162 Lee St N, Wagener, SC 29164
$269,000 | 1897 | 2,809 Sq. Ft. | 5 Beds | 3 Baths | 0.39 Acres

If you are like me, you know that some houses have a heartbeat. You can feel it the second you see the grand porches and the way the old trees cast long shadows over the yard. I just found a place in the quiet town of Wagener, South Carolina, that is a true dream for anyone who loves history. It is called the “Claridge House,” and it was built in 1897. This is a rare “Charleston-style” home, meaning it has those beautiful, deep porches where the breeze always seems to find you. It is looking for someone with a vision to bring it back to its full glory, and for $269,000, the potential is just incredible.
This house is a true “Bed & Breakfast” style home that is just waiting for a restoration. The best part? The owner says all the items currently in the house stay with the house! It is like a time capsule from the late 1800s. If you have ever wanted to roll up your sleeves and bring a grand lady back to life, this is your chance. It has the kind of “good bones” and character that you simply cannot buy in a new subdivision. It is a house that was built to be noticed and loved.
If you love to cook, or if you have ever dreamed of running a catering business or a wedding venue, you have to see this kitchen. It is huge and features a professional “Vulcan” 6-burner gas stove. This isn’t just a regular stove; it is a powerhouse built to cook for a lot of people at once. There is also a dedicated prep sink and a massive island where everyone can gather while you cook. Whether you are making a big family breakfast or prepping for a garden party, this kitchen is ready to work.

In the South, the porch is the most important room in the house, and the Claridge House has some of the best I have ever seen. There is a wide front porch for sitting and watching the birds, but my favorite is the covered porch upstairs. Can you imagine grabbing a cold glass of sweet tea and heading out there to relax? It is the perfect spot to feel the evening breeze. There is also a back porch that leads out to a very large patio, which is perfect for outdoor dining or entertaining guests under the stars.
Inside, the house feels grand and spacious. When you walk through the front door, you are greeted by a large formal living room and a formal dining room. These are the kinds of rooms made for holiday gatherings and special memories. There is also a cozy den with built-in bookcases, which would make the most amazing home library. On the main floor, there is a sitting room that can easily be used as a fifth bedroom because it is right next to a large bathroom with a closet.
When you head upstairs, you will find four more large bedrooms and two full bathrooms. These rooms have the high ceilings and big windows that make old houses feel so airy and bright. Because it was used as a Bed & Breakfast, the layout is perfect for guests. Each room has its own personality, and with a little bit of paint and love, they could be some of the most beautiful bedrooms in South Carolina.

While this makes a wonderful family home, it is also a fantastic business opportunity. Because it has a large patio and plenty of parking—including public parking right behind the backyard—it would make an incredible venue for weddings, receptions, or family reunions. You could host a beautiful ceremony under the massive, ancient oak trees and then have the reception on the patio. The trees alone are enough to take you back in time to a slower, more peaceful pace of life.
Wagener is a quaint, quiet town where people still know their neighbors. It is the perfect place to escape the fast pace of the city, but you aren’t isolated. You are only about 22 minutes away from Aiken, which is famous for its horse culture and beautiful downtown. You get the peace and quiet of a small town with all the shopping and dining of Aiken just a short drive away. It really is a “best of both worlds” situation.
At $269,000, this is a lot of house for the money. You are getting nearly 3,000 square feet of history, a professional kitchen, and almost half an acre of land with historic trees. It is rare to find a Charleston-style home at this price point that hasn’t already been “modernized” in a way that ruins the character. This is a blank canvas for your historic dreams. You can keep the old-world charm while adding the comforts you want.

Owning a home like the Claridge House is about more than just having a roof over your head. It is about being the caretaker of a piece of South Carolina history. It is about sitting on that upstairs porch and feeling the same breeze people felt 120 years ago. It is a special place that is just waiting for the right person to walk through the door and say, “I’m home.”
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Listed by:
Janice D Whitehead-Cockrell,
Coldwell Banker Realty
Also listed on Zillow!