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  • History Corner: Philip Simmons

    Philip Simmons is a Lowcountry legend – especially in the architecture community here in Charleston.  His work can be seen all over from The Smithsonian to China, but the mark he left on Charleston is simply unforgettable. He was born on June 8, 1912 on Daniel Island and moved to Charleston at the age of 8 to attend school (modern day’s Buist Academy).  He lived with his mother on Vernon Street (which was the center of all things craftsmen) and began gravitating toward the art of metalworking while walking to and from school everyday.  He gained his most valuable education from Peter Simmons (a local blacksmith, no relation) with whom he…

  • How to speak Charleston

    Here in Charleston, we have a very distinct dialect that can be quite confusing to our visitors.  You may have found yourself looking at different downtown Charleston street names and thinking “How in the world do I pronounce that?” Well don’t worry, you aren’t the only one.  Here’s a quick cheat sheet on how to pronounce some of those pesky names as well as some fun facts…   Barre – BARE • ree Isaac Barre was an Irishman who later become a prominent member of Parliament and ally to the American colonists. He has several streets named after him all along the east coast as well as the town of…

  • Upcoming Holiday Events in Charleston

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  Hopefully you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving because now Christmas is in full swing here in the Holy City.  From parades to Christmas lights to holiday art performances, Charleston has no shortage of holiday festivities for the entire family to enjoy.   Holiday Parade of Boats – December 9th 5-8pm Another beloved Lowcountry tradition, the Holiday Parade of Boats offers a dazzling display of lights as boats decorated for the season sail past the viewing docks. Part of the fun is attending the parade’s official viewing party! Located at the Charleston Maritime Center, guests can snack on festive foods and listen as…

  • The Story of Poinsett Street: Part 3

    It’s here! It’s here! It’s actually here!  Poinsett Street is on the market! After a long, obstacle filled road, the house is finished and I must say that it far exceeded expectations.  Everything from the fireplaces, to the staircase, to the mixture of new and old, this really is a one of a kind home.  Let us not forget the mother-in-law suite behind the main house.  There are so many options for it:  office, art studio, rental house , guest house, or you could tear it down for more space in the backyard.  So many possibilities!  You know what else is great about this house?  OFF STREET PARKING!  And yes,…

  • What are my costs? – Sellers Edition

    Spring time is here and with that typically comes an increase in homeowners ready to put their houses on the market. If you have been thinking about selling, here are some typical costs that are involved and some useful tips to help you get started: Before listing your home:  These are typically a matter of choice but they could be great investments to help make sure you get top dollar for your home Exterior Painting/Power Washing:  You would be amazed at how a fresh coat of paint or a quick power wash could spruce up the look of your home.  Depending on the size, these are the most cost effective. Landscape:…

  • The Story of Poinsett Street: Part 2

    Since we last left Poinsett Street,  the Board of Architectural Review gave the green light to proceed with restoring this home to glory once again.  As I mentioned before, this home had not been lived in for many, many years, so you can imagine how much debris needed to be removed both inside and out.  It was an “all hands on deck” project to say the least.  Fast forward a few months and the house that once looked like this: Turned into this: And then in less than a month, it looked like this: Huge difference, right?   The inside started coming together as well.  When it was originally purchased, it did not…

  • New Listing: Headquarters Plantation

    Are you looking for a neighborhood that can offer you space to build your dream home, gorgeous marsh views and privacy  while also being close to downtown Charleston?  If the answer is yes then maybe Headquarters Plantation (located on Headquarters Island) is the place for you.  Headquarters Plantation is a private, gated community on the Stono River between James and Johns Islands. Welcome to Headquarters Island! This could be the view you come home to everyday.  It does not get much better than this.   Aside from idyllic views, the location is what makes Headquarters Island noteworthy.  You could be to downtown Charleston in approximately 20 minutes while Folly Beach…

  • It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

    Hopefully you have recovered from your turkey hangover (and/or your alcohol hangover) because now it’s time to get ready for Christmas.  I love everything about Christmas:  decorating, shopping, spending time with family and friends, eating, drinking, and being merry.  It’s my most favorite time of year and I will admit, I am one of those people who starts listening to Christmas music in early November and our Christmas tree was decorated before Thanksgiving.  I can’t help it. I also enjoy everything Charleston has to offer during the Christmas season.  Here are some of my must-do’s for Christmas and New Years Eve:  Holiday Festival of Lights:  2016 marks the 27th Annual Holiday…

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  • The Top Ten Things to do in Charleston – Fall Edition

    Oh October, how lovely to see you finally!  I never thought I’d be so happy to turn off my AC and open all the windows but after the brutal summer we had, it is a welcomed change. Lately, I have had a multitude of people ask me  “What is there to do in Charleston in the Fall?” The answer:  So many I don’t even know where to begin!  The 40th Annual Fall Tour of Homes, History and Architecture: Organized by the Preservation Society of Charleston, The Fall Tour allows you to experience the absolute best of historic Charleston.  You’re able to tour different areas of historic Charleston each day while simultaneously…

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  • What September means to me…

    The month of September has many different meanings.  Maybe it’s your birthday month (if it is, you’re lucky to have sapphire as your birthstone).  Maybe you’re excited about the Fall season being right around the corner (I am currently sipping on a pumpkin spice latte while writing this).   For me, and most Southerners, September means FOOTBALL SEASON!  Yes sir, the sweet season of football is upon us so it’s time to get your jerseys out and put those tailgate recipes you’ve been Pinteresting all off season to good use because its time for family, friends, and FOOTBALL! Todd and I love football so much that he built a brick…