Let’s face it, most people come to Charleston SC for the history and knowing they are walking the same streets as signers of our constitution as well as Civil War generals. That’s just part of the many reasons Charleston has been voted best city in United States so many times. Many of the old historic houses in the downtown Charleston area have been owned or lived in my some of the more famous American dignitaries that once called Charleston SC home. Owning historical property in downtown Charleston SC can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. Before buying a home in downtown Charleston SC there are some things one should consider. Unlike most cities, Charleston takes great pride as do the city’s officials go to painstaking effort to preserve the beauty and historical splendor that so many come to enjoy every year. With that said it’s understandable that it isn’t very simple process to do work, renovation, additions to your property in downtown. All work must be permitted through the BAR (architectural review board) or you could face serious fine AND be forced to change whatever you did back to what it was. Even down to the paint colors. It’s highly recommended that you find a contractor specializing in historical renovations as they are familiar with the rules, permitting process, regulations, and code necessary for doing construction work downtown.
The Board of Architectural review or “BAR” takes their job very seriously and as they should, The BAR was established in 1931 with the creation of the first preservation ordinance in the United States. Our rich history is why Charleston has been voted 5 years in a row the United States #1 tourist city and top 10 in the world by the readers of Conde Naste traveler magazine.
As stated in the City of downtown Charleston Zoning Ordinance, the purpose of the board is “the preservation and protection of the old historic or architecturally worthy structures and quaint neighborhoods which impart a distinct aspect to the city and which serve as visible reminders of the historical and cultural heritage of the city, the state, and the nation.”
There are many historically significant streets in the downtown area that almost always have homes for sale on MLS:
This lovely bungalow style home features 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. It is located in a quiet neighborhood in St. Matthews with an entrance on both sides of the house. There are oak hardwood floors...
This lovely bungalow style home features 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. It is located in a quiet neighborhood in St. Matthews with an entrance on both sides of the house. There are oak hardwood floors...
Newly renovated 3 bedroom 1 bath home that is situated on 3.21 acres. This move in ready gem boast fresh paint throughout, brand-new flooring, an updated kitchen, and more! Lets make this country...
Newly renovated 3 bedroom 1 bath home that is situated on 3.21 acres. This move in ready gem boast fresh paint throughout, brand-new flooring, an updated kitchen, and more! Lets make this country...
Don't miss your opportunity to preview this charming 3rd floor condo. unit located in the Beauregard House circa 1840. Featuring a light-filled, open floorplan, original heart pine floors, Palladium...
Don't miss your opportunity to preview this charming 3rd floor condo. unit located in the Beauregard House circa 1840. Featuring a light-filled, open floorplan, original heart pine floors, Palladium...
Welcome to this historic gem in the heart of Charleston! This charming 1840 residence served as part of General Beauregard's headquarters during the Civil War and now stands as an exquisite testament...
Welcome to this historic gem in the heart of Charleston! This charming 1840 residence served as part of General Beauregard's headquarters during the Civil War and now stands as an exquisite testament...
Welcome to this charming historic home nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston, steeped in the rich tapestry of the city's past. Located within 2 blocks of King Streets bars and restaurants....
Welcome to this charming historic home nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston, steeped in the rich tapestry of the city's past. Located within 2 blocks of King Streets bars and restaurants....
Development Opportunity! There is an opportunity to build two UNITS/BUILDINGS on this property. 2000 square foot of total ground coverage and up to three stories tall. Located in the SC Opportunity...
Development Opportunity! There is an opportunity to build two UNITS/BUILDINGS on this property. 2000 square foot of total ground coverage and up to three stories tall. Located in the SC Opportunity...
BACK ON MARKET through no fault of owner/home. Inspection-DONE..Appraisal - DONE! Downtown walkability at it's best and a terrific blend of historic charm and modern conveniences! This condo has been...
BACK ON MARKET through no fault of owner/home. Inspection-DONE..Appraisal - DONE! Downtown walkability at it's best and a terrific blend of historic charm and modern conveniences! This condo has been...
Located in the heart of Radcliffeborough, this 6 bedroom property offers numerous possibilities and is being sold partially furnished. Previously operating as a turn key bed & breakfast, however,...
Located in the heart of Radcliffeborough, this 6 bedroom property offers numerous possibilities and is being sold partially furnished. Previously operating as a turn key bed & breakfast, however,...
The Dawson Vanderhorst House is the oldest house in Aiken County. The home was abandoned until 2022 when the current owners began renovating the property, maintaining the character and historic...
The Dawson Vanderhorst House is the oldest house in Aiken County. The home was abandoned until 2022 when the current owners began renovating the property, maintaining the character and historic...
This classic Lowcountry cottage, known as Whiteholm, is situated in the heart of Summerville's historic district. Built circa 1815, the home was named by New York socialite Miss Mary Trenholm....
This classic Lowcountry cottage, known as Whiteholm, is situated in the heart of Summerville's historic district. Built circa 1815, the home was named by New York socialite Miss Mary Trenholm....
Spectacular views of the French Quarter from this third-floor three bedroom, two bath unit carefully updated with many custom details and finishes. Within easy walking distance of Charleston's iconic...
Spectacular views of the French Quarter from this third-floor three bedroom, two bath unit carefully updated with many custom details and finishes. Within easy walking distance of Charleston's iconic...
Charming two-story brick row house in desirable historic Ansonborough! Ansonborough is considered the most walkable neighborhood in Charleston because of the proximity to shopping, dining and...
Charming two-story brick row house in desirable historic Ansonborough! Ansonborough is considered the most walkable neighborhood in Charleston because of the proximity to shopping, dining and...
If you wish to take on the task of doing substantial work to your “new” old house in Downtown Charleston SC then it’s worth knowing what’s at stake. For those owners and contractors they hire who do an amazing job it’s possible you could receive the coveted Carolopolis award from the Charleston Preservation Society. The society was formed in 1953 and was created to “recognize outstanding achievement in exterior preservation, restoration and rehabilitation”. After completing your renovation the home owner or contractor can submit a form to the board for review to be considered for the award.
According to Wikipedia here are 184 properties and districts listed on the National Register in Charleston County. This is the federal governments list of sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation. A property listed in the National Register, or located within a National Register Historic District, may qualify for tax incentives derived from the total value of expenses incurred preserving the property. the National Trust for Historic Preservation, coordinate, identify, and protect historic sites in the United States. While National Register listings are mostly symbolic, their recognition of significance provides some financial incentive to owners of listed properties. Protection of the property is not guaranteed. During the nomination process, the property is evaluated in terms of the four criteria for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
Let’s face it, most people come to Charleston SC for the history and knowing they are walking the same streets as signers of our constitution as well as Civil War generals. That’s just part of the many reasons Charleston has been voted best city in United States so many times. Many of the old historic houses in the downtown Charleston area have been owned or lived in my some of the more famous American dignitaries that once called Charleston SC home. Owning historical property in downtown Charleston SC can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. Before buying a home in downtown Charleston SC there are some things one should consider. Unlike most cities, Charleston takes great pride as do the city’s officials go to painstaking effort to preserve the beauty and historical splendor that so many come to enjoy every year. With that said it’s understandable that it isn’t very simple process to do work, 
renovation, additions to your property in downtown. All work must be permitted through the BAR (architectural review board) or you could face serious fine AND be forced to change whatever you did back to what it was. Even down to the paint colors. It’s highly recommended that you find a contractor specializing in historical renovations as they are familiar with the rules, permitting process, regulations, and code necessary for doing construction work downtown.
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