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$22,250,000 | 1848 | 9,407 Sq. Ft. | 8 Beds | 10 Baths | 0.41 Acres
5 E Battery St, Charleston, SC 29401
Nestled on High Battery, this elegant residence boasts breathtaking, unobstructed views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. Known as the John Ravenel House, this historic property dates back to 1848 and has been thoughtfully renovated over several years. Originally rebuilt after the earthquake of 1886, the stucco brick beauty showcases stunning Italianate details, making it instantly recognizable. Inside, the three-story design features well-preserved elements such as vintage fixtures, original mantels, hardwood flooring, restored moldings, door surrounds, and historically inspired ceiling medallions. The spacious formal areas and lovely bedroom suites create an inviting environment for daily life and exceptional hosting.
The private enclosed grounds are equally remarkable, featuring formal gardens designed by Perry Guillot, who also revamped the Rose Garden at the White House, a secluded pool and spa, and lush landscaping that fosters an atmosphere of tranquility and exclusivity. A separate three-bedroom carriage house supplements the main home’s mother-in-law/staff/guest wing, providing plenty of space for visitors. This painstaking renovation, led by eminent professionals in the field—including builder Richard “Moby” Marks, architect Glenn Keyes, decorator Richard Keith Langham, and landscape architect Perry Guillot—culminated in an extraordinary urban compound. The attention to detail reflects a true artistry in its reimagining.
The foyer features an intricate, custom-made patterned floor created by local artist and decorative painter Karl Beckwith Smith. He also hand-painted the wallpaper in the powder room on the second floor and crafted stylish gilded valence holders in the parlor. The first floor includes an office, a chic cinema room, and a kitchen outfitted with premium appliances and a soapstone center island. The most distinctive space on this level is the grand sunroom, where the original porch has been transformed into a glass-enclosed area designed by an artisan from Northern Italy, similar to the Villa d’Este on Lake Como. Sunlight floods this room all day long, providing both cozy seating and ample dining options. There is also a significant pantry and laundry area on this floor.
The second level reveals a library designed with custom bookcases by Richard Marks Studio, a living room spanning the full width of the house that offers stunning views of Charleston Harbor, and a formal dining area adorned with gorgeous custom wallpaper. An upstairs serving kitchen outfitted with warming trays, built-in China cabinets, and a bar facilitates effortless entertaining. Expansive piazzas provide comfortable outdoor living and dining spaces with marvelous waterfront views, easily accessible from various rooms on this level. At the rear of the house is the mother-in-law wing, a standalone area that includes a bedroom with its own bathroom, a kitchenette, and another room currently used as an exercise space.
This area could also serve as two bedrooms sharing a full bathroom. The top floor of the house features the primary suite, which opens to a private piazza overlooking the harbor. It includes multiple closets and a stylish upgraded en-suite bath with dual custom marble vanities, a fireplace, shower, and a cast iron tub. Two additional bedroom suites and a family room with built-in shelving complete this level. Notably, the home’s intimate family spaces are as welcoming as the magnificent entertaining zones, which showcases the skill of the talented team behind its transformation. Additional features of the home include an elevator, an advanced sound system, four fully stocked bars, generous wine storage, a two-car garage, air-conditioned attic space, and a backup generator.
In addition to the home’s double-covered piazzas, there’s a stunning rooftop deck offering sweeping views of the water and beautiful sunrises and sunsets over Charleston Harbor. The property’s formal gardens, rebuilt during the renovations, host a pristine pool area enclosed by privacy hedges. In this part of the estate, you will also find a separate pool house and a detached guesthouse, which includes a living room, kitchenette, and three lovely bedroom suites. Located within walking distance of Charleston’s finest parks, shops, restaurants, and galleries, this iconic property represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Charleston’s rich history.
Robertson Allen
The Cassina Group
Photography Credit: The Cassina Group
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