Local Area
Architectural Wonders of South Carolina

Charleston was founded in 1687 and is the oldest city in South Carolina. There are many things about this part of South Carolina that make it uniquely beautiful, historically important, and a wonderful place to visit or to live. One of the notable features of the Charleston area, which includes Summerville and Mt. Pleasant, is the remarkable architecture that lines the streets and neighborhoods of these communities. There are homes and old plantations that date back to the 1700’s as well as newer architecture fashioned in low country architecture styles. Over 12,000 buildings in South Carolina are on the National Register of Historic Places, 3,000 of which remain in the Old and Historic District. While many of the buildings sustained damage in the Civil War, the citizens of Charleston have worked to rebuild and preserve the centuries old historic buildings.

There are several distinguishing characteristics of the expansive architecture in this region. Nearly 175 churches are in Charleston, sending their steeples and spires into the skyline. Low country architecture style buildings include intricate brick details, large chimneys, tall columns, and large porches are prominent in home and building styles. Plantations and buildings once occupied by historical figures are now popular historical sites. Another constant are the environmental elements that are woven through neighborhoods and communities here. Quaint and expansive gardens, wetlands, rolling lawns, and blooming flower beds are compliments to the picturesque streets of Charleston.

The custom homes in this South Carolina community are fashioned after low country style architecture that is prevalent throughout the Charleston area. Come see our community!

Today, modern architecture has developed to accommodate the growing communities in this area but still remains respectful to the architectural history of this area’s past. Communities in Charleston and the surrounding areas have taken the architecture and environmental elements into consideration as they develop new communities. We have collected five historical and modern buildings within these communities worth visiting and admiring.

1. Rainbow Row

This historic site is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in the United States. In the 1900’s, Dorothy Pocher Legge purchased a row of houses on this street and painted them in a light, vibrant Caribbean color scheme, restoring some life to the neighborhood that had been deteriorating. Today, 14 homes in this neighborhood represent Rainbow Row.

2. Middleton Place

This former plantation is not only noteworthy for its amazing setting but also for the historic family for which it’s named. Henry Middleton, the first owner was the President of the First Continental Congress; Arthur Middleton was a signer of the Declaration of Independence; and Henry Middleton became the Governor of South Carolina. Middleton Place is worth a visit to see the landscape and a flawless example of historic architecture and beautiful gardens.

3. Nathaniel Russell House

The Nathaniel Russell House stands today as a historical representative of neoclassical architecture and well designed gardens within an urban environment. This house holds a self supporting staircase that winds up three levels to the top, not supported by any walls or nails. It was built in 1808 by Nathanial Russell and still holds an impressive art collection of the times.

4. The Ponds
Just north of Charleston lies a bustling new community that blends all of the charming characteristics of historic architecture and lush landscapes and gardens. This newer community is surrounded by 1100 acres of wildlife conservancy that provides a breathtaking backdrop to the Low country architecture homes with quaint entryways and wraparound porches. This community is truly a refreshing interpretation of Low country lifestyle. Here visitors and residents can still experience the simple pleasures of life amongst a serene and tranquil environment.