Wednesday, May 04, 2022

Architecture Wednesday: The Whilden-Hirsch House

I adore Charleston. Sure, it’s humid as Hell, and I literally mean Hell, in the Summer, and sometimes the rains can flood the streets, but it’s old and quaint and historic and steamy, and this time I mean steamy in a good way.

Like this home, one of Charleston's most stately homes, the Whilden-Hirsch house in the heart of Harleston Village. She’s elegant, and she’s historic, and she’s just undergone an eight-month renovation that combines the historic significance of the home with modern comforts and designer aesthetics. Built in 1854, she’s got seven bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, and a first-floor powder room, in a hair under 7,000 square feet and she’s all yours for just $4.2 million.

She’s an impressive house, from the exterior masonry construction, mansard roof, two gracious piazzas—that’s what they call the porches and balconies in Charleston—and wrought iron fencing that curves its way to the front door.

Beyond the beautiful carved and leaded glass entry door is a grand foyer with incredible staircase; I get Bette Davis in Jezebel vibes and I am here for it. The three-story home boasts 13-foot ceilings on every floor, original, though newly refinished, hardwood floors, historic and original stained-glass windows, multiple fireplaces, and restored original hardware throughout.

The sunlit formal living room features an inviting bay window with custom banquette seating, with an equally bright dining room just beyond; both rooms have triple-hung windows that open onto the large first-floor piazza and overlook the pool. The chef's kitchen has butcher block countertops, Viking and Sub-zero appliances, and a large walk-in pantry . The first floor also includes a billiard room, cozy family room with original brick wall and fireplace, and a half-bathroom for guests.

There are three renovated bedrooms on the second floor, laundry and three full bathrooms. One of the bedrooms on this floor is the primary suite with massive walk-in closet and luxurious bathroom. Four more bedrooms and two full bathrooms are on the third floor. Okay, it’s a lot of stairs … but, yes, Virginia, there is an elevator.

Outside, the fenced garden includes a heated saltwater pool and separate pool house, equipped with gym equipment, and an outdoor fireplace; behind the pool house is driveway parking for four vehicles, a must have space in downtown Charleston.

This beautiful lady is one block north of Colonial Lake, and the King Street's shops and restaurants are a short walk away. I think I’m in love …

As always, click to emBIGGERate ...

28 comments:

  1. I love a quaint old house. I don't do humid. Maybe a little. The house has great bones. I dislike all the white. As I said before, white is not a color. The only thing that saves that kitchen is the blue hood and stove. I would take everything out and redo the place with pops of color and tone down all that white. Good choice though.

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    1. Charleston can be sticky in summer!! I don't mind the white, though I would add some vibrant modern art to the spaces.

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  2. Exquisite. But, again, the furniture?!? Where’s Mistress Maddie when we need him?!?

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    1. Yeah, the furniture is a miss, to be sure. If you've never been to Six's blog, he has a fabulous house up today, so take a gander ... http://thedayandthetime.blogspot.com/2022/05/la-renarderie.html?zx=631657436483fa50

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  3. I'm just having my first cup of coffee of the day, so I'll have to come back later to see if I'm still hearing old Negro Spirituals while looking at this :) I like the bannister.

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    1. I can imagine there is some unpleasant history in that house.

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  4. Oh she's a beauty isn't she - but you wouldn't want a wet smelly dog with all that white (although I doubt with that kind of money they do their own cleaning)!

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    1. I'm sure they have a dog bather come in a couple of times a week!!!

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  5. That is most definitely a house I would be happy to live in!

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    1. She's grand, but she needs some color.

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  6. I'd move there in a heartbeat, and then I get rid of all of the horrid white and fill with bright, brilliant colors.

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    1. I'd keep some white, but do the foyer and den in moody colors, and the bedrooms in color as well.

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  7. Okay, back for my second look. I kind of like it. I would get rid of a lot of the white and add more color splashes and highlights here and there. Actually, given the funds, I'd hire a better decorator. I'm still hearing humming in the background, but I can live with it.

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    1. I like your ideas, and, you know, a little 'Wade In The Water' and such might make things nicer.

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    2. Now I'm in the mood to watch a little Alvin Ailey.

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  8. Very pretty. Hard to keep up though. And five bathrooms? Really? I am rather over the whole mansion porn thing. There are so many in the world without any bathroom - when is enough - enough? And are we perpetuating this more is better mentality when we celebrate such things? Just a thought. Yeah, I know. Sigh. I'm 'that' guy.

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    1. You are that guy! But she is a large house and there's a lot to her!

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  9. PAY DIRT! You had me with the exterior!!!! Now this one has life and character!!!! So me! I like most the black banisters against the wood floors and staircase. Love the brick work and wainscotting in the house too. I'd could spend all summer on the balcony alone....

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    1. Perfect Charleston home, with the piazzas and a pool!!!!

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  10. This is gorgeous. I could even forgive that it's in North Carolina. I don't do the Souh, but darn, she's pretty.
    I love all the white. Probably would take work but I think it makes the look bigger. Old houses tend to have smaller rooms. The brick work is to die for. I prefer brick houses, IDK why!
    Seriously summer vibes in that yard, btw.

    XOXO

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    1. I'll forgive you for not knowing that Charleston is in SOUTH Carolinas!!! And you'll need that pool down here in summer!
      xoxo

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  11. Nice that they restored it so well.
    xoxo :-)

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    1. They kept a lot of the old, and modernized it nicely.
      xoxo

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  12. Anonymous7:16 PM

    A little large, but if you are buying

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  13. I'm ready to move in as long as I get to replace the furniture.

    Love,
    Janie

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