93 East Bay St Charleston, SC 29401

Listing details for 93 East Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401 : Welcome to Historic Charleston and Rainbow Row. The James Cook House, Circa 1782-7 is part of a series of buildings known as Rainbow Row, the longest row of intact 18th century Georgian row houses in the United States. One of the most desirable Charleston properties on the Battery. Fabulously, restored, renovated and impeccably maintained. Today the home consists of a dine-in gourmet kitchen, keeping room and powder room on the first level, with three sets of French doors opening onto a brick courtyard and walled garden. The charming ivy covered walled garden was designed by Loutrell Briggs, Charleston's premier landscaped architect. At the end of the garden is a reflective mirror enhancing the rear of the home, brick courtyard and walled garden. The second level consists of aspacious living and dining room with two fireplaces and French door access to balcony with iron handrails overlooking the rear garden. The third level consists entirely of the master suite with luxury bathroom, walk-in dressing room/custom closet and laundry alcove. The top level consists of two guest bedrooms with private bathrooms. Spectacular views of the city roof tops and gardens increase with interest at each level including Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter views from the fourth level front bedroom. An iron gate at the street for added security, and covered archway leads to a solid mahogany entrance door with welcoming lantern. One of the many interesting and romantic facts about 93 E Bay is its connection to the 1935 staging of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess - taking advantage of the rear vista of the jumbled Rainbow Row buildings to achieve the desired "picturesque" setting. By 1938 the property was in a damaged and depressed area. It was largely due to the efforts of Susan Pringle Frost, founder of the Charleston Preservation Society, who came up with the idea of painting the houses in different colors, reflecting a Caribbean influence, hence the term Rainbow Row. The history of this charming home dates back to the 1670 foundation - shown on the city's first planning map, the Grand Modell. Archaeological investigations of the cellar of the house have uncovered the original foundation along with a collection of pieces of clay smoking pipes, china and glass shards and bullets. Original 18th Century hand hewn rafters, brickwork and heart pine flooring have been uncovered and preserved. A rare opportunity to own a piece of Charleston's history in this beautifully restored home with all modern conveniences in the heart of shopping, dining and galleries. Two working fireplaces - with gas logs. Owner pays $125/month for parking space across the street.