Charleston’s Sword Gate House

Charleston’s Sword Gate House

Charleston's Sword Gate House

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Charleston, South Carolina is well known for its rich history, beautifully maintained homes and gardens and the warmth and politeness of its residents. British settlers first arrived in 1670 along with some Bermudians, Jamaicans, Bahamians and Sephardic Jews to develop the colony. Prior to the Revolution, only Protestants were allowed into the settlements due to the battles between British Royalty and the Catholic Church. In 1679, King Charles II sent two shiploads of French Huguenots to South Carolina in order to introduce the cultivation of grapes, olives and the silkworm. One of these French Huguenots, James LaRoche, became a large landowner with his first land purchase being the property at 32 Legare which he acquired in 1694. It wasn’t until 1803 that his namesake and great great grandson built the first section of what is now called the Sword Gate. In 1850, this James LaRoche sold the home to British Consul George A. Hopley who began a complete redecoration of the home. That same year, the Charleston Police ordered a pair of gates to be forged by Christopher Werner for the entrance to their station. Werner misunderstood the instructions and ended up manufacturing two pair of matching gates. It was a fortuitous error as Consul Hopely bought the extra pair and installed them as the entrance gates to his newly refurbished home. The large wrought iron gates are decorated on each side with scrolls and leaves with a central cross of two vertical spears that meet in the center of a horizontally positioned broadsword. The gates are so uniquely and elaborately designed, the home has been named the Sword Gate House since they were installed. They appear on postcards and tour guides and are often photographed. The police station matching pair now grace the entrance to the Citadel.

Today, this elegant 17,142 square foot Federal-style home consists of nine bedrooms, thirteen bathrooms, a drawing room, ballroom, library, formal rooms, wine cellar, staff quarters, commercial kitchen, fitness room and a gift wrapping room. The Carriage House has a guest apartment, another separate apartment, staff break room, powder room and small kitchen. Buildings are surrounded by classic and romantic Charleston-style walled gardens, patios and walks. For more information.

Charleston’s landmark Sword Gate house is now for sale, priced at $18.8 million.

Source: www.danielravenelsir.com