This Historic 1700s Mansion is One of Charleston’s Finest

By Meghan Overdeep
May 30, 2018
Credit: Realtor.com
Steeped in more than 200 years of history, Charleston’s Toomer-Purse House is a one-of-a-kind find.  Built in 1796 by Revolutionary War veteran Anthony Toomer, the 4,541-square-foot beauty on desirable lower Legare is one of the finest mansions the Holy City has to offer. On a lush, shady lot set back from the street, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home retains many of its original features in addition to all the necessary modern comforts, including a backyard pool and charming guest house. And don’t even get us started on that porch. Swoon.Scroll down for a peek inside the just-listed Charleston stunner available for $5,250,000:
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17 Legare Street, Charleston, South Carolina

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Desirable South of Broad Location

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The Toomer-Purse house enjoys a shady lot in a prime location, just two blocks from the ocean.

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Rich History

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A later owner, Thomas F. Purse, made some additions and improvements to the house during the Greek Revival period.

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Lush Side Garden

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The southern portion of the property features a spacious side garden flanked by an assortment of greenery.

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Expansive Porch

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The home’s original oversize porch with working pull-down shutters is the perfect space for living your best porch life.

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Main Floor Living Area

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Tall ceilings, crown molding, refinished hardwood floors and working fireplaces can be found in all of the home’s living areas.

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Natural Light

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Despite the property’s countless shade trees, oversize windows afford the historic home plenty of natural light.

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Old-Meets-New Kitchen

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We love the contrast of the original brick hearth with the kitchen’s more modern improvements.

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Updated Butler’s Pantry

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Off the kitchen you’ll find that the butler’s pantry has been given a handful of 21st century upgrades including a wine fridge and wet bar.

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Light-Filled Staircase

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Natural light streams into the home’s main staircase via a single, oversize arch window.

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Original Details

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The upstairs bedrooms have charm galore thanks to floor-to-ceiling built-ins and plush window seats.

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Ultimate Mudroom

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One look at the home’s charming mudroom, and guests will be begging to take off their shoes and coats.

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Masonry Work

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Purse added masonry to the home's facade in the 1840s.

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Backyard Pool and Guest House

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This shady backyard pool is the perfect defense against steamy Charleston summers.

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By Meghan Overdeep