81 Rutledge Avenue

The Sottile-Glover Mansion is an exceptional building, which is listed in the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. The first recorded sale of 81 Rutledge Avenue, then known as 6 Rutledge Street, was in 1775.Estate OverviewThree buildings on 79 & 81 Rutledge AvenueMain building (built in 1826) - a grand residence ideal for entertaining, featuring large rooms and piazzasOriginal house (pre-1775) - now divided into:Four-bedroom long-term rentalTwo-bedroom short-term rentalThird building - former carriage house with three stories, now used for storageAmple parking availablePrime location - Walking distance to MUSC, King Street, Colonial Lake, Broad Street, and the College of CharlestonProperty Description " Carriage house (third building) " Originally housed carriages, a community room for servants, and seven small bedrooms " Middle house (original house) " Built before 1775, constructed using wooden pegs " Now divided into rental units " Main house " Built in 1826 by Dr. J. Glover with 18-36 inch thick brick walls " Formerly served as the Italian consulate " Original painted ceilings deteriorated, but gold leaf cornices in the living and dining rooms remain " Cornices were custom-made in France to fit windows, mirrors, and French doors Historical Significance " First recorded sale in 1775 - included the building now used as rental property " 1826 - Mansion built by Dr. Joseph Glover (1740-1840), a respected physician and advocate for urban greenery " Later ownership " Arthur Gordon Rose (1794-1880) - President of the Bank of Charleston " Early 1900s - Used as a school for girls, later purchased by the Benjamin Moise family " 1906 - Bought by Giovanni Sottile, Italian Consul, who added Italianate details " Hosted King Victor Emanuel of Italy " 1991 - Passed to Carmelina Sottile Thompson " 1999 - Purchased by the current owners Architectural & Preservation Details " Mid-19th & early 20th century - Italianate embellishments and ironwork added " Front doors feature ornate grille work, similar to those at 1 Broad Street (possibly linked to banker Arthur G. Rose) " Hand-carved vestibule door with fruit relief, made in England " Kitchen renovated in 2023 - New cabinets and appliances " Original floor plan remains intact - Owners prioritize historic integrity " Structural enhancements " Air conditioners added to rooms without them " Sump pump system installed to prevent flooding " Survived earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and war Gardens & Atmosphere " Ideal for entertaining - Hosted numerous parties, charity events, and musical gatherings " Lush gardens with over 80-year-old sago palms " Other plantings include loquats, pomegranates, camellias, hydrangeas, and azaleas, cared for by the current owner This historic Charleston estate offers a blend of grandeur, history, and tranquility, preserving its architectural and cultural heritage.