There’s something magical about strolling through Charleston’s historic district and catching a glimpse of those iconic single houses.
With their narrow frames, side porches, and timeless charm, they’ve completely won me over. These homes were built to catch the breeze, but they also somehow catch your heart.
They’re full of character, quirks, and stories that span generations. I can’t help but imagine sipping sweet tea on one of those porches, watching the world go by.
1. 171 Broad Street
Located on one of Charleston’s most prestigious streets, this classic single house showcases the perfect blend of history and livability. The distinctive side piazza offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of downtown.
Inside, original heart pine floors tell stories of centuries past while updated kitchens and bathrooms provide modern comfort. The private walled garden creates a secret oasis in the heart of the city.
2. 123 Tradd Street (Charles Graves House)
Built in 1802, the Charles Graves House stands as a testament to Charleston’s enduring architectural legacy. If walls could talk, these would share tales of the city’s tumultuous past and the generations who’ve called this address home.
The house features quintessential Charleston details – working shutters, elaborate ironwork, and a welcoming piazza.
Surrounded by ancient oaks and camellias, this single house captures the essence of Lowcountry living.
3. 44 King Street (John McKee House)
Sometimes the best treasures are hidden in plain sight! The John McKee House sits proudly on lower King Street, offering a glimpse into Charleston’s golden era.
Its perfectly preserved exterior features classic dentil molding and distinctive Charleston green shutters. The side garden bursts with heirloom roses and jasmine, creating a fragrant welcome.
Though modest in width, the home extends deeply into the lot, revealing surprisingly spacious rooms connected by an elegant central staircase.
4. 5 Logan Street
Nestled on a quiet street south of Broad, this gem embodies Charleston’s architectural harmony. The welcoming piazza offers the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails while watching the neighborhood stroll by.
Original cypress paneling graces the formal rooms, while the kitchen opens to a brick courtyard dotted with potted citrus trees.
Few homes capture the essence of Charleston living as perfectly as this Logan Street beauty with its blend of privacy and connection.
5. 172 Tradd Street
Perched on storied Tradd Street, this single house radiates southern hospitality from every carefully preserved detail.
The double-height piazza catches cooling breezes just as it did centuries ago when this architectural style first appeared in the Holy City. Original wood floors show the gentle patina that only 200+ years of footsteps can create.
The courtyard garden features a small fountain whose gentle splashing sound drifts through open windows, creating nature’s own air conditioning during sultry Charleston summers.
6. 45 Church Street
You can almost hear horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping past this magnificent Church Street single. Dating to the late 1700s, the house retains original fireplace surrounds and window glass that subtly distorts views in that distinctive way only antique glass can.
The kitchen opens to a walled garden where century-old camellias bloom from November through March.
Located just steps from the harbor, this home offers the quintessential Charleston experience – history, beauty, and proximity to both water and the city’s finest restaurants.
7. 1 Murphy’s Court
Hidden down a charming brick alley, this delightful single house offers a rare combination of seclusion and convenience.
The compact footprint demonstrates why Charleston singles became popular – they maximize natural ventilation while minimizing exposure to direct sunlight.
Original beadboard ceilings crown rooms filled with natural light from tall windows. Though more modest than some grand singles, this Murphy’s Court treasure proves good things come in small packages.
8. Ann Peacock House
History buffs will fall head over heels for the Ann Peacock House, one of Charleston’s oldest surviving singles.
The front door, positioned on the side as is traditional for Charleston singles, features original hardware that has welcomed visitors for over 260 years.
Inside, the wide-plank pine floors slope gently with age, while the original cooking fireplace remains in the kitchen. Though updated for modern living, this home retains authentic details that connect today’s residents with Charleston’s colonial past.
9. Douxsaint House
French Huguenot influence shines through in the elegant Douxsaint House. The distinctive Charleston single layout takes on a special charm here with hand-carved woodwork and original plaster ceiling medallions that showcase European craftsmanship.
The piazza overlooks a formal garden divided into quarters in the French style. Even the kitchen maintains historic elements while incorporating modern conveniences. For those who appreciate the blending of cultures that created Charleston’s unique identity, this house represents the perfect embodiment of that special fusion.
10. Thomas Legare House
Walking through the Thomas Legare House feels like stepping into a living history book. Each room tells stories of Charleston’s past, from Revolutionary War days through the antebellum period and beyond.
The double drawing rooms feature original cypress paneling and working fireplace mantels carved by local craftsmen. Out back, the dependencies once housed kitchen and servants’ quarters but now serve as charming guest accommodations.
Few homes in America maintain such authentic connections to our nation’s earliest days.
11. Historic Pink Charleston Single House
Nothing says Charleston quite like a pastel-colored single house! This rosy-hued beauty showcases why these homes remain so beloved – the practical design creates natural air conditioning through cross-ventilation from the piazza.
Ornate ironwork adorns the side entry gate, while inside, tall ceilings and original crown moldings create an atmosphere of airy elegance.
The garden features Charleston’s famous sweetgrass and native palmetto trees. Painted in a traditional Charlestonian pink, this home proves historic doesn’t have to mean stuffy.
12. Society Street Brick Single House
Brick singles represent a distinctive variation on Charleston’s signature architectural style. This Society Street example showcases beautiful Flemish bond brickwork that has weathered hurricanes and earthquakes for over two centuries.
The interior features exposed brick walls alongside plaster, creating wonderful textural contrast. A spiral staircase winds elegantly between floors, conserving precious square footage.
The rooftop deck offers panoramic views of church steeples and the harbor beyond – a modern addition that respects the home’s historic character.
13. 1840s Charleston Single House Renovated By This Old House
When the popular TV show “This Old House” tackled this 1840s single, they revealed the perfect marriage of preservation and modernization. Original heart pine floors were carefully restored while crumbling plaster walls were rebuilt using traditional methods.
The kitchen now features state-of-the-art appliances housed in cabinetry designed to complement the home’s Greek Revival details. Upstairs, bathrooms blend period-appropriate fixtures with modern conveniences. Thanks to meticulous documentation of the renovation process, this house serves as inspiration for historic home lovers everywhere.
14. Charleston Single House Renovated By Betsy Berry
Interior designer Betsy Berry breathed new life into this classic single house by honoring its bones while infusing fresh energy. Bold wallpaper choices complement rather than compete with original architectural details.
The piazza now serves as an outdoor living room with comfortable seating and potted plants creating a lush atmosphere. Berry’s signature mix of antiques with contemporary pieces demonstrates how historic homes can feel thoroughly modern.
Her thoughtful approach proves these narrow houses can accommodate today’s lifestyle without sacrificing character.
15. 1838 Charleston Single House Restored By Kate Towill
Kate Towill’s restoration approach celebrates imperfection as part of authentic character. In this 1838 single, she preserved the gentle slopes of floors and slight irregularities in plaster that tell the home’s long story.
The kitchen features reclaimed materials alongside modern necessities, while bathrooms blend vintage fixtures with contemporary touches.
Throughout the house, Towill maintained original window glass wherever possible, appreciating how its waves and bubbles filter Charleston’s famous light. Her respect for the home’s patina creates spaces that feel genuinely lived-in rather than museum-like.