods, sought-after by both full-time and parttime/seasonal residents, especially those looking for proximity and walkability to world-class dining, shopping, and cultural venues and institutions.
