This Charleston Georgian Is Still A Beauty After 275 Years

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Take me to Church! This historic Charleston beauty is what we all need right now. Get your mind off the media and dive into the dreamy Capers-Motte House at 69 Church Street in Charleston’s desirable South of Broad neighborhood. Let’s peek inside, shall we?

A Charleston Prize Backing To Ford Court

First off, we are in awe of this Charleston treasure. In fact, the breathtaking restoration will make your jaw drop. Considering the residence is 275 years old, it is remarkable how the owners brought it to life. Period details and designer touches abound!

And while the renovation nods to the estate’s original character, it also manages to remain fresh and livable for modern-day. So much so, you may have a hard time discerning which is more appealing, the interiors or the outdoors.

The Charleston stunner sits on a lush .29-acre lot with abundant heirloom camelia bushes. Outside, it boasts five landscaped garden rooms, a pool, and high brick walls for ultimate privacy. All of this backs to Ford Court, making it a rarity indeed! 

Exquisite Main Residence, Plus A Guest House

The elegant main house affords seven-bedrooms, eight-bathrooms, and a light-filled 8,524 square feet. But you’ll also enjoy a two-bedroom, two-bathroom kitchen house, which is suitable for guests or live-in staff. 

Richly Appointed With Charleston Flair

The Category 1 Georgian double house has a stunning ballroom, a grand drawing room, and a cypress paneled library. But the 15 fireplaces with King of Prussia marble surrounds, delft tiles, plus bespoke millwork and moldings are sure to make you swoon.

Home To Politicians And Famous Artists Alike

Even more intriguing is the home’s history. Here is an excerpt from the listing, which provides the backstory in great detail. 

The fine property has been the home of several notable South Carolinians. Likely built by Richard Capers, the house was later purchased by Colonel Jacob Motte, who served as treasurer for the colony for 27 years. Meetings of the Commons House of Assembly were held in the house, likely in the second-floor drawing room, prior to the construction of the historic state house in 1791.

Motte’s son, also Jacob Motte, married Rebecca Brewton, daughter of goldsmith Robert Brewton and sister of Miles Brewton. In 1778, Colonel James Parsons occupied the house. He was a member of the Continental Congress and had been offered the vice presidency of South Carolina before the formation of the United States. The house was extensively damaged during the Civil War.

In 1869, the widow Eliza Middleton Huger Smith purchased the property, and restored it. Her granddaughter, Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, became Charleston’s first chronicler of the city’s architecture and is one of the most celebrated artists of the early 20th century Charleston Renaissance. Many of her watercolors and sketches depict scenes from the windows of 69 Church. Her book, The Dwelling Houses of Charleston, was published in 1917.

The house was purchased in 1969 by Anthony and Jessica Cecil, who restored it to its Georgian and Adam period appearance, and eventually ran a bed and breakfast at the house. The current owners purchased the house in 1998 and undertook extensive renovations to bring the house back to its current, and former, glory.

Now Is Your Chance To Own A Piece Of History

For just under $10 million, you can write the next chapter in this Georgian estate’s history. Are you up for the task? 

Mary Lou Wertz with Maison Real Estate has listed 69 Church Street, Charleston for $9.995 million.

Amy Puchaty

Amy Puchaty

Amy Puchaty is founder and principal writer of Amy Puchaty Communications, a freelance copywriting firm specializing in luxury real estate marketing. As a real estate writer and communications specialist, Amy's marketing campaigns and copywriting work have appeared in numerous print and digital publications including The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Inman News, The Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com