Charming Charleston

The other week, I attended the Southern C Summit in Charleston, South Carolina, and I am still experiencing Charleston withdrawal symptoms. I had never visited The Holy City before, although it had always been on my bucket list, and I must say, my expectations were exceeded.  I hesitate to say this, but I love it almost as much as I love Palm Beach, which is one of my favorite places on earth… I would LOVE to live in Charleston!

Charleston is known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, world-class restaurants, genteel residents, Southern hospitality, and charm. Once named “the most polite and hospital city in America” by Southern Living magazine, Charleston is a worldly, sophisticated city that vibrantly mixes past and present. Time stands still as you stroll along the avenues lined with antebellum mansions, “Charleston Singles,” lush private gardens, and historic churches, while horse drawn carriages pass by with tourists.

While I was busy falling in love with Charleston, I was also having a delightful time at the  Southern C Summit – a collaborative event for bloggers, media, entrepreneurs, and designers, which I highly recommend. We had some amazing guest speakers, including Erin Shaw Street, senior editor of Southern Living, Katie Armour, co-founder and editorial director for Matchbook magazine, Caitlin Moran, editorial director of Glitter Guide, Jamie Meares of Furbish Studio, Holly Phillips, interior designer and owner of The English Room, and Hanna Seabrook,  Gadabout and creative director at Southern Proper.  I will be blogging more about some of the lovely and talented ladies I met at the Summit. Stay tuned!

But now I must admit my guilty pleasure… I am secretly obsessed with the new Bravo “reality” show Southern Charm. Actually, let me clarify… I am obsessed with Patricia Altschul, the breakthrough star of the show, and her circa 1850s Roman-Revival mansion, which is the shiniest star of all. Last week, Joni from Cote de Texas provided a comprehensive tour of this home. She did an exceptional job with this post, and I spent an inordinate amount of time pouring over every single detail. BTW, Joni also profiled Thomas Ravenel‘s 17th century town home, located South of Broad, and his plantation located in Edisto Island, which dates back to the 1700s…. wow!!

Speaking of Charleston’s antebellum mansions… I have also been following Carolyne Roehm‘s journey on her blog as she painstakingly restores her 1836 Greek Revival manse. A progress report was featured in the May/June issue of Departures magazine, and on the fabulous blog of Mark D. Sikes.

Charleston absolutely mesmerized me with it’s exquisitely preserved historic gems, and apparently I’m not alone… It is quickly becoming a popular destination for many “from off'” (i.e. not from Charleston) who are considering a second or third home, according to the New York Social Diary.

So let’s take a look at the Charleston MLS, a candy store for this architectural preservation enthusiast… You too can make your Gone With the Wind fantasies come true! Below is a sampling of Charleston’s finest homes available for sale, all complete with rich histories that add to their character and enhance their charm… I am in awe of the elegant architectural elements that have stood the test of time. I’ll start with the pink ones first, because Charleston loves its pink homes and buildings almost as much as Palm Beach, which I wrote about here.

And finally, Southern Charm cast member Jenna King’s (haunted!) 1838 Charleston single, located at 89 Ashley Avenue is for sale. Click here to view a tour with Jenna herself!

In closing, would like to thank my dear friend Emilie over at Shell & Chinoiserie for inviting me to the Southern C Summit, and furthermore, for allowing me to stay at her beautiful home, which you may recall from the One Room Challenge linking event! I had such an incredible time in Charleston, and my husband and I are already planning a trip back this fall!

Shell & Chinoiserie

So what are your thoughts on Charleston? Have you visited? Would you like to live there, and which of these gorgeous homes would you choose? I would definitely want to live in one of the pink homes!