A local's eye view
The Porters Lodge at the College of Charleston has three passages from George Street into the Cistern Yard. Two are pedestrian-sized, as seen in this photo, one can accommodate much larger vehicles as seen here. They are all gateways on to some incredible historic beauty.
This house on Bull Street stirs memories of France. The stucco over the masonry structure is nicely accented by a beautiful crepe myrtle tree.
This beautiful driveway, bordered by a great iron fence and a majestic live oak, leads to a handsome brick house on Legare Street. This block, between Tradd Street and Lamboll Street, holds some of the most wonderful Charleston houses — including the Sword Gate House, which is on the market for about $20 million.
On State Street, between Cumberland Street and Lodge Alley, there are two little gates that allow you to cut through to East Bay Street. As you do so, you will come across this tranquil setting — right in the middle of downtown Charleston. In a bit cooler weather, it’s a nice spot for a rest and a drink.
The rising sun shining through the promenade rails along the High Battery, which protects White Point Garden from the waters of the Cooper River. Just beyond this point, the Cooper and Ashley Rivers join together to form Charleston Harbor.
Rainbow Row, on East Bay Street, was part of the early working waterfront in Charleston. These antebellum houses would have looked directly out on the Cooper River when they were first built. Landfill and subsequently constructed other buildings have obscured that view. It’s still pretty nice.
The gorgeous Col. John Ashe House (in the middle) was built, including its original iconic cupola, circa 1782. Located at 32 South Battery and facing White Point Garden, the views from the cupola and the incredible porches are spectacular.
This beautiful Charleston single house on Tradd Street is nicely decked out in the flags of the United States, South Carolina and US Army. It’s called a “single house” because it is only one room wide. No matter how big or small a single house may be, that is one of their main distinguishing characteristics.
These flag waving wonderful Charleston houses can be found on Bull Street, right next to 60 Bull Cafe — a very local sort of place, great for breakfast (all day) and dinner.
Decked out in flags, the Sword Gate — which you can find on Legare Street — is even more striking than usual. Did you know it has a twin — which you can find at the Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina?