41 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Property Description

The Albert W. Todd House.This 3-story, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath Colonial Revival home was built in 1909 as the architect's personal residence. Situated on the highest lot at "the bend in Church Street" (one of the most picturesque and photographed locations in the historic district), it boasts views to White Point Gardens and the Ashley River beyond. A to-the-studs renovation in 2008-2009 updated all wiring, HVAC and plumbing systems and added new fireplace surrounds, 2 Rinnai tankless hot water heaters and one additional hot water heater. The remodel retained the historic fabric of the house while making the floorplan open and functional for modern living. The home is constructed of unique spatterdash stucco with a Ludowici red tile roof. Graceful porches with Ionic and Corinthiancolumns adorn the facade. The house sits on a raised foundation that provides abundant storage as well as tandem parking for golf carts or compact cars. The rear of the garage includes a potting area with sink and opens to the garden behind the house. Mid-garage contains an elevator shaft complete with conduits and floor cutouts through to the second floor for potential elevator installation. The house was cleverly built to take full advantage of the length of its lot. Entering the house through an impressive set of double doors you find yourself in a mirrored vestibule with a colorful original tiled floor. The interior door is surrounded by striking leaded glass sidelights and a fanlight. Inside, the original dark hardwood floors, woodwork, and architectural details shine. The first floor has 11' ceilings and all rooms are flooded with natural light from southern exposure which is enhanced by transoms over most interior doors. At the front of the house is a formal living room with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the front piazza and provide views down Church Street to White Point Gardens. A gas coal basket fireplace with black and gold Portoro marble surround and delicate Adam-style mantle is another focal point. Altogether, the home has 8 fireplaces (6 working) and every room has access to a porch. The foyer features a soaring 3-story main staircase, a walk-in windowed coat closet, a door for gaining interior access to the garage below and half bath with a locked cedar closet. The spacious formal dining room is bordered by built-in bookcases and a ladder that give the space the atmosphere of a library. There is a chic wet bar/wine room hidden behind one of the bookcases which contains a hammered silver sink, two Fisher Paykel dishwasher drawers and a wine cooler. The Portoro marble counters in the wet bar match the fireplace surround in the dining room. The dining room also has a gas coal basket fireplace. The dining room is separated from the kitchen by original 10' pocket doors. The open eat-in kitchen has a custom walnut parquet island, custom cabinets, Calacatta Gold marble countertops, Rohl fixtures and a walk-in pantry. The large refrigerator and dishwasher are concealed within the cabinetry. It also features Thermador double wall ovens and gas cooktop. The gas log fireplace retains the original tile surround. Beyond the kitchen is a family room with another gas log fireplace and a private back staircase that leads to the guest suite. An office nook and screened porch overlook the charming courtyard garden behind the house. Here, old brick hardscaping, a vine-covered brick wall, and the stucco over exposed brick side of the neighboring carriage house create charm as well as privacy. The outdoor space has an ideal mix of sun and shade. It features a koi pond with fountain and has room for a plunge pool should you wish to install one. The second floor has 10' ceilings. To the left of the stairs is a large front bedroom with a walk-in closet, en suite bath with Waterworks fixtures and a fireplace. The floor-to-ceiling windows lead out to another porch with views looking down Church Street to White Point Gardens. Across the stair hall is the master suite which features large his and hers walk-in closets and a working fireplace with Calacatta marble surrounds.The luxurious master bath has a 6'x6' shower, Waterworks soaking tub and fixtures and a working coal basket gas fireplace. Calacatta Gold marble forms the floors, shower tiles and sink surrounds. Even the bath features access to a private porch. Adjacent to the master bath through a "concealed" door is the laundry and storage room and it connects to the guest suite. The sunny guest bedroom has a fireplace with a grand marble surround and mantle. Both the bedroom and en suite bath open onto yet another private porch that overlooks the garden. The guest suite can be locked off from the master bedroom and accessed from the back staircase for privacy. The back stairs also lead to a third floor attic storage area. Separate from the attic and accessed from main staircase are 2 third-floor bedrooms and one bathroom. The front bedroom currently functions as a playroom or media room. It has 3 built-in sofas/beds with drawer storage underneath. The center bedroom has a lovely alcove bed built into the dormer with a trundle beneath. This cozy nook has delightful views of St. Michaels steeple.