Posted on Charleston InsideOut, March 29, 2012 by Kristin B. Walker

Reprinted with permission of the author

As a jaded (spoiled) Downtown Charleston Realtor who has seen it all, it is rare that I walk into a home that inspires instant love and admiration. 113 Ashley Ave in Harleston Village, just had me go ‘ahhh’. Not only is it impeccably restored and set up for comfortable, everyday living, but also it is the perfect home for a medical professional with a family or one in bloom. At nearly 5,600 square feet, with 5 Bedrooms and a beautiful yard, here’s why I love it:

• Incredible history and attention to detail. The home was built circa 1800 by Thomas Bennett, mayor of Charleston and governor of South Carolina, and retains original moldings, mantles and more.
• Expansive wrap-around double piazzas that bring in a breeze off the Ashley River and shelter you from the sun.
• A bright, functional high-end kitchen with banquette seating that accesses the piazza overlooking the back yard. It is the perfect family gathering place.
• An entire floor for the “Masters” – with a large bedroom, stunning bathroom, sitting room and an additional room for either a nursery or an office.
• An entire floor for the kids. Tucked up under the eaves with three bedrooms, a bath and stunning views of the city, children can play and imagine to their hearts content.
• An entire floor for casual entertainment, or a mother-in-law or a grumpy teenager. The lowest floor of the house has beautiful slate floors, exposed brick and direct access to the back yard.
• A perfect carriage house situated in the corner of the lush, fenced yard. Currently used as a ‘man cave’, it is also a great art studio, playhouse, garage, or poolhouse if you want to put a pool in.
• Location, location, location. Now some might feel it is a little outside of the heart of Harleston Village and that it is not South of Broad (more on that below), but here’s where it is perfect for the medical professional with a family. Within a 3–4 block radius (read: walking distance), you’ll find:

• MUSC and Roper Hospital, as well as one of the top Children’s Hospitals in the country.
• Two of the best private schools in Downtown – Mason Prep and Ashley Hall
• Colonial Lake and Moultrie Park with its playground, tennis courts and baseball field.
• Your dentist (Dr. Timothy Liptak is the best!), your Dry Cleaners, a Rite Aid, a gourmet sandwich and wine shop, a 4-star restaurant for a romantic night out…
• And of course all of King Street (both Upper and Lower) is just a few blocks further.

Now, after all that, wouldn’t you like to see if the home is perfect for you? You are welcome to give me a call.

Regarding South of Broad:

There tends to be a South of Broad myopia – perhaps it is because the neighborhood is swathed in rich history, or because it is beautiful, or because it is the title of a Pat Conroy novel – I grant it all that. But I encourage everyone considering a home under $2,500,000 in Downtown Charleston to expand your search into Harleston Village, which has equal charm and amenities of its own. And you will certainly get much more home for your money there.

Home is listed by Carriage Properties and Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International.

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