LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
REAL ESTATE
THE JOHNSTON HOUSE
Become the new steward of a prized, historical, and architectural playground that blends old and new and enjoy the richness of a vibrant locale that has yet again been voted the best small city in the world.
44 S Battery, Charleston, South Carolina
$6,950,000
JESSICA HALL
One of the most significant challenges for an architect specializing in a historic renovation is preserving a building’s original character while incorporating all the accoutrements of contemporary lifestyle. That is precisely what trained preservation architect Glenn Keyes accomplished at the 185-year old Johnston House. Known for restoring nationally significant landmarks, Keyes brought the same astute aesthetic sensibility to the three-level traditional Charleston estate where one can really feel and see its history. “No detail was overlooked,” explains the distinguished Deborah C. Fisher, Owner, and Broker-In-Charge of Handsome Properties, Inc. “This amazing property has gone from historic to historically beautiful.”
In a city that is considered a historian’s and preservationist’s dream, The Johnston House aptly harmonizes with its landscape. It all began circa 1835 when two unmarried sisters Anne and Catherine Johnston inherited land from their grandfather, McKenzie. The Johnston ladies then built the current home and attached kitchen house. After the Civil War, General Benjamin Huger Rutledge purchased the property. Many prominent figures have owned the home, including the revered art historian of Charleston, Anna Wells Rutledge, who lived much of her life at the Johnston House. The impressive lineage is befitting for a residence of this caliber.
Enter the original carved lattice gate, as if you may have just walked into a Nicholas Sparks book and prepare to fall in love instantly. Fisher reveals, “This grand South Battery 7,520-squarefoot residence is composed of a four-bedroom, four full and two half bath main house with water views from the top 2 floors, a three-bedroom, two full bath kitchen house, and a partially finished heated and cooled ground floor. The approx. 1,358-square-foot ground floor, not included in the total square footage, would make a fabulous wine cellar, workout room, or artists’ studio, and also contains an additional half bath.”
Through the majestic “lucky” green doors, the main house’s first floor boasts a grand reception. Soaring 13-foot ceilings, meticulous original mouldings, and exquisite chandeliers adorn the formal dining room, living room, family room, and light-filled gourmet kitchen. A surprising touch, the formal living and dining room feature walk-through windows that open to the grand piazza at the front of the home.
Depending on your mood, ride the elevator or enjoy a leisurely stroll up the front or rear staircase to the second level. It is here that one can retreat to the expansive master suite featuring a gas fireplace and dual closets. The master bath boasts a double vanity, clawfoot tub, oversized shower, and remote-controlled gas coal basket fireplace. Across the hall, a guest bedroom with a gas fireplace and en-suite bath, laundry room, and a sunny piazza complete this floor.
Journey to the top floor and two more bedrooms, each with an en-suite bath, provide ample room for family and friends. The east bedroom has a sun deck overlooking the manicured garden designed by renowned landscape architect Sheila Wertimer. This floor’s piazza is equally as stunning as its lower counterpart and serves as an ideal spot to enjoy the stunning harbor views.
The kitchen house has also been renovated and is as equally stunning. Here the original large cooking fireplaces and painted wood beam ceiling adorn the lovely bright space complete with full kitchen, three-bedrooms, and two bathrooms. “It includes a grandfathered bed and breakfast license, allowing for nightly rentals,” explains Fisher. “It can easily be used as a guest house, an extension of the main house, rented long term, or continue to be legally rented on a nightly basis, a rare opportunity in historic Downtown Charleston.”
“Original heart pine flooring throughout the home, a three-tier piazza with water views, kitchen house with legal bed and breakfast license, and a prime location mere steps from the amazing White Point Garden make this gorgeous historic home a mustsee!” After all, this gorgeous home sits on a street that epitomizes Charleston’s historic charm.
44 S Battery, Charleston, South Carolina, is offered at $6,950,000.
For more information or to schedule a private showing,
please contact
Deborah C. Fisher
M: 1.843.810.4110
O: 1.843.727.6460