We are huge fans of artist, designer, and author Carolyne Roehm here at The Glam Pad, so when her historic Charleston home hit the market, we were elated to finally get a peek inside! The Chisolm-Alston House is an architectural gem in one of Charleston’s most iconic areas, South of Broad. Meticulously restored by Roehm, the home boasts a grand portico with towering columns, soaring 12-foot ceilings, 4-inch thick cypress doors, a flying staircase and all with a charming blend of rich history and modern luxury.
Chisolm House was originally built in 1834 by Alexander Hext Chisolm at the west end of Tradd Street, and is attributed to the noted Prussian-trained architect Charles F. Reichardt. It is a striking example of Greek Revival architecture. The unique stately Corinthian columns were modeled on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens.
The property originally fronted the Ashley River before a large land reclamation project in the early 1900’s shaped the peninsula into what it is today. The house is set in a well planned and well established garden with beautiful live oaks, palmettos, magnolias and camellias.
Walk up the front steps to the foyer with spacious parlors left and right, with checkerboard painted floors. The central hall leads past the formal, book-lined, dining room and an equally large family room to the large kitchen, a breakfast area, an airy porch and handsome stairs down to the garden. The upstairs hosts two bedroom suites and two large bedrooms, accessible by either the front or back stairs. The aboveground basement provides extensive storage.
A former assistant, model, and designer for Oscar de la Renta, Roehm’s flair for fashion and interior style can be seen in every thoughtful detail from fabric-upholstered walls in every bedroom to the rich wallpapers and floors. She purchased the four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom 5,774-square-foot home in 2012 and stayed true to the property’s historical past and design details, exuding true Southern Charm.
The home’s graceful spiral staircase sets the tone for the stylish experience that unfolds across each room. A bright and inviting kitchen features an eat-in breakfast area, large walk-in pantry, double oven and stovetop, spacious island, two sinks, and abundant counter space and custom cabinetry, perfectly designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The primary suite offers a serene retreat with a spacious walk-in closet, a woven rug carpet for added warmth, and elegantly appointed details throughout. Additional highlights include a laundry room with generous shelving, a basement, off-street parking and meticulously maintained grounds. Every inch of this home combines form and function, from the large windows that fill each room with light to the refined finishes and handcrafted elements.
This home is a truly a work of art. Let’s take a tour of Chisolm House with photography by Keen Eye Marketing, courtesy of Robertson Allen, The Cassina Group.
By the time of our posting, Chisholm House has already become off-market. However, you can see some of the before pictures via the previous listing here.
Carolyne Roehm is the author of myriad books on topics including gardening, interior design, gift wrapping, flower arranging, and entertaining. Click here to add them to your own home library.
To see even more of this exquisite home, please enjoy the video tour below, conducted several years ago by Quintessence…
From the embossed leather on the walls, allegory painted on the ceiling, and wild roses tumbling through clipped box outside, it is maximalism with manners and a hint of restraint, rich in texture, thought, and legacy. But for me, the most enchanting space was the Library, lined with cedar shelves and so weighted with books that it once threatened to collapse the floor beneath it. That somehow felt like the most glamorous fact of all, a house nearly undone by the weight of its own intellect. Small but mighty, this little library is all-enveloping and felt like a space I’d like to spend hours reading in.
What makes Ham House so extraordinary is how intact it remains. Unlike so many stately homes that were reimagined to suit Victorian or Edwardian tastes, Ham is still very much a 17th-century creation. It is a rare time capsule of life, where the whispers of duchesses and poets still seem to echo through the corridors.
At The Glam Pad, we’ve always had a soft spot for pieces that blend heritage and whimsy, and this collection strikes that balance beautifully. A timeless silhouette with a touch of modern ease, what could be more delightful? Hurry! They’re selling out fast… Click 
A mother of two daughters and a Labrador, Palmer designs with real life in mind, creating homes that are not only beautiful but deeply livable. She also serves on the board of Spoleto Festival USA, one of the country’s premier performing arts festivals, held in her hometown of Charleston.
