This handsome 1857 Italianate style home marks a new era in modern preservation. Two years ago, 1 Water Street became the first historic brick property in Charleston to be elevated eight feet off the ground. The foundation was engineered to the highest level by Morris Construction, offering the next owners' confidence and peace of mind in its forward-thinking design. After Charleston's most recent storm, the interior and mechanicals of the home were securely protected from flood risk and the remainder of the property required minimal cleanup. Its structure also provides the added benefit of lowered insurance costs. 1 Water Street is set in the most desirable location in Charleston - just steps away from the harbor and all the charm of the city's most notable architecture. Built with a side-hall entryway the home has expansive double-gallery rooms opening onto the western piazzas, perfect for entertaining and gatherings. The rear of the home features a gourmet kitchen that opens into the comfortable family room with a back porch. On the second floor you will find the expansive primary suite complete with a spacious walk-in closet, sprawling bathroom and glimpses of the harbor. A generous guest bedroom faces Water Street and is complete with an en suite bath and custom closet. There are two additional bedrooms on the third floor with beautiful city rooftop views. Looking off the side piazzas you will see the two-car driveway and beautifully landscaped garden designed by Glen Gardner. Venture beneath the home where you will find room to store your golf cart and install a future elevator should one need it. Complete with historic details, and built to last, this property is waiting for its next owners to call it home.
This magnificent property has undergone an extensive and meticulous renovation completed in April 2012 by General Contractor Harper Finucan and Structural Engineer Russell Rosen. Attention was given to every detail and with a focus on all aspects of the dwelling from functional (structural,mechanical,electrical and plumbing) to decorative (fixtures,hardware and lighting) It is the perfect union between the preservation of the historical integrity and modern day luxuries. This grand home was built in the mid 19th century and is acknowledged in "This is Charleston, an Architectural Survey of a Unique American City" by the Carolina Art Association as "Buildings Considered Worthy of Mention". In his book "The buildings of Charleston", John Poston refers to the architecture of this home asthe Italianate or the urban version of the Italian Villa. In addition to its historical significance and its exquisite renovation, its has a prime South of Broad location that is just steps away from the battery with a water view the minute you walk out the front door. This gracious home lends itself to Charleston style entertaining bringing the indoors and outdoor spaces together where all the major rooms both on the first and second floors open to the grand piazzas. The third floor bedrooms share their own private bath and include water views of the Charleston Harbor. The entire property is gated off with a private garden in the back that is beautifully landscaped. There are three off street parking spaces. If square footage is important - Measure!!!!!
Charleston Trident MLS #1030531
Dec 28, 2011
Sold
$2,100,000
$534/sq ft
Dec 1, 2010
Listed
$2,490,000
$633/sq ft
Charleston Trident MLS #2922449
Feb 8, 2011
Listing Removed
—
Aug 20, 2009
Listed
$2,490,000
$633/sq ft
Charleston Trident MLS #2522559
Dec 12, 2005
Listing Removed
—
Jul 11, 2005
Listed
$2,800,000
$712/sq ft
Charleston Trident MLS #9907452
Aug 16, 1999
Sold
$1,250,000
$318/sq ft
Jun 9, 1999
Listed
$1,295,000
$329/sq ft
Charleston Trident MLS #9907551
Aug 16, 1999
Sold
$1,250,000
$318/sq ft
Jun 9, 1999
Listed
$1,295,000
$329/sq ft
Public Records
Jun 6, 1996
Sold
$760,000
$193/sq ft
Public Records
Mar 1, 1991
Sold
$672,000
$171/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$18,166 (+125.3%)
$1,350,000 + $2,300,000
$3,650,000
2022
$8,064 (−4.8%)
$527,338 + $1,222,387
$1,749,725
2021
$8,472 (−3.7%)
2020
$8,795 (+15.5%)
2018
$7,612 (+1.8%)
2017
$7,480 (+4.5%)
2016
$7,156 (−30.9%)
2013
$10,359
Tax history for 1 Water St
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$18,166 (+125.3%)
$1,350,000 + $2,300,000
$3,650,000
2022
$8,064 (−4.8%)
$527,338 + $1,222,387
$1,749,725
2021
$8,472 (−3.7%)
2020
$8,795 (+15.5%)
2018
$7,612 (+1.8%)
2017
$7,480 (+4.5%)
2016
$7,156 (−30.9%)
2013
$10,359
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
4
Baths
3.5
Stories
2
Lot width
54 ft.
Lot depth
80 ft.
Lot size
4,792 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
3,931
Year built
1853
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Charleston County
APN
4571604063
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Oct 30, 2026.
SR-3
OLD CITY HEIGHTS DISTRICT - 3
AR
OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT
SR CAT 1
Single Family Residentilal District
The Single-family Residential (SR) districts allow for one-family detached dwellings with maximum densities of 7.3 units per acre respectively, with varying setback, height and lot occupancy requirements.
Zone overlays
Old City Heights District 3
Amusement and Recreation Services Overlay Zone
Old and Historic District
Residential Short Term Rental - Category 1
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Single unit
Golf related
Jun 3, 2025 • Final
Permit - building, residential alteration
Remove existing stucco and replace water-damaged framing. Install new stucco and paint the exterior.
Remodel
Aug 19, 2024 • Final
Permit - building, residential alteration
Repaint the interior of the building, recoat the roof to match the current color, and change miscellaneous light fixtures.
Remodel
Roofing
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Parking & Garage Information
Carport Spaces: 0
Parking Features: Off Street
Interior
Interior Features
Interior Features: Ceiling - Smooth, High Ceilings, Garden Tub/Shower, Walk-In Closet(s), Wet Bar, Ceiling Fan(s), Eat-in Kitchen, Family, Formal Living, Separate Dining
Appliances: Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer Stacked, Tankless Water Heater