History lovers and tourists adore Charleston, SC, for its charming cobblestone streets, sense of tradition, and multitude of buildings that predate even the Founding Fathers. But beneath the surface, there’s a modern vibe to this filled-with-tradition town, and this week, Trulia explores one perfect example — a restored Charleston Single House that’s “genteel” in local terms and drop-dead gorgeous by any standards.
With three and a half stories, a pigeonnier-turned-pool-house, a garden gate forged by master blacksmith Philip Simmons, and a quarter-acre lot in the heart of one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., the Dr. Vincent Le Seigneur House is a historic property listed at $7.5 million (update: just sold!). Built in 1812 and named for its most prominent resident, the house offers top-floor views of the Charleston skyline and Fort Sumter.
An indigo-bottomed pool and tropical landscaping (including squat palm trees and a rose-and-jasmine pergola) only add to the hidden-in-the-city vibe. Meanwhile, an automated pool cleaner and childproof gates shift the focus from upkeep to pure, unstinting fun.
A relaxed front dining room is ideal for welcoming guests for everything from self-service cocktail setups to sit-down brunches and formal dinners. Bonus: It’s just a few steps from one of the house’s four porches (where the party could keep going into the wee hours).
Authentic 1820s touches aside, the kitchen — and everything within — is thoroughly modern. An elongated center island (crafted from scratch- and stain-resistant Silestone quartz) is ideal for prepping big meals and presenting appetizers and desserts while you work from state-of-the-art Wolf, Miele, and Thermador appliances. A private garden entrance is just one more reason to linger or let the outdoors in.
Original neoclassical details take on a fresh new life in this open-plan living room, where the tawny hardwood floors play against the ornate fireplace.
Just off the kitchen and garden, a downstairs family den was designed for ease of play, movie watching, or hunkering down with a good read … or pillow. Hardwood and hearthstones make it feel like home from the first step.
A below-kitchen water cistern was converted into a wine cellar and now houses up to 510 bottles — and plenty of room for impromptu tastings.
Transom windows let in the light, harbor breezes, and the scent of blooming jasmine and wisteria. A private elevator gives you the right to sneak off to bed whenever you please.
His-and-hers sinks, a recessed Jacuzzi-style tub, and two private dressing areas make the master bath feel more like a spa than one of the home’s 3.5 washrooms.
Lush, creeping vines provide shade (and a leafy view) to the garden-level terrace, accessible from multiple rooms and the kitchen. Black-and-white tiles set an elegant (and effortless) stage for game nights, and string lights lend a soft glow for more formal party plans or romantic alfresco dining.
