This Stunning, 275-Year-Old Charleston Home Just Hit the Market for the First Time

Owned by only three families in the last 150 years, and never before on the open market, the landmark Capers-Motte House at 69 Church Street is a rarity in more ways than one. 

Once the home of renowned painter Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, this meticulously maintained old-world stunner is one of the largest pre-Revolutionary houses in Charleston. Historically and architecturally significant, this masonry double house was built circa 1745, and is notable for its glamorous ballroom, drawing room, cypress paneled library, 15 fireplaces, King of Prussia marble fireplace surrounds, delft tiles, bespoke woodwork and moldings, and stucco-over-brick exterior. Phew!

Though it’s located on one of Charleston’s most picturesque streets, don’t let the prestigious address dissuade you. This large property is surrounded by high brick walls for perfect privacy. Heirloom camelia bushes dot the charming secret garden set beside the oval in-ground pool—one downtown Charleston’s first.

In its 275 years, the property has housed a who’s-who of Charleston society. Likely built by Richard Capers, the house was later purchased by Colonel Jacob Motte, who served as treasurer for the colony for 27 years. In 1778, it was occupied by Colonel James Parsons, a member of the Continental Congress who was offered the vice presidency of South Carolina before the formation of the United States. The house was extensively damaged during the Civil War. Then, in 1869, the widow Eliza Middleton Huger Smith purchased the property, and restored it. Her granddaughter, Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, became Charleston’s first chronicler of the city’s architecture and is one of the most celebrated artists of the early 20th century Charleston Renaissance. Many of her watercolors and sketches depict scenes from the windows of 69 Church. 

The current owners purchased the house in 1998 and undertook extensive renovations to bring the pink stucco house back to its current, and former, glory. Today, 69 Church Street is currently on the market for a cool $9.995 million.

Join us for a tour, won’t you?