William Rhett House
54 Hasell Street
Charleston, SC 29401

$6,400,000

Listing Agent: Drew Drury
Carolina One
843-345-6767
[email protected]
http://www.carolinaonerealestate.com/agent/proplist.asp?CEQ_AgentCode=13178

Property Description

Steeped in American history, one of the oldest houses in one of the oldest cities in South Carolina is for sale for the first time in years. This c. 1711 Colonial mansion compound lies in the heart of Charleston steps from the historic downtown and the waterfront and offers a one-of-a-kind sense of bespoke Old South elegance and stateliness that is rarely seen today.

The William Rhett House is considered one of the oldest houses in historic Charleston and was one of the first of its kind to be renovated back to its original grandeur and luxury while remaining true to its original design and architecture reflecting what high-society life was like in 18th century Charleston. In over three hundred years only a handful of distinguished families have had the privilege of residing in this iconic Old Southern mansion. After Rhett's death, the property was subdivided for the granddaughters. In time, the home was purchased by a wealthy Charleston wharf owner whose grandson, Wade Hampton III, a future US Senator and Governor of South Carolina, was born in the home.

This is a very rarely available opportunity to be the next owner of a true piece of American and Southern history.

Property History

William Rhett came to Charleston in 1698 where he became a well-known local merchant, captain, and colonial militia leader. Among many other things, Rhett is known for helping to protect the city from a French and Spanish invasion in 1706 and most heroically for his participation in the capture of the elusive Barbadian pirate Stede Bonnet in 1718 at the mouth of the Cape Fear rivver.

Colonel Rhett built the original stucco-over-brick home in 1712 with a muscular square geometry that was typical for masonry coastal houses in the early 18th century and many of the original design elements of that era remain intact including the central hallway with two large rooms on either side, grand staircases, tall ceilings, and expansive porches and gardens. Various additions and alterations to the home over the most recent two hundred years have been sensitive to the original architecture yet have added modern features and expansive entertaining spaces both indoors and out.

Features And Amenities

• Steeped in American and Southern history
• Listed On The National Register of Historic Places
• Considered one of the "Charleston Seven" (one of the seven oldest houses in the city)
• Georgian/Rococo plasterwork c.1750, the earliest period of stucco decoration in America
• Delicately renovated and maintained
• Professional landscaped gardens by Umberto Innocenti a historic landscape designer
• One of the largest private gardens in Charleston
• Steps from shopping, restuarants, and nightlife
• Separate income producing rental houses
• Property is not encumbered by a conservation easement