$8,985,000 - 32 S Battery, Charleston

32 South Battery dominates the row of mansions known world-wide simply as The Battery. The Colonel John Ashe House, built around 1782 has been meticulously restored in every detail from the brick flooring in the basement to the gold sphere on top of the cupola. Listed in Category 1 - Exceptional - of the Historic Architecture Survey of 1972-73, which means that it is a building of the highest architectural design quality. This beautiful four story Charleston double house is located across from White Point Gardens with exceptional 360 degree views over rooftops, to Charleston Harbor, the Sullivans Island Lighthouse and Ft. Sumter from three piazzas and the cupola. The formal dining room illuminated by a series of wall sconces and Waterford crystal chandeliers can comfortably accommodate twenty-four for sit down dinners. The home's graceful staircase ascends three floors allowing access to the spacious, luxurious master suite boasting two baths, large sitting room and walk-in closet; a library/den with custom cabinetry for books and collectables; guest wings and nursery wing complete with back stairs down to kitchen. Other features include original heart pine flooring, exceptional woodwork, ornate dentil ceiling cornice, decorative mantles & wainscoting, six working fireplaces and gourmet kitchen with heartpine cabinetry, center island/breakfast bar & imported tiles. Of significant mention are the rare overmantel paintings, one an 18th century Italian landscape believed to be attributed to Giovanni Panini (1691-1765). The carriage house is a separate two story, 2BR/2BA 2092 sq. ft. brick house which has been fully restored. An electronic side gate provides added security. Enormous, beautifully landscaped private backyard with bricked courtyard provides the perfect outdoor entertaining and play area. The cupola is said to have served as an early lighthouse for Col. Ashe's ship captains bringing goods into the thriving colonial port of Charleston. With its wooden pegs in the original framing, Black Cypress exterior and rope-like detail in the paneling, the home is a tribute to the shipping industry. This home provides a unique opportunity to purchase a rare piece of America's earliest history.