5 East Battery, Charleston SC 29401

Description

Located on High Battery, with sweeping and uninterrupted views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter, sits one of the grandest homes in the city, the John Ravenel House. This historic residence, circa 1848, is one of Charleston’s most recognized homes and was recently reimagined during a multi-year renovation. Rebuilt after the 1886 earthquake, the stuccoed brick home showcases stunning Italianate entablature and lintels, creating an instantly recognizable facade. Inside, the spacious, three-story home retains beautifully preserved details including period fixtures, original mantles, hardwood floors, restored moldings and door surrounds, and ceiling medallions that are historically inspired re-creations.Large formal rooms and generous bedroom suites create an inviting layout for everyday living and unparalleled entertaining. The private walled grounds are equally spectacular, featuring formal gardens designed by Perry Guillot who revamped the Rose Garden at the White House, a private pool and spa, and lush landscaping that creates an oasis of beauty and privacy. A detached three-bedroom carriage house complements the mother-in-law/staff/guest wing in the main home, affording ample room for family and friends.

The meticulous multi-year renovation was led by renowned industry professionals, including Richard “Moby” Marks (builder), Glenn Keyes (architect), Richard Keith Langham (decorator), and Perry Guillot (landscape architect). This conglomeration of talent resulted in the extraordinary in-town compound. The meticulousness is matched only by the artistry that went into the re-creation. The foyer features an intricate custom patterned floor designed by local artist and decorative painter Karl Beckwith Smith, who also hand painted wallpaper in the second floor powder room and crafted exquisite gilded valence holders in the parlor. The first floor includes an office, a sleek cinema room, and a kitchen with high-end appliances and a soapstone center island. But perhaps the most unique room on this floor is the grand sunroom. The home’s original porch was enclosed with glass created by an artisan from Northern Italy to capture the same effect as Villa d’Este on Lake Como. Natural light bathes this room throughout the day which contains not only charming seating areas but also plentiful dining spaces. Of additional note on this floor is a vast pantry and laundry space.

On the second floor, you will find a library with custom bookcases by Richard Marks Studio, a living room spanning the width of the house with glistening views of the Charleston harbor, and a formal dining room outfitted with exquisite custom wallpaper. An upstairs serving kitchen with warming trays, built-in China cabinets and a bar make for seamless entertaining. Expansive piazzas seamlessly offer outdoor living and dining spaces and stunning views of the water, with easy access from multiple rooms on this floor. Tucked in the rear of the home is the mother-in-law wing, a separate space which includes a bedroom with an en suite bath, kitchenette, and an additional room (currently configured as an exercise room). This space could also be utilized as two bedrooms with a shared full bath.

The uppermost floor of the home features the primary suite, which opens to a private piazza overlooking the harbor, and includes multiple closets and an updated en suite bath with custom dual marble vanities, a fireplace, shower, and a cast iron tub. Two additional bedroom suites and a family room with built-in bookshelves complete the floor. A striking feature of a home of this grandeur is the fact that the family spaces are as warm and inviting as the entertaining spaces are grand, a true testament to the dream team who reimagined it. The home also offers an elevator, a state of the art sound system, four full bars, ample wine storage, a two car garage, stand-up air conditioned attic space, as well as a generator.

In addition to the home’s double covered piazzas, there is also a breathtaking rooftop deck, which offers a panoramic view of the water and picturesque sunrises and sunsets over Charleston Harbor. The property’s formal gardens were reconstructed during the renovation and are complete with a pristine pool area, enclosed by privacy hedges. In this rear area of the property you will find not only a separate pool house but also a detached guest house with a living room, kitchenette, and three lovely bedroom suites.

Situated within walking distance to Charleston’s finest parks, shops, restaurants, and galleries, this iconic home presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Charleston’s storied past.