The Charleston Home

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Charleston Dream Home - The Frederick Wolfe House Circa 1796

photo by dreampop media

Oooh y’all know I love a historic home. And this one is Charleston history mixed with a little Bermuda tranquility. I had the pleasure of touring this property a couple weeks ago, meeting the owners, and learning about its history.

The Frederick Wolfe House was built in 1796 (umm that feels like literally a million years ago) and was originally located at 21 State Street. It was saved from demolition by the Preservation Society, who launched a major campaign in 1968 to raise the funds needed to relocate the house, to where it stands today at 19 State Street.

It was renovated over the course of five years, and in 1974 it was awarded a Carolopolis award (plaque pictured here on the top right) by the Preservation Society. Carolopolis Awards are nominated annually and promote excellence in historic preservation. You can learn more on the Preservation Society’s website here.




They did a wonderful job moving and preserving the property; the floors, (FOUR!) fireplaces and both piazzas are all original.

From 1796.

Isn’t that insane and SO COOL?! The floors, fireplaces and piazzas are 223 years old!

Speaking of piazzas, there are two wrap around piazzas that are each the depth of the entire first and second floor. The second floor is especially dreamy because the breeze sweeps through AND it overlooks the cobblestone streets of insta-famous Chalmers St.

Sigh. I think piazzas are what all my dreams are made of.

The Frederick Wolfe House is considered a “Charleston single”. A Charleston single is a home that is one room wide with a piazza. The one-room width is ideal for light and air flow. The side porch or “piazza” is on the western or southern side which provides shade from the harsh southern sun.

Also worth noting, one of the current owners is French so the antique terra cotta tile floor in the kitchen and tile on the Delft fireplace in the dining room are from France. Such a sophisticated touch.

Location-wise, this property is in one of the most desirable spots downtown.

Not only is it on historic high ground (don’t have to worry about flooding here), it’s just a block from Broad Street and a couple blocks from Rainbow Row. You could walk along the Battery every night if you wanted to.

Can you see why the Frederick Wolfe House is such a special Charleston property? From the piazzas to the fireplaces, to the gardens, the next owner (whoever that may be) will have their own slice of Charleston historical paradise.


You can see more photos and read more information in the full listing here.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all.

Listing provided by Debbie Peretsman and Scott Cheney of the Boulevard Company.