27 State St, Charleston, SC 29401
$5,050,000 | 1814 | 7,877 Sq. Ft. | 7 Beds | 9 Baths
At the corner of State and Queen Streets in Charleston, South Carolina, stands one of the most evocative and historically rich properties currently for sale in the city’s celebrated French Quarter — 27 State Street. Listed at $5,050,000, this magnificent mixed-use estate encompasses 7,877 square feet and harmoniously blends old-world grandeur with modern purpose. Built in 1814 within the original walled city of Charles Town, this three-and-a-half-story house is more than a home — it is a living testament to Charleston’s layered history, craftsmanship, and cultural soul.
The property’s commanding corner position allows it to be bathed in Charleston’s signature golden light, highlighting its stately brick façade and traditional ironwork. Few homes for sale in the city so perfectly capture the architectural language of early 19th-century Charleston. The design draws heavily from Neoclassical traditions, with elegant symmetry, refined proportions, and intricate detailing that speak to the aspirations of the era. In many ways, this property represents not only a significant piece of real estate but also a tangible link to the city’s heritage — a home that has witnessed two centuries of change, preservation, and renewal.
Approaching 27 State Street, the sense of history is immediate. The building’s presence anchors one of the most photographed corners in Charleston’s historic district. The soft sounds of church bells from nearby St. Philip’s blend with the quiet hum of carriage tours passing by, evoking a scene that feels almost timeless. The Philip Simmons wrought-iron gates that guard the private courtyard are a masterpiece in themselves — a detail that places this home among the city’s most distinctive historic properties. Simmons, one of Charleston’s most celebrated artisans, was renowned for transforming utilitarian ironwork into fine art, and his gates here are both functional and poetic. They open onto a tranquil courtyard where white marble steps — salvaged from the St. John’s Hotel (today’s Mills House Hotel) before its demolition in 1969 — lead to the main entrances. Every stone and every iron flourish seems to whisper stories of the past.
This rare estate is a mixed-use treasure. On the ground floor, a refined art gallery welcomes visitors with soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and architectural details that recall Charleston’s mercantile golden age. The space provides an extraordinary venue for showcasing art in a setting where the building itself feels like part of the exhibition. Above the gallery, the Bed & Breakfast suites and private apartments occupy the upper levels, each one carefully designed to preserve the building’s historical integrity while providing modern comfort. The separate entities — the art gallery, guest accommodations, and the owner’s residence — are all arranged around the central courtyard and piazza, creating a sense of privacy and retreat even in the heart of downtown.
Step inside the owner’s suite, and the essence of Charleston’s elegance becomes fully realized. Neoclassical details frame each room — original moldings, mantels, and paneling that date to the early 19th century remain intact and lovingly preserved. The fireplace mantel in the owner’s quarters is attributed to the famed craftsman Wellford, known for his composition work that graced some of the South’s finest homes. It is a feature that stands as both architectural ornament and historical artifact, a reminder of the artistry that defined Charleston’s grand residences.
The home’s interior spaces unfold with a gracious flow, characteristic of the best examples of early Charleston architecture. High ceilings, large sash windows, and wide-plank floors create a sense of volume and light. Each of the seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms has been designed with careful consideration for comfort, privacy, and aesthetics. The upper apartments are spacious, inviting, and filled with natural light that filters through centuries-old glass. From many windows, views stretch across the rooftops of the French Quarter, where church steeples punctuate the skyline and cobblestone streets wind toward the waterfront.
As a residence, 27 State Street is both grand and intimate. The layout allows for multiple lifestyles — it can be a luxurious private home, a revenue-generating investment, or an inspired combination of both. Few properties for sale in Charleston offer this kind of flexibility. The Bed & Breakfast provides an immediate opportunity for income, with the charm of a historic inn enhanced by its prime location near Charleston’s top attractions, galleries, and fine dining. At the same time, the owner’s quarters allow for elegant private living, with all the hallmarks of a distinguished home — gracious entertaining spaces, fireplaces, and access to the peaceful courtyard that acts as the heart of the estate.
What makes this house particularly remarkable is its balance between preservation and function. The restoration work has respected the home’s origins, maintaining its historical authenticity while discreetly integrating modern amenities. Updated electrical and plumbing systems, refined climate control, and carefully selected finishes ensure that the property is comfortable and practical for today’s standards, without compromising the integrity of its past. It is a living example of how Charleston’s real estate can embrace progress while honoring heritage.
Beyond its architectural and historical significance, the location of this property is unparalleled. Nestled in the French Quarter, 27 State Street places its owner within walking distance of the best Charleston has to offer — world-class restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and the waterfront are all moments away. The French Quarter itself is one of the city’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods, known for its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel façades that capture the imagination of travelers and residents alike. It’s a neighborhood where history and culture converge daily, creating an environment that is both vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition.
The courtyard, enclosed and private, serves as the home’s centerpiece — an outdoor sanctuary that contrasts beautifully with the lively streets beyond. Framed by ivy-covered walls and shaded by mature trees, it is a space for reflection and relaxation. Morning coffee under the dappled light of the piazza, or evening gatherings with friends as the glow from the lanterns softens the night — this is the essence of Charleston living. It’s easy to imagine guests of the Bed & Breakfast pausing here to admire the marble steps or to feel the cool iron of the gates that have stood guard for decades.
As an investment, this property holds exceptional potential. Charleston continues to rank among the most desirable real estate markets in the country, attracting buyers who value history, design, and lifestyle. Owning a home of this caliber within the city’s historic district is a privilege few experience. For the discerning buyer or investor, 27 State Street offers an extraordinary combination of location, architecture, and versatility. It’s a property where business and pleasure intersect naturally — ideal for an entrepreneur seeking a boutique hospitality venture or for someone who simply wishes to own one of the most storied homes in the South.
Inside, original fireplaces remain focal points in nearly every major room, providing warmth and atmosphere during Charleston’s cooler months. Handcrafted details — from the moldings to the staircases — reflect the craftsmanship of another era. Yet the home is far from a museum piece. Its scale and layout lend themselves beautifully to contemporary living. Whether hosting elegant dinners in the formal rooms, displaying art in the gallery below, or enjoying the privacy of the owner’s suite, this is a house that adapts gracefully to modern life.
For the realtor representing this listing, it is not just a property — it is a legacy. Houses like this rarely come to market, and when they do, they attract collectors of architecture as much as buyers of real estate. The home’s provenance, its connection to Charleston’s story, and its exquisite preservation make it a cornerstone listing for anyone seeking a historic house of significance. The value lies not only in its physical beauty but in the experience it offers — the opportunity to live surrounded by history while enjoying the conveniences of a thriving, walkable downtown.
Charleston’s French Quarter has long been the city’s cultural heart, home to artists, merchants, and residents who cherish its timeless atmosphere. To own a home here is to participate in that ongoing story. 27 State Street stands as a landmark of that tradition, a place where the past has been thoughtfully carried into the present. It represents the finest of Charleston’s architectural heritage — elegant yet livable, historic yet adaptable.
In the golden afternoon light, when the sounds of footsteps echo along the brick sidewalks and the scent of jasmine lingers in the air, the façade of 27 State Street seems almost to glow. The symmetry of its windows, the rhythm of its shutters, and the quiet strength of its masonry capture everything that makes Charleston’s historic homes so captivating. It is not difficult to imagine the generations who have walked its halls, each adding their chapter to the story.
Today, that story is ready for its next steward. Whether as a luxurious private residence, a boutique hospitality enterprise, or a prestigious mixed-use investment, this home is ready to continue its long legacy. For the right buyer, it represents not only a rare opportunity in Charleston’s competitive real estate market but also the chance to own one of the most iconic addresses in the city.
27 State Street is more than an elegant property — it is a living piece of Charleston’s soul. From its marble steps to its Neoclassical interiors, from the hum of the French Quarter to the quiet sanctuary of its courtyard, every inch tells a story. This listed home, rich in heritage and brimming with potential, stands as an invitation to experience history not as something distant, but as something you can touch, live, and pass on.
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