30 Anson Street

The Edward McCrady House, circa 1839, is a substantial Greek Revival Charleston Single set on an exceptionally rare double lot in the heart of Ansonborough, offering the almost unheard-of ability to comfortably park five SUVs and a golf cart entirely off street, while still preserving substantial grounds for a pool, gardens and outdoor entertaining.Perhaps most remarkable for a residence approaching two centuries in age is its exceptional state of preservation. 30 Anson has been meticulously stewarded, with substantial investment directed toward the structural, exterior and infrastructure components of the property. This is not a historic home burdened by decades of deferred maintenance; rather, its exceptional bones and overall condition provide an unusually sound foundation for itsnext chapter. Its 4,158 square feet of historic architecture are distinguished by original heart pine floors, exposed historic masonry and commanding double piazzas, which were completely removed and reconstructed by Brett Elrod Construction in 2023. Designed by architect Amber Aument with structural engineering by Steven Caskie, the piazzas were rebuilt to historic standards in accordance with BAR requirements, incorporating new structural brick columns and additional steel reinforcement. Beyond the piazza reconstruction, the metal roof has been professionally resealed, a new gutter system and French drainage system installed, historic masonry restored and repointed, heart pine floors refinished, and numerous mechanical, environmental and interior improvements completed throughout the residence. The result is an extraordinarily well-maintained historic property where the opportunity ahead is principally one of design rather than restoration. A permit-ready conceptual renovation plan illustrates that potential, relocating the kitchen from the rear of the house to the central room on the second floor and placing it quite literally at the heart of the home. The existing kitchen could then become a formal dining room or fifth bedroom, with proposed glass doors opening directly to the piazza. The plans and photo renderings also contemplate renovated baths and thoughtfully built-out closets, creating a more functional modern floor plan while preserving the proportions and historic fabric that make the house exceptional. For a buyer, builder or investor, the value proposition is equally compelling. Renovated historic residences in Ansonborough have recently traded well above $1,300 per square foot, with exceptional examples approaching $1,500 per square foot. Against that backdrop, 30 Anson offers meaningful remaining upside without the deferred-maintenance profile so often associated with an unrestored historic residence. The heavy lifting of stewardship has already been undertaken; what remains is the opportunity to refine the interiors and grounds to an exceptional standard. Then there is the land. The double lot feels less like a traditional downtown backyard and more like a private event garden. Mature landscaping, historic surroundings and expansive open space create an extraordinary setting for entertaining. Even with parking for five SUVs and a golf cart, the property retains sufficient grounds to accommodate a pool and substantial outdoor living - an extraordinarily difficult combination to replicate in Ansonborough. Together with the reconstructed double piazzas, the property offers a scale of indoor-outdoor living seldom found in historic downtown Charleston. From the double piazzas, sweeping views extend across Charleston's historic rooflines to the iconic steeples of St. Philip's Church and St. Michael's Church - two enduring landmarks of the city's centuries-old skyline. At street level, the Charleston City Market, Dock Street Theatre, French Quarter, King Street, Waterfront Park and some of the city's most celebrated restaurants, galleries and cultural institutions are all within an easy walk. Here, Charleston's architecture, history and daily life are quite literally the surroundings. 30 Anson is already an important and exceptionally well-preserved Charleston residence. What makes it particularly rare is the combination: remarkable condition, a true double lot, extraordinary off-street parking, substantial private grounds, completely reconstructed double piazzas, meaningful capital improvements already completed, and a clear path to an exceptional next iteration. For the buyer who understands historic Charleston, the opportunity is difficult to replicate.