One of Charleston's Most Expensive Homes Is On the Market

By Patricia Shannon
June 23, 2017
Handsome Properties
Chances are, they won’t be hosting any open houses this weekend, so this is your chance to take a peek inside one of Charleston’s most stunning—and pricey—residences on the market. Known locally as “The Sword Gate,” this 17,000 square-foot stunner was built in 1803 by Solomon Legare and is one of the oldest homes on Legare Street (named after, you guessed it, Solomon Legare).  The Federal-style home includes 9 bedrooms, 13 full baths, 3 half baths, cathedral ceilings, a workshop, and an iconic wrap-around porch. Take a step inside this home’s famous front gates for a look at one of Charleston’s finest dwellings. And, if you happen to be in the market for a $20 million estate, we look forward to receiving our invitation to the housewarming party. We’ll bring the champagne.
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The Gates

Credit: Handsome Properties

The front gates were originally commissioned for Charleston’s Guard House. The proposed price was deemed too steep so they found their home here instead.

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Haint Blue Porch

Credit: Courtesy Realtor.com

It wouldn’t be a traditional Charleston wraparound porch without a haint blue ceiling. The Lowcountry’s Gullah people used blue paint to ward off spirits, or “haints.” The tradition took hold of the South and now you’ll see light blue porch ceilings in all corners of the region.

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The Entrance

Credit: Handsome Properties

It wouldn’t be a grand Southern home without a grand Southern stairway just beyond the columned entrance. We love the nautical artwork inside the stair room that gives a nod to Charleston’s rich maritime history.

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The Sitting Room

Credit: Handsome Properties

This formal space is surround by meticulous moldings. Dark damask walls really make them sing.

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The Dining Room

Credit: Handsome Properties

A stunning chandelier, Federal-style mirror, and gallery wall of botanical prints have this dining room dripping in Southern style.

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The Kitchen

Credit: Handsome Properties

This culinary paradise features thick butcher-block countertops, a copper sink, professional grade appliances, and plenty of storage.

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The Green Bedroom

Credit: Handsome Properties

Rich green and gold make this bedroom fit for royalty.

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The Patio

Credit: Handsome Properties

A solarium sits at the end of the long patio that also includes a small pond.

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Charleston's Stunning <em>Sword Gate</em> Home Is For Sale

Charleston, South Carolina has some incredible architecture and historical buildings. It's no wonder that Southern folks dream of having a home in this upscale, coastal city. So, when one of Charleston's most beautiful (and expensive!) homes went on the market, we wanted to take a look inside the residence. The Federal-style home, which is known to locals as "The Sword Gate", was built in the early 1800s by Solomon Legare. The iconic gates at the front of the home were originally commissioned for Charleston's Guard House, but made their way onto Legare Street after the price tag was deemed too hefty. You'll have plenty of space to lounge in this 17,000-square-foot mansion, and will love bringing guests to appreciate the 9 bedrooms, 13 full and 3 half baths, wrap-around porch, and vaulted ceilings. The stately beauty carries a price tag of a whopping $19.5 million dollars – but that haint blue porch may just make it worth the splurge.

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The Solarium

Credit: Handsome Properties

How charming is this? Beautiful French doors and a boxwood garden set off the solarium.

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Guest House

Credit: Handsome Properties

The guesthouse includes a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, and large bath. In a word, it’s our dream house. We’re going to keep an eye out for it on Airbnb.

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Guest House Bedroom

Credit: Handsome Properties

This looks like something out of a fairytale—at least the kind of fairytales we’re dreaming about. A beautiful brick hearth, furnishing that are both rustic and elegant, and patterned walls set the scene.

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The Courtyard

Credit: Handsome Properties

Three levels of porches are visible from the brick courtyard.

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By Patricia Shannon