It seems that March showers bring April flowers in 2018, thanks to a healthy mixture of rainy days, sunshine, and much dreaded pollen. With the coming of the Spring Equinox this week, Charleston’s most luxuriant greenscapes are in full bloom.

Here are 10 of our favorite plots of nature in the Lowcountry:

2 Battery Place, Charleston

 

35 Tradd Street, Charleston

 

940 Windsor Drive, Georgetown

 

80 Tradd Street, Charleston

 

93 King Street, Charleston

 

42 Meeting Street, Charleston

 

6 Savage Street, Charleston

 

309 Meeting Street #13, Charleston

 

38 S Battery Street, Charleston

Logo courtesy of http://charlestonfashionweek.com/

Charleston Fashion week will be held between March 13 – 17, 2018 at Marion Square, in Historic Downtown Charleston. As one of Charleston’s most anticipated events gets closer every day, the city welcomes a variety of talent from all over the country. Every year since 2007, a wonderful set of emerging designers are paired with skilled models to make their mark in Charleston. In addition to grand shows in the runway tent, there are multiple nightly events for all interests, including pop-up shops and chic after-parties.

This year’s Charleston Fashion Week features sponsorship from high-end patrons including Lexus, Gwynn’s of Mt Pleasant, Paul Mitchell Charleston, Lowcountry AIDS Services, and the Francis Marion Hotel.

Portraits courtesy of http://charlestonfashionweek.com

Of many talented designers, a few of the up-and-comers (pictured above from left-to-right) featured in the runway tent this year are Tygerian Burke of Charlotte, North Carolina, Patrick Tai & Terrence Henderson of Lexington, North Carolina, and Emilie Schroeder of Brooklyn, New York. Each of these wonderful individuals will offer a unique flare to the Charleston fashion scene, and we are so excited to see what this year’s events hold.

Photo courtesy of http://charlestonfashionweek.com/tickets

Tickets can be purchased here with nightly event tickets, packages at the VIP level, and group pricing available.

Photo courtesy of sewe.com

The first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. Today, over 40,000 people gather to view 500 exhibitors. That’s an increase of roughly 700% over the last 35 years-a truly incredible turnout!

Photo courtesy of instagram.com/sewechs

The 2018 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is slated for February 16th through February 18th, and will feature a variety of all-day events. The events will be held at some of the best spots in the Charleston area, including Brittlebank Park, Marion Square, and the Gaillard Center.

Joseph Sulkowski, Karla Mann, and Kathryn Mapes Turner are only a few examples of incredible artists to be featured in this year’s SEWE Festival.

Kathryn Mapes Turner’s “The Secret of Patience,” courtesy of sewe.com

 

Joseph Sulkowski’s “The Quail Rig,” courtesy of sewe.com

 

Karla Mann’s “Who’s the Fairest of All,” courtesy of sewe.com

The DockDogs® Competitions will be making a return this year, so get ready to watch dogs of all kinds compete in water jumping competitions in side-by-side tanks. If the dogs aren’t enough to keep your attention, there will also be a breathtaking Birds of Prey presentation, displaying a variety of large birds in flight.

Photo courtesy of dockdogs.com

While most of the VIP admission packages sold out shortly after sales went live, visitors are still able to purchase general admission tickets here. For a full schedule of events, complete lists of artists and exhibitors, and an online souvenir shop, check out the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition website.

120 East Edgewater Drive, Charleston, SC

Fun facts about this property:

-This property contains two buildings: a brick-style English cottage circa 1957, and a brick two-bedroom home designed by Beau Clowney.

940 Windsor Drive, Georgetown, SC

Fun facts about this property:

-Once part of a 3000 acre rice plantation, the lawn slopes down to the Black River and faces south with long range views of three rivers and the old rice fields from ages past.

 

602 Piping Plover Lane, Kiawah Island, SC

Fun facts about this property:

-The home has a sizable family room with large stone-surround gas-log fireplace and custom hearth.

-Features over-sized sliding glass doors to the back deck, overlooking the golf course.

 

333 North Shelmore Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC

Fun facts about this property:

-Complete with a bonus enclosed sun-room near the back of the house, which can be used as an office or recreational/family space.

 

2217 Ramsay Street, Charleston, SC

Fun facts about this property:

-Features an open kitchen, well-appointed with stainless steel Thermador and GE appliances, and granite countertops.

-A ladder near the powder room leads to a library/office space, overlooking the living room.

 

1760 Mohawk Avenue, Charleston, SC

Fun facts about this property:

-Gorgeous corner lot with mature oaks tucked in a quiet neighborhood.

-A great investment opportunity and perfect starter home, complete with hardwood floors and a mudroom.

8 St. Michaels Alley, sold May 2017. Photo courtesy of Carriage Properties, LLC.

While the world of luxury real estate can truly be a competitive environment, it seems that our very own Charles “Chuck” Sullivan has come out on top once again. For Charleston County’s 2017 sales year, Charles had the greatest total sales of any single agent for homes listed at $500,000 and higher. While transactions are usually the measure of the profession, there is much more to the luxury market than sales. The Charleston market often deals with hundreds of years worth of history, delicate architecture, and a growing population of affluent residents who appreciate being “stewards” of ownership.

17 Legare Street, sold March 2017. Photo courtesy of Carriage Properties, LLC.

For the 2017 sales year alone, Sullivan managed to close over 80 million dollars worth of real estate within Charleston county. This includes 38 Church, otherwise known as “The George Keenan House” or the “George Keenan Brick House,” though not to be confused with another mansion in Wisconsin. This particular home was built around 1812 by shopkeeper George Keenan, and later purchased and renovated by Dr. Vincent LeSeigneur in 1814, who added two adjacent lots to create the unique garden pictured below. The property was then sold in the early 1900’s to the Hopkins/Lebby families, who owned the home for roughly 125 years.

The garden of 38 Church, the “George Keenan House,” sold July 2017. Photo courtesy of Carriage Properties, LLC.

The average price for the homes Sullivan has sold sits at roughly 2 million dollars or more. In any luxury market, this is no easy feat. Whether his clients are trying to sell a quaint two bedroom cottage or finding a luxurious multi-million dollar home, Charles continues to go above and beyond for all of his clients.

Chuck Sullivan. Photo courtesy of Carriage Properties, LLC.

As one of the six founding members of Carriage Properties, he says it is a pleasure to stay on top of his game. While Charles sets the bar high for agents in the office and in the Charleston area, he encourages those around him to dedicate themselves and work hard to achieve their personal goals. His ability to be readily available to a client in need, despite the busy schedule he creates for himself, sets him apart. We are all very proud of his accomplishments during the last year.

Jan 13-Jan 15

Photo courtesy of the South Carolina Aquarium.

The South Carolina Aquarium will be offering buy-one-get-one 50% off ticket sales from Saturday, January 13 to Monday, January 15. This discount only applies to tickets purchased at the gate and are intended for same-day use. More information can be found at the SC Aquarium website, including other exhibits and contact information.

Jan 18

Photo courtesy of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra presents “Gershwin and Bernstein Take New York,” a night dedicated to the works of George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein. The performance begins at 7pm. For more information about ticket sales and an in-depth description of the performance, visit the Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s website.

Jan 18-Jan 21

Photo courtesy of the Charleston Jazz Festival.

The 4th Annual Charleston Jazz Festival will begin on Saturday, January 18. This year’s festival features performances by many of the world’s best known jazz musicians, including a much anticipated performance by Jazz Legend, Kenny G. A full calendar of events can be found here.

Jan 21

Photo courtesy of East Cooper Meals on Wheels.

East Cooper Meals on Wheels will be holding their 5th Annual Oyster Roast, “Oysters in the Outback.” The event is 1-4 pm. Sunday, January 21 at the Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant. Tickets are on sale through the ECMoW website, as well as information regarding vendors and musical guests. This is an event for the whole family!

 

Jan 11-Jan 21

Photo courtesy of Restaurant Week South Carolina.

2018’s Restaurant Week South Carolina is currently underway in Charleston! Visit the Lowcountry’s best restaurants for unbelievable deals. Participating restaurants include 5 Church, Poogan’s Smokehouse, Fleet Landing, and more! A full list of eateries are available on the Restaurant Week website.

Jan 1-Feb 1

Photo courtesy of Charleston Museum.

Throughout the month of January, view the incredible art of Charleston and learn about the city’s vast history during this month-long Museum Mile event. Ticket purchases must be made in person at a Charleston Visitor Center: centers are Downtown, in North Charleston and in Mount Pleasant. Prices can be found here, along with a full list of participating museums.

Ongoing

Photo courtesy of Slightly North of Broad.

Although Slightly North of Broad is currently undergoing renovations, Charleston’s locals and visitors may still dine with S.N.O.B. during their special Lunch Take Over! Through January 25th, visit High Cotton on East Bay Street for a special S.N.O.B. lunch menu.

Above is just one of the gorgeous properties within Selkirk Plantation, located on Leadenwah Creek (Wadmalaw Island). As a much more recent plantation to have graced the Lowcountry, the entirety of Selkirk Plantation is currently about 19 years old.

Due to the property’s youth, not much is known about the plantation. During its time, it has been developed into a neighborhood and houses the spectacular waterfront property in the photos.

This fine property consists of two separate lots (#11 and #12). The main house with attached guest suite is located on Lot 11, which contains a total of 50 acres (21 acres of high land plus 29 acres of tidal marsh).  On the high land sits an island where the main house and dock are located, which can be accessed via private bridge.

A party barn sits on the remaining 6 acres, to the left of the bridge. This building is the perfect spot for a family oyster roast, a rustic wedding, or a fun company kick-back.

For more information about this property within Selkirk Plantation, view the Carriage Properties website.

 

This is the historic William Seabrook House. Located on Steamboat Creek, the property lies just south of Charleston, South Carolina on Edisto Island. While tales of Edisto Island ghosts are many, it is unknown whether or not this property has ghosts of its own.

 The property has majestic natural views and covers of Spanish Moss, surrounded by water measuring at approximately forty feet deep. In case the single-island life does not meet expectation, the beautiful islands of Kiawah and Seabrook are only a short boat ride away.

Built in 1810 by William Seabrook, the Federal-style plantation comes complete with a grand double-staircase designed by James Hoban, the architect of the White House.

In addition to the gorgeous main house, the property holds two guest houses, two docks, a caretaker’s house, a tea house and dock, and greenhouses. The vast property has been managed for hunting and recreational activities since the early 1930’s, and was originally a Sea Island cotton plantation.

For a brief timeline of the plantation’s history and a chance to explore other historical plantations, visit the South Carolina Plantations website.

 

 

 

All photos are property of Carriage Properties, LLC. One must obtain authorization before using the photos.

The Preservation Society of Charleston will soon be hosting its 64th Carolopolis Awards on January 25, 2018. Please join Carriage Properties as we sponsor the ceremony for the tenth time! This event recognizes Charleston’s buildings in categories such as exterior rehabilitation and total restoration of historic structures, and new construction in the Holy City. Following the awards ceremony, there will be food, drink, and live music.

Visit the Preservation Society’s website here for more information about this year’s award categories, the Preservation Society of Charleston, and how to get tickets. Ticket sales allow the Society to continue recognizing, protecting, and advocating for Charleston’s historic buildings and grounds.

Behind the highly-skilled agents at Carriage Properties, there is an equally hardworking group of individuals helping the office run on a daily basis. The team of professionals in our office are certainly an eclectic group, and despite how hectic the days may be, the office always manages to run like clockwork.

Meet the members of our administrative team below!

 

Jamie Kennedy, pictured right, with family.

Jamie Kennedy–Graphic Designer, Marketing

Jamie started at Carriage Properties in February of 2007. His job within the company is to create all the ads, brochures, postcards, etc–everything you pick up with our logo on it is likely the result of Jamie’s handiwork. Before coming to Charleston, he worked at Bluegrass Signs in Kentucky. This is where Jamie first started working in Graphic Design, and his passion for seeing reactions to the end result has continued to grow. Jamie has seen quite a bit of travel in his life: born in Georgia, he ultimately stayed in the Charleston area after being stationed at the Charleston Air Force Base. Father of four, he enjoys playing football with his sons and learning the Irish language with his daughters. The biggest piece of advice that Jamie would give to future graphic designers is this: “Give the client what they need to accomplish their goals. Not every project is meant to be a work of art. When [he] was taking art classes, many failed assignments because they did what they wanted and not what the professor wanted. Don’t be concerned with creating a work of art–create a piece of work that meets the client’s needs.”

 

Kaycee Houge, pictured right, with her Sigma Kappa “Little Sister.”

Kaycee Houge–Receptionist, Administrative Assistant

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she was nicknamed “Kaycee/KC” by classmates when she moved to the Charleston area. Having parents born in the former Charleston Naval Hospital, Kaycee has certainly been claimed by the locals as one of their own. A recent graduate of the College of Charleston and the newest member of the Carriage Properties team, Kaycee is the first face you’ll see when you walk into the office. In addition to greeting agents and guests, Kaycee is also the newest voice behind the Carriage Properties blog–including this post! When asked what piece of advice she would give her peers, Kaycee states that “it certainly helps having connections; even if you don’t have connections, you can’t be afraid to practice your networking skills. If there’s a position you wish to hold in a company, it is crucial to introduce yourself, be present, and work hard until the position becomes yours.”

 

Kelly Fitzpatrick pictured at Stonhenge in 2011.

Kelly Fitzpatrick–Administrative Manager

Kelly is a Charleston native and new owner of recently opened Oakley Honey Farms, a beautiful and unique combination of a bee farm, goat farm, and event venue. She has been working with Carriage Properties, LLC since May 2003, making this coming year her fifteenth with the company. Originally drawn in to the real estate business with an accounting position, Kelly stays for the variety of personalities within the office, in addition to the history and architecture of the city where she was born and raised. When asked what one piece of advice she would give to someone interested in a similar position, she says one should “be prepared to hear a lot of constructive criticism. There are a number of Type ‘A’ personalities in the world of real estate, and it is important to adapt accordingly.”

 

Kristy Nobles, pictured right, with her husband.

Kristy Nobles–Executive Administrative Assistant

Kristy is originally from Laurens, SC and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She joined the Carriage Properties team in 2008 after moving to Charleston with her husband. The team at Carriage Properties has been a perfect fit for her, as each agent displays a dynamic personality and strong work ethic. Kristy enjoys the flexibility of the real estate business and appreciates the unique history of the Downtown Charleston property market. Her advice to those interested in a similar career path with real estate is to work hard and adapt quickly.

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