The Chisolm-Alston House is a historically significant Greek Revival masterpiece built in 1834 by Alexander Hext Chisolm, designed by Prussian-trained architect Charles F. Reichardt. Set on a beautifully landscaped plot with live oaks and magnolias, this stately home features distinctive Corinthian columns inspired by the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. It boasts soaring 12-foot ceilings, 4-inch thick cypress doors, and a graceful spiral staircase. Recent meticulous renovations combine historic charm with modern luxury, including designer interiors by Carolyne Roehm. Listed at $12,500,000, this home offers spacious rooms, off-street parking, and extensive storage, perfectly blending form and function in Charleston’s iconic South of Broad neighborhood.
Front Exterior View
A stately, white-painted historic mansion with classic Southern plantation-style architecture. Large Corinthian columns with ornate capitals support a grand porch with detailed cornices and a pediment. Blue-grey shutters punctuate the tall sash windows set symmetrically across the facade. Manicured greenery, including trimmed bushes, palm trees, and cycads, complement the review of the brick-paved pathway winding through the lush lawn. A decorative hedge partially encloses the property entrance, crowned with pineapple finials symbolizing hospitality. The setting is framed by mature trees and bright, clear skies, enhancing the home’s refined and timeless aesthetic.
Historic Home Front Exterior
Grand white façade with prominent Corinthian columns supporting an ornate pediment create a stately entrance typical of Southern antebellum architecture. The symmetrical two-story house exhibits classic black shutters framing tall multi-pane windows. A small wrought-iron balcony adds elegance above the central doorway. The carefully manicured garden features rounded shrubs and uniquely shaped topiaries, interspersed with blue and white ceramic planters. Stone steps lead up to a raised porch, emphasizing the raised foundation. Lush greenery and mature trees frame the home, complimenting the historic charm and timeless design of this stately residence.
Front Porch Staircase
Elegant white wooden staircase ascends to the entrance of the historic home, flanked by finely turned balusters and matching handrails. The porch is elevated, with dark shutters outlining tall windows that contrast strikingly against the light siding. Mature trees and lush greenery, including palms and ferns, create a tranquil, inviting setting. Classic lantern-style lamps atop stone pillars woven with creeping ivy add timeless charm. The combination of natural elements with the house’s architectural details reflects Southern heritage and craftsmanship, emphasizing warmth and sophistication in this beautifully maintained exterior entryway.
Front Entrance Exterior
The exterior presents a stately historic home with white clapboard siding and black shutters framing tall, multi-paned windows. A grand staircase flanked by classic lanterns leads up to a porch with white balustrades. Lush greenery and various tropical plants like palms and ferns surround the entrance, creating a serene atmosphere. A large, mature oak tree with textured bark and sprawling branches dominates the foreground, casting dappled shade across the porch and stairs. The entrance door is centered and topped with a decorative lantern, suggesting a welcoming, refined Southern charm. Overall, the setting balances elegance and verdant natural beauty.
Front Garden and Porch
A charming front garden walkway with aged brick paving leads up to a classic white porch. The porch is elevated, accessible by a staircase with detailed balustrades and capped posts featuring traditional lantern-style lights. Lush greenery lines the path and foundation, with well-maintained cycads and palm plants adding tropical vibrancy. Tall, mature trees provide dappled shade, blending historic architectural elements with natural surroundings. The house siding is painted white with black shutters that flank large windows, reflecting an enduring Southern charm and classic American historic design.
Garden Seating Area
A charming outdoor garden seating area with a round stone table supported by intricately carved dolphin-shaped legs serves as the focal point. Atop the table are three blue and white porcelain vases, adding an elegant, classical touch to the space. Surrounding the table are stone benches placed on a brick-paved ground, framed by lush greenery, including small manicured trees and dense leafy shrubs, creating a secluded, tranquil atmosphere. The vibrant foliage and shaded environment suggest this is a peaceful retreat within the garden, blending natural beauty with refined ornamental details.
Garden Fountain Area
A brick-paved garden path surrounds a central stone fountain, crowned with a carved pineapple finial, symbolizing hospitality. Four large blue and white ceramic pots, each planted with succulent agave, frame the fountain symmetrically. Towering palm trees create a lush canopy overhead, casting dappled sunlight onto the verdant foliage below. The garden is dense with varied greenery, including shrubs and ferns, contributing to a tropical and serene atmosphere. On the right, a white balustraded porch with classical columns offers a refined architectural contrast against the abundant plant life. The space exudes a historic Southern charm blended with vibrant natural beauty.
Garden Courtyard Fountain
A tranquil garden courtyard anchored by a classic stone fountain surrounded by a circular basin and bordered with white flowering plants. Tall palm trees create a natural canopy, while symmetrical blue and white ceramic pots filled with lush green ferns and manicured topiary line the brick-paved walkways. The space is enclosed by a vine-covered wall topped with ornamental finials, blending greenery with stately architectural details. Dappled sunlight filters through the palm fronds, creating an inviting, serene atmosphere that elegantly fuses formal garden elements with a tropical aesthetic.
Garden Fountain Details
A circular stone fountain filled with water lilies is surrounded by a neat border of small white flowers. The fountain’s stone structure has a weathered, classic look that complements the garden’s historic charm. Beyond the fountain, there is a curved brick pathway framed by blue and white ceramic pots holding white flowering plants. The pathway incorporates large stone tiles interspersed with low grass, creating a harmonious blend of natural and structured elements in the garden. Soft dappled sunlight adds warmth and highlights the tranquil, serene atmosphere of this outdoor space.
Front Porch Columns
Two grand Corinthian columns support a classic portico roof, painted in pristine white. The fluted columns sport ornate capitals with acanthus leaves and intricate scrollwork, highlighting historic craftsmanship. Above them rests an entablature adorned with dentil molding, reinforcing the neoclassical architectural style. The ceiling of the porch shows subtle recessed paneling, adding depth and texture. The design brings a sense of stately elegance, invoking traditional American heritage. Partially visible black shutters frame the side, providing contrast to the bright exterior. Leaves in the foreground hint at a surrounding garden or greenery nearby.
Front Porch Seating
A bright and elegant front porch framed by large classical white columns sits on a striking black and white checkered tile floor. White wooden benches and chairs with intricate lattice backs provide comfortable seating. Blue and white porcelain garden stools and planters add traditional charm, contrasting nicely with the lush green topiary and palm plants surrounding the space. Black shutters and a large black lantern-style light fixture add subtle contrast to the predominantly white exterior, contributing to a classic Southern-style aesthetic with a fresh, airy ambiance.
Grand Entrance Porch
A stately white entrance porch with classic architectural details, including two tall Corinthian columns flanking a white paneled door. Above the door is a rectangular transom window, allowing natural light inside. On either side of the door, narrow sidelights reflect greenery from outside. The flooring consists of a bold black and white checkerboard pattern, adding visual interest and classic charm. Symmetrically placed white benches sit against the light blue-gray siding, complemented by sleek black shutters on either window. Beautifully topiary spirals in blue and white ceramic pots add greenery and refinement, alongside matching decorative jars. Large wrought iron lantern-style wall sconces provide traditional lighting.
Grand Foyer Staircase
The space is anchored by a sweeping curved staircase with dark wooden handrails contrasting against white spindles and steps. The floor is laid with a striking black and white checkerboard marble pattern, adding depth and elegance. Walls are covered in vertical striped wallpaper in muted shades of gray and white, enhancing the room’s height and classic feel. Architectural details include an intricately carved door frame leading to a formal sitting room framed by pale green drapes. A single gold-trimmed black leather chair rests in a corner, while an elaborate wooden console and ornate hanging lantern-style light fixture contribute to the refined historic ambiance.
Elegant Sitting Room
Symmetrically arranged, this sitting room centers on a richly detailed fireplace with three ornate gold-framed mirrors above it, reflecting both light and depth. The walls are painted a muted green, harmonizing with the two matching sofas upholstered in the same tone and accented by vibrant pink cushions with pom-pom trim. Blue and white Chinese porcelain vases rest on gilded wall shelves and tables, adding an exotic, historical flair. A black lacquered decorative screen and side table introduce East Asian motifs, while the marble floor with black inset tiles lends refined contrast. Delicate crown moldings and a brass chandelier complete an atmosphere of sophistication and timeless elegance.
Elegant Sitting Room
Walls are painted an opulent sage green, offset by intricate white crown molding. The room centers around an ornate fireplace framed by a large gilded mirror and matching gold-accented wall sconces supporting blue-and-white porcelain vases. The floor features classic black-and-white checkered marble tiles adding timeless grandeur. Furnishings include a pair of green-upholstered settees with gold trim, accented by deep pink pillows providing a vibrant contrast. A richly carved shell-back gilt chair and an intricately detailed wooden armchair with floral upholstery enhance the historic ambiance. Delicate black side tables and a gold candelabra complete the sophisticated, classical aesthetic.
Formal Sitting Room
Green walls with white wainscoting complement a symmetrical arrangement of tall windows draped with soft green and cream striped curtains tied with matching fabric bows. A pair of antique green upholstered sofas adorned with deep pink cushions creates a welcoming seating area. The room boasts intricate crown molding and a central brass chandelier with glass panels, adding elegance. An ornate black and gold cabinet with delicate Asian-inspired details stands against one wall, highlighted by red lampshades. Porcelain vases and intricate wall-mounted candle holders emphasize classic, historic elegance throughout the room. Marble flooring with black accents completes the refined ambiance.
Elegant Staircase Hall
Black and white checkered marble flooring creates a timeless foundation beneath a gracefully curving staircase with white balusters and dark wood handrails. Walls are covered with vertical striped wallpaper in neutral tones, enhancing the height and elegance of the room. An ornate console table with intricate white carvings and a dark wood top stands against the wall, crowned by an octagonal mirror with a decorative frame. A classical bust sculpture rests in a recessed niche, while a black and gold upholstered armchair adds a touch of refined comfort. A lantern-style pendant light hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the space with warm ambiance.
Elegant Sitting Room
Soft blue walls set a serene tone, harmonizing with white wood trim and crown molding that boast refined craftsmanship. The floor features white tiles with black diamond accents, complementing the room’s airy feel. Ornate white furniture with delicate carvings adds a touch of historic elegance, paired with blue and white upholstery in intricate patterns. A large, gilded bird painting anchors one wall, balancing the symmetrical arrangement of art and sculptural decor. The fireplace mantel is adorned with statues and a striking white mirror with intricate cutouts, while a delicate chandelier with hanging crystals illuminates the space gracefully. Floor-to-ceiling curtains with blue ribbon accents soften natural light from expansive windows, enhancing the sophisticated, vintage atmosphere.
Elegant Sitting Room
A serene space with soft blue walls offset by crisp white trim and high ceilings adorned with intricate crown molding. Tall windows dressed with white curtains trimmed in matching blue bows allow abundant natural light to flood the room. The floor is a classic white marble with a subtle pattern of black tiles creating geometric interest. Furnishings include an ornately carved console table with a rich bronze planter, a patterned armchair, and a large sofa upholstered in a coordinated blue and white floral fabric. A crystal and gold chandelier hangs at the center, while artwork and decorative bird sculptures add refined charm to the space.
Library Dining Room
A long rectangular table with intricate white carved legs dominates the room, surrounded by matching antique chairs upholstered in muted fabric. Above the table hangs a grand, ornate chandelier with gold detailing and red accents, adding elegance and warmth. The walls are richly adorned with white classical moldings and dark brown panels, providing a sophisticated contrast. Built-in bookshelves filled with colorful, leather-bound books line one wall, accented by bust sculptures and classical framed medallions. A large gold-framed mirror and tasteful red lamps with gold bases on the table enhance the refined and historic ambiance. Tall windows with lush greenery outside add natural light and greenery to the space.
Library Reading Table
The room exhibits an elongated reading table flanked by elegant upholstered chairs with monogrammed backs. The table is accented by ornate placemats and golden lamps with red shades emitting a warm glow. Walls painted a muted brown are framed by detailed white molding and built-in bookshelves filled with multicolored classic books. Bust sculptures on pedestals stand near tall windows, which flood the space with natural light and offer views of lush greenery outside. An intricate chandelier with a gold and burgundy finish hangs from a coffered ceiling accented by elaborate crown molding, lending a historic, sophisticated charm.
Library Dining Room
Long white table with elegant carved detailing runs parallel to built-in white bookshelves filled with a colorful array of books. The walls above the shelves are a rich dark brown, providing dramatic contrast to the ornate white crown molding and architectural trim framing doorways. A lavish red and gold chandelier with candle-style lights hangs from the ceiling. Decorative elements on the table include red lamps with gold bases, a black stag sculpture, and large, vintage-style leather book mats. A gilded mirror with classical motifs adds historic charm, reflecting light from an adjoining room with patterned flooring.
Library Dining Room
A stately room combining a library and dining area with rich classical elements. Floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves line both sides, filled with colorful, uniformly arranged books and bust sculptures. The walls are deep brown above white wainscoting and elaborate crown molding with dentil details. A large gold-framed mirror with ornate pediments hangs on the far wall, flanked by two doorways with detailed white trim. Central to the room is a long table with antique leather-bound pads, surrounded by black-upholstered chairs featuring white embroidery. The ceiling hosts an intricate gold chandelier with red velvet accents, complemented by red-shaded lamps on the table.
Elegant Sitting Room
Soft neutral tones dominate the space, with cream and beige upholstery on the sofa and armchairs creating a calming palette. Walls are adorned with intricate, classical-style murals framed by detailed moldings and gold embellishments, adding sophistication and a historic charm. A grand crystal chandelier hangs from a ceiling with ornate cornice molding, illuminating the room with an elegant glow. Floor-to-ceiling curtains in a subtle damask pattern frame tall windows, inviting natural light. Period furniture with carved wooden legs, marble-topped tables, decorative candlesticks, and coral sculptures complete the refined, genteel ambiance of this classic sitting room.
Formal Sitting Room
Soft neutral tones dominate this elegant sitting room, with walls painted in light gray accented by classical murals framed in gold and muted earth tones. A large crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the refined space. Plush upholstered seating, including a floral-patterned sofa and matching chairs, rests on a textured woven rug over dark hardwood floors. A white marble fireplace with intricate molding serves as a focal point, flanked by delicate candlesticks and coral decor on a carved console table beneath one mural. French doors open to greenery-filled adjoining rooms, enhancing an air of timeless sophistication.
Entry Hall and Staircase
The hall showcases a checkerboard black and white marble floor laid in a diagonal pattern that adds depth to the space. Walls are covered in vertical striped wallpaper in muted tones, emphasizing the height of the ceilings. Ornate white door casings with elegant molding provide a classic frame to the doorways. The wooden staircase stands out with dark polished handrails and white spindles, carpeted in a subtle patterned runner. Two large lantern-style pendant lights hang from the ceiling, adding a traditional touch. Adjacent rooms open into spaces decorated with intricate wallpaper and antique-style furnishings.
Half Bathroom Details
Small powder room adorned with vibrant wallpaper featuring whimsical figures and nature-inspired motifs in a rich color palette of gold, pink, and green on a white backdrop. The vintage-style white toilet has a dark wooden seat, contrasting with the busy wall pattern. A dark wood vanity with gold bamboo detailing supports a round porcelain vessel sink decorated with blue patterns, paired with a matching black marble countertop. Ornate gold sconces with red lampshades flank a large decorative mirror with a sunburst frame. Black and white marble tile flooring anchors the historic yet lively design.
Bright Kitchen Interior
The kitchen is designed with a classic and elegant approach, featuring large white-framed windows that flood the space with natural light and offer views of lush greenery outside. White cabinetry with glass-front upper cupboards extends to the ceiling, adding both storage and a sense of openness. The focal point is a large marble island countertop, housing a clean, modern sink and a bouquet of fresh flowers adding liveliness. Black and white checkered flooring contrasts with the soft olive-green walls. Two vibrant ferns on the side ledge enhance the freshness of the room. Stainless steel appliances, including a professional-grade stove, balance modern utility with traditional charm.
Kitchen Island and Window View
Elegant white cabinetry with silver hardware lines the kitchen, topped with expansive polished marble countertops. A large central island incorporates a farmhouse-style sink paired with classic metal faucets. The room is brightened by four tall, multi-pane windows framed with detailed white molding and decorative corner blocks, offering views of leafy, mature trees outside. A striking black-and-white checkered floor adds a bold pattern underfoot. Botanical artwork on the walls and vibrant green plants, including a fern and a floral bouquet, bring nature indoors, complementing the traditional yet fresh, airy aesthetic of this well-appointed kitchen space.
Breakfast Room Details
Long and narrow breakfast room lined with extensive white cabinetry featuring glass-paneled doors on the upper shelves and solid doors below, creating abundant storage and display spaces. Black and white checkered tile flooring adds dynamic contrast, complementing the soft sage walls. A long marble countertop runs beneath tall windows, decorated with botanical prints and a lush fern, welcoming ample natural light. A formal dining table with green upholstered chairs anchors the center of the space. Three vintage-style glass pendant lights hang overhead, contributing to the room’s elegant and historic ambiance.
Historic Kitchen Dining Area
Long and narrow kitchen space adorned with tall, white cabinetry featuring glass-paneled doors with delicate framing and neutral inner curtains. The walls painted in a muted sage green complement the crisp white cabinetry and marble countertops. A substantial island stands centrally near large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing abundant natural light and a scenic garden view with palm trees. The checkered black-and-white floor adds a classic, timeless appeal while the vintage pendant lighting enhances the historic aura. A marble dining table with elegant green chairs aligns with the cabinetry’s tone, uniting functionality with refined, vintage elegance.
Front Porch Seating
White wooden rocking chairs and a matching small table sit on a glossy black-painted wooden porch floor, creating a striking contrast. A round white dining table surrounded by wooden chairs occupies the center, adorned with a fresh flower arrangement. The porch is framed by fluted white columns and traditional balustrades offering a colonial charm. The ceiling is painted white with a classic hanging lantern light fixture. Wall-mounted lanterns flank a glass-paned door. Lush green palm trees and other foliage envelop the space, offering a tropical yet elegant setting.
Music Room Corner
The space combines musical elegance with classic design. A polished grand piano with rich wood tones dominates one side, accompanied by a vintage wooden chair with a leather seat. The walls feature vertical striped wallpaper in muted tones, adding height and sophistication. Detailed white crown molding and carved trim frame the ceiling and doorways, emphasizing historic architectural charm. A delicate white table holds a gentle floral arrangement, introducing softness. Dark wood floors provide contrast and warmth. A unique pendant light with a cage-like design hangs from the curved ceiling, combining traditional and artistic elements in this sunlit corner.
Bedroom Canopy and Dresser
A prominent white canopy bed with ornate carved detailing and patterned drapes dominates the room, creating an elegant focal point. The bedding and curtains harmonize in soft lavender and cream tones, echoing the delicate damask wallpaper. A matching upholstered bench at the bed’s foot complements the set. To the left, a richly decorated dresser with gold accents supports a large, antique mirror framed in elaborately gilded wood. Purple lamps and framed photos add warmth and personal touches. Natural light filters in through windows draped with heavy purple curtains, enhancing the serene, classic ambiance.
Dressing Room Nook
Soft cream and beige tones dominate this intimate dressing room nook, where patterned fabric curtains conceal built-in closets against richly paneled white walls. A vintage-style upholstered chaise lounge with delicately carved wooden legs sits on a textured natural fiber rug, inviting relaxation. The dark hardwood floor anchors the light palette, enhancing the classical architectural moldings overhead, including elevated cabinetry that adds storage discreetly. A lantern-style pendant light with glass and metal details hangs centrally, adding elegant illumination. The understated stuffed animal on the chaise adds a subtle, personal touch of warmth to the refined space.
Bathroom Vanity Area
The long marble countertop stretches along one side, paired with white cabinetry featuring classic paneling and vintage-style knobs. A beautifully intricate, scalloped-edge mirror with etched floral designs hangs above the countertop, flanked by elegant sconces with hanging crystals, adding a touch of old-world glamour. The space is illuminated by a suspended lantern-style pendant light, complementing the high ceilings. The hardwood flooring contrasts warmly with the predominantly white decor. At the end, a small vanity table draped in patterned fabric with a matching cushioned stool and oval mirror offers a delicate, feminine touch. Lace curtains softly diffuse natural light from the tall windows.
Master Bedroom Canopy
A grand four-poster canopy bed, draped in rich red velvet curtains, dominates the bedroom, complemented by floral upholstery matching the wallpaper. The walls are covered with intricate floral patterns in soft reds, greens, and blues on a white background, creating a cohesive, vintage aesthetic. Ornate gold-framed mirrors and a classical portrait painting add historic charm. Floor-length red drapes frame the large windows, allowing natural light to flood a small sitting area with delicate white chairs around a polished wood table, set on a vivid blue striped rug. White columns and high crown molding underscore the room’s elegance and period style.
Sitting Room Nook
Sunlight fills this cozy sitting nook framed by tall, multi-paned windows dressed in rich, deep coral drapes. Intricate floral wallpaper in muted tones complements the drapes, adding warmth and vintage charm. Two pale blue-gray wooden armchairs, upholstered in fabric echoing the wallpaper’s botanical pattern, face an ornate dark wood table with carved legs. Blue and white ceramic vases and a floral bouquet accentuate the table’s surface. A striking, striped blue area rug anchors the furniture, juxtaposing patterns and colors. An elegant fluted column and detailed crown molding emphasize the space’s historic architectural elegance.
Bathroom Vanity and Tub
Bright white walls and cabinetry contrast with the rich dark hardwood floor, creating a striking vintage charm. A large, ornately framed, oval mirror with intricate patterns hangs above the marble countertop sink. Twin wall sconces with red shades add both color and soft lighting. A classic white clawfoot bathtub sits beneath large windows adorned with gathered red curtains, offering a hint of elegance and warmth. The windows provide views of lush greenery outside, blending natural elements with refined interior touches. The space balances historic character with bright, clean, and inviting details.
Bedroom Canopy and Desk
Soft peach tones define the walls and draperies, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A grand canopy bed with detailed fabric swags and tiebacks stands as the centerpiece, its luxurious curtains mirroring the elegant window treatments throughout the room. An upholstered chair featuring floral patterns and a matching cushioned stool introduce delicate patterns that harmonize with the classic decor. A distressed wood secretary desk adds rustic charm, paired with glass hurricane lamps and an ornate vintage wall clock above. The room balances opulence with comfort through its sophisticated design and abundant natural light.
Bedroom Canopy and Seating
Soft pink striped curtains frame the four-poster bed, enveloping it in an elegant canopy with delicate beaded trimming. The bed’s upholstered headboard and footboard feature floral fabric that ties in with the matching bedding adorned with intricate botanical patterns. Pale green pillows add a subtle contrast. Large windows with gathered pink drapes allow natural light to brighten the room, highlighting the white-painted wooden furniture, including an antique-style chair and a small distressed secretary desk with brass hardware. The room radiates a vintage charm with a refined palette of blush, cream, and muted greens.
Bedroom Canopy and Details
A serene bedroom adorned with vertical blue and white striped wallpaper creates a calm and classic atmosphere. The focal point is a floral upholstered canopy bed with draped blue and white fabric accents, harmonizing with the striped walls. Three large windows with soft, gathered curtains allow abundant natural light, softened by matching window treatments. A long white built-in cabinet with gold knobs runs along one side, topped with decorative vases and framed botanical prints above. An ornately carved wooden mirror hangs above a dark wooden dresser with two matching lamps. A blue striped rug anchors the space, complementing the overall color palette.
Upstairs Hallway
Vertical striped wallpaper in shades of gray and white lines the walls, creating an elegant and timeless ambiance. The narrow hallway is grounded by a dark bordered carpet with a small geometric pattern, contrasting with the dark hardwood floor visible at the stair landing. White wood trim and door casings with intricate crown molding frame the hallway and doors. A vintage wooden armchair with an upholstered seat sits near the stair rail. Two classic lantern-style pendant lights hang from the ceiling, complementing the framed botanical and urn illustrations that adorn the walls, adding refined historic charm.
Listing Agent: Property Owner of The Cassina Group via Zillow
