Fuel for Hardcore Historical Home Fantasies

Fuel for Hardcore Historical Home Fantasies
Hampton National Historic Site

Friday, July 30, 2010

The B.S. Rivers House c. 1800. Walterboro, S.C.




Oh boy. If I were in the market for our southern escape house right now this would definitely be a possibility. Built in about 1800-1820 and lived in by the eldest male member of the Rivers family until 2005, this wonderful house was slated for demolition when the heirs of Styles Rivers gave it and 1.25 acres to the local Historical Society. They in turn sold it and the community watched as it was restored and has become a home again. Although the listing doesn't show interior photos it's described as a "wonderful and beautiful home with ALL the comforts of a new house in a house built to last a lifetime." It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. A little cozy at 1,900 square feet but that could be a plus. 1st floor bedroom and bath. 10 foot ceilings. Original wood windows (yay!). Couple of fire places. And one of the best things is that it is in Walterboro --
which is a small town less than 1 hour from Charleston or Savannah Ga.and 4 miles from I95 . I've actually visited there and it really is a great place. Charming downtown with LOTS of antique stores run by people who have come from bigger cities -- including NYC -- to take advantage of all this cool little town has to offer. It's surrounded by thousands of acres of preserved
land and large estates. Close to beaches and boating. If it had a good golf course nearby for the husband I'd totally be there.
And a STEAL at $235K. God that's cheap......

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

1939 Greek Revival Summerville SC





Okay this is what I'm talking about! Lovely Greek Revival home on 1.3 naturally landscaped acres in the heart of Summerville near Charleston SC. Home has been in the same family since it was built in 1939. Yard is full of 100+year-old camellias, azaleas, tea olives, magnolias, oaks (original house burned in the early 1900's). Home designed by renowned architect Henry Schulz Burden who also designed St. Paul's Episcopal Church's Ambler Hall. This 3,300 square foot home has low maintenance triple brick exterior construction, a substantial columned front porch, casual back screen porch, 10 foot smooth ceilings down and 9 foot smooth ceilings up. In 1996 the hardwood… floors throughout the house were refinished, the entire high efficiency central air conditioning and heating system was put in, the entire interior and exterior was painted, kitchen was modernized and expanded and an additional 600 square feet of other living space was added (expanded 600 feet designed to easily convert to downstairs master). There are two fireplaces--one in living room and one in the master bedroom- and a very large walk up attic where more square footage could be added. House is under termite bond. Exclusions: living room draperies,wall desk in upstairs bedroom,decorative mirrors, and yard furniture and accessories. 1yr AHS Warranty included. Adjacent 1/2 acre lot also available for sale; price for lot is $95,000 for lot if purchased with this 1.3 acre house and lot. $600k without the additional lot. I could definitely do this.