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

Meghan Overdeep
May 30, 2018

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:

Start Slideshow

1 of 15

17 Legare Street, Charleston, South Carolina

Realtor.com
Advertisement

2 of 15

Desirable South of Broad Location

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

3 of 15

Rich History

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

4 of 15

Lush Side Garden

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

5 of 15

Expansive Porch

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

6 of 15

Main Floor Living Area

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

7 of 15

Natural Light

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

8 of 15

Old-Meets-New Kitchen

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

9 of 15

Updated Butler’s Pantry

Realtor.com
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.
Advertisement

10 of 15

Light-Filled Staircase

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

11 of 15

Original Details

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

12 of 15

Ultimate Mudroom

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

13 of 15

Masonry Work

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

14 of 15

Backyard Pool and Guest House

Realtor.com
This shady backyard pool is the perfect defense against steamy Charleston summers.
Replay gallery

Share the gallery

Up Next

Advertisement