179 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Offered for the first time in fifty years this stately Italianate mansion at 179 Rutledge Avenue is listed in Category 1, "Exceptional" in the Historic Architecture Inventory of the City of Charleston. This home took 11 years to complete. Noted Charleston historian, Robert Stockton has written: The main home of well over 7,000 SF "was built for entertaining. The main floor has a suite of three large rooms, connected by wide openings. These rooms have coffered ceilings with elaborate plaster moldings and medallions, and frescoes. The high Victorian mantelpieces are of cast iron, bronze and brass, most unusual confections of classical and exotic Byzanto-Islamic detail." The ceiling height of the three ballrooms is 13 feet and each has the original crystal chandelier. The entry hallway, as well as the fireplace hearths are laid with the original fine English Minton tile. Elegance is throughout the home. A beautiful mahogany staircase leads to the second floor and three large bedrooms, including a 'master suite' and library. A second rear stairway accesses the third floor, two bedrooms and an office. Two grand piazzas extend across the south facade. At the rear of the property is a substantial carriage house 'shell' of about 2,000 SF in good structural condition, a full sized swimming pool (in-ground, salt system) a patio and pool house. This is an exceptional home, a 'time capsule' commented Stockton, that retains almost all of its original fine fabric and detail and one of the very few 19th century houses with original land of three lots. Features ten fireplaces, fine quarter sawn heart pine flooring throughout, solid walnut and mahogany doors, original elaborate brass hardware, large cisterns, nearly 2,000 SF of partially finished basement, almost .6 acre / three lots, landscaped garden, electronic gate, security system, newer electrical service and generator and ample off street parking. Listed square footage does not include 2,000 SF ground level of main house or carriage house. Please see a history of The Wagener House by Robert P. Stockton in the MLS. Current as of 2013-07-22.