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 ...

Dwell