Charleston Row House — Long Story Short

If you aren't aware, I was born in North Carolina. The South holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. Southern culture isn't just Paula Deen and (horrible) Country Music; it has depth that can be seen in cities like Charleston, South Carolina, where the architecture tells a story of classical heritage.

Downtown Charleston, courtesy of the Harbor View Inn

Charleston is the perfect mix of Southern charm and European elegance. The homes are distinctly Neoclassical with Antebellum structure and old world details. From substantial plaster work to patinated stucco, you can't beat the aesthetics of original Charleston architecture. Along the cobblestone streets you will notice about five million homes that you would kill someone to own and a few of them are probably for sale. Because of this, choosing a home to highlight in Charleston was a bit of a challenge.

Front Facade of the Thomas Rose House, courtesy of William Means Realty

59 Church Street stood out to me for a few reasons. Firstly, it wasn't so astronomically overpriced that MAYBE someone could grasp the idea of purchasing it. Secondly, the home's decor was preserved and styled in a way that felt authentic to the Charleston way of life. Thirdly, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places formally known as the Thomas Rose House. The home sits in the East side of the South of Broad neighborhood. This area is the Charlestonian equivalent of famous neighborhoods like Nob Hill, the Upper East Side, Georgetown, and Beverly Hills: you won't find a better location in this town.

Front Entrance, courtesy of William Means Realty

The Thomas Rose House is a classic Charleston abode that is fully enclosed by a wall that adjoins the house. The "front door" on a Charleston Row house is hardly ever an entrance into the walls of the home, but rather an entrance onto a piazza that connects to the structure. The Charleston piazza is a porch that runs along the side of the home facing a side garden. This porch provided the homeowners with respite from the heat and humidity during Summers before air conditioning existed. The adjacent garden's formality echoes the lines of the home and adds to the traditional beauty of the property.

First Level Piazza, courtesy of William Means Realty — First Level Piazza, courtesy of William Means Realty

Parterre Garden, courtesy of William Means Realty — Parterre Garden, courtesy of William Means Realty

The interiors are not, by any means, up to date. The kitchen is lack luster, but the moulding and woodwork in the formal areas make up for what the informal spaces lack. Wainscoting painted in hues of blue and green transport you back to the colonial origins of the home while still looking current and relevant. One of my favorite rooms is the upstairs bedroom that is clad in original Chinoise wallpaper. The gilded coloring reminds me of rooms designed by Kelly Weartsler and shows that antique doesn't always equate to geriatric.