Elegance, history, and unparalleled privacy all mark the Robert Trail Chisholm house, circa 1838. One passes down the private drive from Legare Street through the imposing, wrought iron gates to the charming Greek Revival mansion. Situated in the park-like setting of its 1/2 acre grounds, the estate is a self-contained world of serenity and quiet. This highly desirable property is located in the heart of the ''Estate Block'' of lower Legare Street, south of Tradd Street, surrounded by the largest concentration of historic mansions in the city. The historic home, as well as its spacious grounds, were recently restored in a 2 year project guided by local architect Glenn Keyes, restoration contractor Richard Marks and landscape architect Sheila Wertimer.(More...)Historic details such as cornice moldings, mantels, stair rails and floors were sensitively restored throughout. All new systems were installed including HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Also added were new kitchen/baths, an elevator serving 3 floors of the main house and a sun-filled hyphen beautifully connecting the main and kitchen houses. Each addition blends seamlessly into the historic fabric of the house and assures convenience within a gracious setting. The exterior is classic, early 19th century stucco over masonry brick and graced with triple-tiered piazzas offering beautiful garden views from all the rooms in the main house. The bedrooms are all ensuite with individual bathrooms and have at least 10 foot ceilings in the main house even on the third floor. The generously proportioned kitchen has a wall of south facing windows overlooking the pool and gardens. Near the kitchen is a butler's pantry and a temperature controlled room for wine storage. There is ample parking for 6 cars. Just beyond the pool is a location with underground conduits already in place to accommodate a garage with living quarters above if desired. There are no historical or conservation easements in place.
Single-familyProperty Type
1838Year Built
0.5 acresLot Size
$2,028Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
Listed by • Carriage Properties LLC
Bought with Charles Sullivan• Carriage Properties LLC
The Robert Trail Chisolm House(c.1838) is one of the most hidden treasures in the highly desirable location of lower Legare Street, and it is uniquely surrounded by some of the most historical and stately homes on the peninsula of Charleston. Previously owned by a well known Charleston family, this is a very rare opportunity to own an .50 acre estate in downtown Charleston which has not been on the market in over 50 years. The property consists of 3 story masonry main house with triple-tiered piazzas that overlook one of the largest and most private gardens in the city. The first floor has a formal living room, dining room and kitchen with beautiful hardwood floors and two fireplaces. The second floor offers a spacious master level bedroom, bathroom and living room with a possible office or library adjacent to the living room. The 3rd floor provides 2 gracious bedrooms and 1 bathroom, and there is plenty of room for an additional bathroom to be added. The original kitchen house sits directly behind the main house and has double fireplaces, a kitchen downstairs with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom upstairs. It has exposed ceiling beams and hardwood floors on the 2nd floor and is suitable as a private guest house or rental. Two beautiful, hand crafted wrought iron gates guard the entrance to this property which is accessed down a long, private driveway between 21 and 25 Legare. There is plenty of room for multiple car parking and a pool, and there is also a small greenhouse on the property which is used for maintenance of the beautiful and historical gardens. Both the main house and kitchen house are in need of updating and they are ready for the next owner to make it their own. Do not miss this great opportunity to own an very private estate in the heart of downtown Charleston!
Public Records
Feb 12, 2013
Sold
$1,600,000
$218/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$45,374 (+11.9%)
$3,805,950 + $6,716,550
$10,522,500
2022
$40,557 (−4.9%)
2021
$42,627 (−68.2%)
2020
$134,086 (+513.9%)
$2,750,000 + $5,875,000
$8,625,000
2018
$21,841 (+1.8%)
2017
$21,458 (+4.6%)
2016
$20,523 (−47.1%)
2013
$38,771
Tax history for 23 Legare St
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$45,374 (+11.9%)
$3,805,950 + $6,716,550
$10,522,500
2022
$40,557 (−4.9%)
2021
$42,627 (−68.2%)
2020
$134,086 (+513.9%)
$2,750,000 + $5,875,000
$8,625,000
2018
$21,841 (+1.8%)
2017
$21,458 (+4.6%)
2016
$20,523 (−47.1%)
2013
$38,771
*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
3
Baths
3.5
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.5 Acres
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
4,985
Year built
1838
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Charleston County
APN
4571104107
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 14, 2026.
SR-3
OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT
OLD CITY HEIGHTS DISTRICT - 3
AR
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 and Historic District
Old City Heights District 3
Amusement and Recreation Services Overlay Zone
Residential Short Term Rental - Category 1
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Single unit
Golf related
Nov 24, 2021 • Final
Mechanical - single family/duplex dwelling - sub
HVAC
Nov 22, 2021 • Final
Electrical - single family/duplex dwelling - sub
ADU
Electrical
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
Interior
Interior Features
Interior Features: Elevator, Formal Living
Fireplace Features: Dining Room, Family Room
Flooring: Wood
Bathroom Information
Bathrooms Total Decimal: 6
Bathrooms Total Integer: 7
Bedroom Information
Bedrooms Total: 4
Room Master Bedroom Features: Walk-In Closet(s)
Room Master Bedroom Level: Upper
Exterior
Exterior Features
Exterior Features: Elevator Shaft
Property Type
Residential
Single Family Detached
Lot Information
Lot Features: 0 - .5 Acre
Property Information
Property Type: Residential
Subdivision Information
Subdivision Name: South of Broad
Financial
Tax Information
Tax Annual Amount: 21458
Tax District: 71 - City of Charleston
Tax Legal Description: 23 LEGARE
Tax Map Number: 4571104107
Utilities
Utility Information
Public Sewer
Utilities: Charleston Water Service, SCE & G
Location
School Information
Elementary School: Memminger
Middle Or Junior School: Courtenay
High School: Burke
Neighborhood Information
Subdivision Name: South of Broad
MLS Area Major: 51 - Peninsula Charleston Inside of Crosstown
Community Information
Community Features: Elevators
Public facts
Beds: 3
Baths: 3.5
Sq. Ft.: 4,985
Stories: 2.0
Lot Size: 0.5 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1838
Year Renovated: —
County: Charleston County
APN: 4571104107
Home facts updated by county records on Aug 14, 2026