A few summers back, we took a road trip to the Southeast, and after visiting Charlotte, we arrived in beautiful Charleston. At the time, we were “researching” possible retirement destinations including Savannah and beyond. I was one very wide-eyed, swooning flâneur* as we strolled Meeting, Church, and Battery Streets, absorbing inspiration from historical homes near White Point Gardens (aka “The Battery”). Sooooo much more than pretty old houses. Indeed, these architectural wonders somehow remain intact after natural disasters and war. Join me as as we revisit Historic Charleston Mansions and Gardens of the Battery.
* flâ·neur/fläˈnər/. From the French noun flâneur, it means “stroller,” “lounger,” “saunterer,” or “loafer.” Flânerie is the act of strolling, with all of its accompanying associations…a near-synonym is ‘boulevardier’.
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-13.jpg)
Photos: Hello Lovely Studio (unless otherwise noted)
Charleston Mansions and Gardens of the Battery
What is the Charleston Battery? An area of the city at one time home to a battery of canons along the seawall. The battery protected Charleston as well as mansions near the wall. It’s home to White Point Garden, Charleston’s first public park where you can enjoy: live oaks, palmetto trees, views of Charleston harbor, historical monuments, peaceful benches, and…
![Night heron. Near the Battery and White Point Gardens area of Charleston, we strolled the streets of magnificent historic homes with breathtaking architecture and gardens. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-white-gardens-night-heron-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
…lovely night herons. Oh, they were my favorite feature of the park along with the oaks!
![Live oak trees. Near the Battery and White Point Gardens area of Charleston, we strolled the streets of magnificent historic homes with breathtaking architecture and gardens. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-white-gardens-trees-hello-lovely-studio-2.jpg)
![Gazebo. Near the Battery and White Point Gardens area of Charleston, we strolled the streets of magnificent historic homes with breathtaking architecture and gardens. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-battery-pavillion-01.jpg)
Historic Charleston House Exteriors
What style of homes can you expect to see in the area? The historic homes I strolled by hail from the pre-Revolutionary, Antebellum, and Victorian periods.
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-14.jpg)
How big are these Charleston mansions? These are not tiny summer homes! Even though many were built as summer homes for wealthy plantation owners, I was surprised by their square footage.
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-15.jpg)
The largest home is 20,000 square feet.
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-16.jpg)
![Healing quote from Jeff Foster on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes #healingquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HEALING-QUOTE-jeff-foster-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Pretty porch decor from Pottery Barn with sage green plant stand and vintage style pots - Hello Lovely Studio. #porchdecor #plantstands](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pretty-porch-decor-hello-lovely-studio-banner-pottery-barn.jpg)
What Does it Cost to Live Here?
How much do Charleston mansions here cost? Sometimes more than $1,000 per square foot. Get a feel for the style from one of my favorite homes:
![Hello Lovely Basket Love - pretty baskets for decor, serving, and organization. #frenchbaskets #basketideas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hello-lovely-basket-love-resources-banner.jpg)
1762 Charleston Home for Sale: Dewar Lee Pringle House
The Dewar Lee Pringle House, circa 1762, is an exquisite four-story Charleston Single house located on one of the most iconic streets in downtown Charleston. Just shy of technically being a “mansion,” it is 4,949 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 6 baths.
![Charleston's Dewar-Lee-Pringle historic mansion built in 1762 at 92 Tradd St. #charlestonexterior](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dewar-lee-pringle-house-1762-charleston-mansion.jpg)
At the time I penned this, the price had been slashed a half million dollars! This stately home uniquely blends Greek and Egyptian Revival styles with large, elegant rooms, seven fireplaces, fine moldings, and original heart pine flooring.
![Charming black and white checkered porch floor at the historic Dewar-Lee-Pringle house built in 1762. #charlestonhomes #charlestonporch #charlestonpiazza](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dewar-lee-pringle-house-1762-charleston-mansion-3.jpg)
A three-tiered piazza and a rooftop deck overlook a luxurious garden with a private drive and parking for four cars.
![Beautiful award winning garden in Charleston's Dewar-Lee-Pringle house built in 1762. #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dewar-lee-pringle-house-1762-charleston-mansion-5.jpg)
Extensively renovated over the past few years, this incredible masterpiece provides owners with modern luxuries while honoring its storied history.
![Beautiful award winning garden in Charleston's Dewar-Lee-Pringle house built in 1762. #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dewar-lee-pringle-house-1762-charleston-mansion-11.jpg)
This home is located on a picturesque street in the prime location of South of Broad known for its tree-lined sidewalks, lovingly maintained gardens, and stunning architecture of preserved homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
![Gorgeous built-in wet bar with sage green cabinetry and wallpaper - located in Charleston's Dewar-Lee-Pringle house built in 1762. #charlestoninteriors #traditionalstyle #wetbar](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dewar-lee-pringle-house-1762-charleston-mansion-10.jpg)
Many homes boast intricate architectural details, including ironwork, multiple piazzas, and grand columns. Meticulous private wall gardens, brick courtyards, and bubbling fountains complement the magnificent residences.
![Cheerful bright blue whimsical wallpaper in a traditional bedroom at Dewar-Lee-Pringle house built in 1762. #charlestoninteriors #bluebedrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dewar-lee-pringle-house-1762-charleston-mansion-6.jpg)
I could move right into this beautiful home with its traditional, tasteful, timeless designs. While the home is magnificent, it also feels very livable. (The tile in the shower below is the same tile we put in our kitchen, pantry, and laundry room!)
![Gorgeous classic white bath with calacatta marble tiled shower in Charleston's Dewar-Lee-Pringle house buit in 1762. #charlestonhomes #classicbathdesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dewar-lee-pringle-house-1762-charleston-mansion-13.jpg)
Named after the many prominent Charleston families who owned it before, the Dewar-Lee-Pringle House, at 92 Tradd Street, is a relic of Charleston history. Charles Dewar built this house shortly after purchasing the lot in 1762.
![Charleston's Dewar-Lee-Pringle historic mansion built in 1762 at 92 Tradd St. #charlestonexterior](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/dewar-lee-pringle-house-1762-charleston-mansion-14.jpg)
And don’t get me started on that rooftop deck! The views must be stunning.
![Classic & Coastal mood board by Hello Lovely with home decor resources to score a stunning seaside retreat inspired look. #coastaldecor #classicinteriordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/classic-coastal-hello-lovely-studio-mood-board-banner.jpg)
Historic Charleston Homes to Admire
What notable antebellum mansions will woo you? The Louis DeSaussure House, George Chisholm House, William Washington House, Edmonston-Alston House, Colonel John A.S. Ashe House, Charles Drayton House, Roper House, James Spear House, Colonel John Ashe House, William Ravenel House, and Villa Margherita.
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-17.jpg)
Quotes from Charlestonians
You know I love collecting inspirational, humorous, and whimsical quotes, so those in this post have a common thread running through them: they are by Charleston hometowners.
![Humorous quote by Bill Murray on a grey ground on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-bill-murray-taxes.jpg)
Lush Charleston Window Boxes
Even when the color story is retrained, it’s breathtaking!
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-7.jpg)
Don’t you love those lush leaves the size of your head?
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-8.jpg)
![Whimsical and poignant quote by Pat Conroy on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-pat-conroy-saints.jpg)
Lovely Charleston Secret Gardens
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-11.jpg)
![Whimsical and poignant quote by Pat Conroy on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-pat-conroy-books.jpg)
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-10.jpg)
![Humorous quote by Bill Murray on a grey ground on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-bill-murray-dogs.jpg)
Carriage Ride in Charleston
Since this visit to Charleston entailed only a single day downtown, we didn’t have time for an architectural tour beyond the wonderful historical carriage ride tour we took with Palmetto Carriage Works.
![Palmetto Carriage wedding carriage ride in Charleston, SC. #palmettocarriage](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/001-carriage-ride-palmetto.jpg)
![Life quote from Christina Baldwin on Hello Lovely Studio. #uncertaintyquote #lifequotes #encouragementquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LIFE-quote-uncertainty-encouratement-christina-baldwin-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
From a 4th generation Charlestonian former trial attorney, we learned so much about the history of Charleston, churches, earthquakes, alcohol consumption, architecture, gullah culture, and hauntings. Yes, hauntings.
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-9.jpg)
Fortunately, there was plenty of laughter on the tour too. When discussing a particular religious denomination and the love for drink in Charleston, he remarked “when two are more gathered, there’s always a fifth.”
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-10c.jpg)
![Humorous quote by Bill Murray on a grey ground on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-bill-murray-half-full.jpg)
Pretty Pops of Blooms on Stucco Homes
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-carriage-ride-hello-lovely-studio-2.jpg)
![Charleston's charming historic district is graced with architecturally magnificent homes, secret gardens, lush window boxes, and colorful design inspiration. Come enjoy this photo gallery with Historic Charleston Mansion Exteriors on Hello Lovely Studio. #charlestonhomes #charlestongardens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/charleston-historic-home-window-box-hello-lovely-studio-3.jpg)
Seafood, Please
We enjoyed a delicious casual lunch at Charleston Crab House.
![Galvanized bucket of crab legs at Charleston Crab House.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/001-charleston-crab-house.jpg)
![Whimsical and poignant quote by Pat Conroy on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-pat-conroy-recipe.jpg)
Inexpensive Stay Off the Beaten Path: Double Tree Hilton in North Charleston
Our vacation was spur of the moment when my husband’s schedule unexpectedly opened up and we winged it. No fancy hotels or quaint downtown airbnb for us since we held all of our plans loosely.
![We stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in North Charleston, and the room was immaculate and peacefully overlooking a forest. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hilton-doublletree-north-charleston-9.jpg)
We stayed at the Double Tree Hilton in North Charleston which was more than adequate.
![We stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in North Charleston, and the room was immaculate and peacefully overlooking a forest. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hilton-doublletree-north-charleston-8.jpg)
![Whimsical and poignant quote by Pat Conroy on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-pat-conroy-powerful-words.jpg)
Hotel details: 5264 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC 843.576.0300.
![We stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in North Charleston, and the room was immaculate and peacefully overlooking a forest. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hilton-doublletree-north-charleston-7.jpg)
I much prefer staying at a quiet property where trees (and not rowdy tourists) sway outside my windows.
![Inspirational quote by George Washington Carver on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-george-washington-carver.jpg)
![We stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in North Charleston, and the room was immaculate and peacefully overlooking a forest. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hilton-doublletree-north-charleston-4.jpg)
![Humorous quote by Bill Murray on a grey ground on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-bill-murray-pizza.jpg)
![We stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in North Charleston, and the room was immaculate and peacefully overlooking a forest. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hilton-doublletree-north-charleston-3.jpg)
![Humorous quote by Stephen Colbert on a grey ground on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-stephen-colbert-children.jpg)
102 Degrees To Remind Us Where We Are!
It was hot, and I’m always good with the heat even when my hair is not. But forget about capturing a relaxed selfie!
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8466.jpg)
![Humorous quote by Stephen Colbert on a grey ground on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/grey-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-stephen-colbert-breadwinners.jpg)
Eclectic Unexpected Lovely in a Renovated Charleston Home
Even if the unique interiors are not your style, I guarantee you will find inspiration from savvy creative dynamo, Jill Sharp Weeks.
Your turn. What do you love about the city? Let us know points of interest to not be missed.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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