20 South Battery, Charleston, SC 29401

Property Description

Boasting stunning waterfront views from the Battery, the Stevens-Lathers House is a handsome mansion overlooking White Point Garden and the southernmost tip of the historic peninsula and dates back to the antebellum period of the 1840's. It is also home to the 11 room, fully licensed and grandfathered Battery Carriage House Inn.This imposing 4 story brick residence and inn is one of the finest and most important properties in Charleston and has been rated by the City of Charleston as a Category 1 house. The original Greek Revival home with dependencies was built in 1843 by Samuel N. Stevens, and in 1874 was renovated, in the Second Empire style, by millionaire South Carolinian Col. Richard Lathers. Lathers moved back south after the war and acquired this elaborate estate with the intention of reunifying the North and the South. His transformation included adding a grand ballroom measuring 25 x 40 with an 18 foot pressed tin ceiling. In addition, a fourth floor was added, which housed an impressive library with views of Ft. Sumter, the intersecting Rivers, and the steepled view of the Peninsula. He also improved the property with a 2-story addition, but unfortunately was unable to improve the relations between the North and South. Unsuccessful in his reunification efforts, he sold the property after only 4 years. The dependencies were transformed into The Battery Carriage House Inn in 1970 and the property has continued to be in use as a residence and Inn since that time. Among notable uses, the property was used in the filming of the North and South miniseries. Most of the 1st and 2nd period architecture is still represented in the plaster cornices, Greek Revival columns, and door surrounds decorated with Anthemia leaves. The sweeping, oval staircase with Empire Newel post still remains. This home awaits a new steward to live in as a residence, or maintain the mixed use with a charming seven to eleven room Inn.