The Chisolm-Alston House at 172 Tradd Street, Charleston, SC, is a spectacular Greek Revival estate, originally built in 1834 by Alexander Hext Chisolm and attributed to Prussian-trained architect Charles F. Reichardt. Meticulously restored with guidance from designer Carolyne Roehm, the home exudes status and historical significance, set amid Charleston’s iconic South of Broad neighborhood, a magnet for success-driven individuals. Its grand Corinthian columns, soaring 12-foot ceilings, spiral staircase, and lavish interiors marry rich heritage with contemporary luxury, while expansive live oak gardens further enhance its allure. Recently renovated and offered at $11,000,000, this property epitomizes future-focused living with functionality, prestige, and artistry, perfect for those seeking both legacy and modern comfort in a world-class setting.
Grand Front Porch
A stately Southern-style front porch greets visitors with its impressive Greek Revival columns and sweeping upper balcony, ideal for family gatherings or relaxing afternoons. The pristine white facade, paired with contrasting black shutters, gives the home a timeless, elegant appearance. Lush, manicured landscaping with neatly trimmed hedges, palm trees, and ornate shrubbery underscores the home’s inviting and secure atmosphere, great for children to play or for outdoor entertaining. Classic brick pathways wind through the garden, while intricate ironwork and decorative pineapple finials lend a welcoming, hospitable touch to this quintessential American home exterior.
Grand Staircase Entryway
A stunning entryway features a sweeping curved staircase with dark wooden treads and crisp white risers, seamlessly drawing the eye upward. The classic black and white checkerboard marble flooring offers a timeless feel, while vertical striped wallpaper in neutral tones adds height and sophistication to the space. An ornate console table with intricate carvings is complemented by a decorative mirror and elegant gold accents, providing both function and style. There’s a built-in niche showcasing a sculpture for an artful touch. The open and inviting layout makes this entry suitable for families and guests, blending grandeur with everyday practicality.
Formal Living Room
A stately formal living room featuring exquisite neoclassical design elements and a family-friendly conversational layout. Soft sage green walls set a calming tone, complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows dressed in breezy, striped drapes that flood the space with natural light. Elegant gold-trimmed sofas are adorned with vibrant fuchsia pillows, providing a pop of color and comfortable seating for the entire family. Ornate gilded mirrors and blue-and-white porcelain vases line the fireplace and accent tables, creating visual interest and a sense of history. Thoughtful decorative touches, such as chinoiserie cabinets and detailed molding, add timeless sophistication to this inviting gathering space.
Elegant Sitting Room
Flooded with natural light from tall, draped windows, this refined sitting room features a soft, powder blue and white palette that evokes calm and sophistication. Plush patterned ottomans and benches offer comfortable, family-friendly seating around an ornate, carved console table. Crown molding, detailed wall trim, and a stunning gold chandelier add architectural grandeur. Framed art and a large nature-inspired painting provide visual interest, while decorative mirrors and statues enhance the ambiance. The marble floor with checkered accents grounds the space, making it both elegant for guests yet inviting enough for family gatherings, reading, or leisurely afternoons.
Elegant Living Room
This living room exudes classic sophistication with its soft blue walls and white wainscoting, enhanced by grand floor-to-ceiling windows dressed in flowing white curtains with blue valance detailing. A plush patterned sofa sets the stage for comfort, complemented by antique-style side tables, a decorative fireplace console, and a stunning grandfather clock. The space feels airy and family-friendly, perfect for gatherings or relaxing afternoons, offering plenty of seating and open floor space. Gold accents, an ornate chandelier, and curated bird-themed art create a refined ambiance, while thoughtful touches like sculpted plants and whimsical sculptures add approachable charm and visual interest.
Library Dining Room
A beautiful blend of sophistication and comfort, this library dining room features an ornate white coffered ceiling and detailed moldings, paired with dark walls that showcase built-in bookshelves lined with an impressive array of volumes. An elegant white dining table, surrounded by carved chairs and comfortable seating for eight, sets a welcoming environment for family gatherings or study sessions. Warmth is added with rich brown carpeting and natural light streaming through tall windows. The centerpiece chandelier and gold-framed mirror add grandeur, while family-friendly elements such as sturdy furniture and ample table space make it perfect for children’s homework and group activities.
Library and Reading Table
A grand library room showcases full-height bookshelves lining the walls, filled with a curated selection of colorful books, art, and sculpture. The room is centered by an elongated white table, ideal for family gatherings, study, or group reading sessions. Decorative accents include ornate architectural moulding, an opulent gold chandelier with a red velvet shade, and classical artwork, giving the space an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere. Warm brown floors complement the crisp white walls and built-ins, while red-shaded brass lamps provide cozy lighting. Large mirrors and open doorways foster a sense of openness and connection to adjoining rooms, perfect for family interaction.
Formal Sitting Room
This elegant sitting room combines opulent traditional design with a family-friendly layout, offering a perfect space for gatherings and relaxation. The room features plush cream sofas and armchairs with delicate damask upholstery, inviting conversation and comfort. Large windows framed by full-length patterned drapes flood the room with natural light, while intricate crown molding and detailed wall paneling add architectural sophistication. Ornate wall art and a striking crystal chandelier provide focal points of classical charm. The neutral color palette enhances the airy atmosphere, and the open arrangement ensures it remains accessible and welcoming for family activities. Subtle gold accents elevate the overall refinement.
Elegant Sitting Room
A stunning sitting room bathed in natural light from tall French windows and framed by elegant, floor-length curtains. The high ceilings are accentuated by crisp crown molding and a dramatic crystal chandelier, creating an air of sophistication. Warm neutral tones with hints of gold, cream, and blush define the palette, while plush seating and textured cushions offer comfort and family-friendly relaxation. Ornamental wall panels, classic artwork, and luxurious accents like coral décor pieces and antique-style furniture blend seamlessly, evoking refined charm. A soft patterned area rug anchors the space and invites gatherings or quiet moments, making it perfect for entertaining or family leisure.
Powder Room Details
This powder room features a whimsical Chinoiserie-inspired wallpaper covered in colorful birds, branches, and playful monkeys, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for guests and family members alike. Classic black-and-white checkerboard flooring grounds the space, while the dark wood vanity with gold trim exudes sophistication. Above, elegant wall sconces with red pleated shades cast a warm glow, and ornate gold mirrors enhance the luxurious feel. The vessel sink with blue-and-white porcelain patterns adds distinctive charm. This visually rich and inviting design makes the bathroom both functional and delightful for visitors of all ages.
Kitchen Island and Windows
This spacious kitchen blends classic charm with modern function, featuring a marble-topped central island perfect for family gatherings and casual meals. Large windows flood the room with natural light, creating an airy, inviting atmosphere and connecting the space to nature with views of lush palms. Crisp white cabinetry and glass-fronted uppers offer ample storage and display, while botanical prints and vibrant houseplants add freshness and personality. The black-and-white checkered floor brings a timeless, playful touch, ideal for a family-friendly setting. Subtle taupe walls enrich the palette, and top-tier stainless appliances ensure effortless meal prep in style.
Bright Dining Area
This airy dining area boasts large, sun-filled windows showcasing lush greenery outside, making it feel both connected to nature and inviting for gatherings. The room’s tall white trim and classic moldings evoke a sense of historic charm, while soft sage walls and black-and-white checkered floors add visual interest and warmth. A marble-topped table with elegant green-upholstered chairs provides ample seating for family meals or entertaining guests. The built-in cabinetry is perfect for storage, and botanical artwork complements the surrounding landscape. The layout encourages conversation and comfort, ideal for daily use by all ages and effortless transitions to the outdoor patio.
Front Porch Retreat
This classic Southern-style front porch feels both inviting and relaxed, ideal for family gatherings and quiet afternoons. Crisp white spindle railings, ceiling, and furniture stand out against the backdrop of high-gloss dark wood floors, capturing a breezy, clean aesthetic. Tall columns frame expansive views of lush palm trees, providing a refreshing sense of privacy and shade. A round table with chairs encourages shared meals or games, complemented by rocking chairs perfect for lounging. Touches of greenery in potted plants enhance the connection to the outdoors, making this space a welcoming extension of the home for all ages.
Canopy Bed Suite
This elegant bedroom features a grand four-poster canopy bed adorned with intricate moldings and soft, patterned drapery, creating a cozy, private retreat. The color palette embraces soft purples and creams, echoed in the luxurious curtains and bedding. A vintage-inspired dresser topped with framed family photos brings warmth and personality, while matching lavender-lamp shades offer soft, inviting lighting. The intricate wallpaper and detailed molding add timeless sophistication, while cushioned seating and a plush textured carpet make the room family friendly and comfortable. The overall effect is a perfect blend of classic elegance and welcoming tranquility, ideal for unwinding together.
Canopy Bedroom Retreat
A grand bedroom filled with natural light from tall sash windows, anchored by a regal four-poster canopy bed draped in vibrant red fabric. Traditional floral wallpaper and matching bedding add classic elegance, while ornate gold-framed portraits and antique mirrors provide period charm. Rich crimson curtains and accents infuse warmth and drama, balanced by crisp white trim and stately columns. A cozy seating area with vintage chairs and a writing desk forms a family-friendly nook, ideal for relaxing, reading, or study. The overall effect is one of sophisticated comfort and timeless beauty, perfect for an inspiring family sanctuary.
Sunroom Sitting Area
A bright and elegant sunroom designed for relaxation and family time, featuring expansive windows that flood the space with natural light and offer lush garden views. Sophisticated floral wallpaper pairs beautifully with classical architectural details, such as a stately column and intricate crown molding. Rich coral drapes bring warmth and a touch of drama, while a deep blue striped rug anchors the room. The vintage-style chairs, adorned with matching floral upholstery, create a welcoming spot for conversation or reading. A charming writing desk, fresh flower arrangement, and a plush stuffed animal add homey, family-friendly touches to the open yet intimate layout.
Bathroom Vanity and Tub
Elegant and inviting, this bathroom features a freestanding soaking tub positioned next to oversized windows that allow natural light to pour in, complemented by lush views of greenery from outside. The white marble vanity, adorned with polished silver fixtures and classic cabinetry, pairs effortlessly with the ornate vintage mirror above it. Rich, dark hardwood floors contrast beautifully against the crisp white walls and cabinetry, while bold red Roman shades add a dramatic pop of color and sophistication. Subtle, child-safe fixtures and ample storage make this space practical for families, balancing timeless luxury with everyday comfort.
Elegant Bedroom Suite
This spacious bedroom showcases a romantic four-poster bed framed with soft blush drapes, creating a sense of intimacy and old-world charm. Light streams through large windows dressed in matching curtains, filling the space with natural warmth. The ornate wooden writing desk and antique-style clock accentuate the classic elegance, while floral patterns on the chair and bench lend a welcoming, family-friendly touch. Pale pink walls, a plush white area rug, and delicate vintage furniture pieces complete the serene palette, fostering a cozy yet sophisticated retreat well-suited for comfort and relaxation. The layout encourages both privacy and openness.
Canopy Bedroom Retreat
This beautifully styled bedroom combines classic charm with family-friendly comfort. The space features a striking canopy bed adorned with draped, striped fabrics that match the soft blue and white palette of the vertical striped wallpaper. Light streams in through multiple tall windows dressed in ruched curtains, brightening the room and enhancing its airy feel. Elegant furnishings, including a floral-upholstered chaise lounge and dresser with twin lamps, invite relaxation. Ornate details like a carved mirror, botanical artwork, and tasteful decor enhance the room’s graceful aesthetic, while abundant built-in cabinetry offers practical storage for a tidy, organized family home.
Bathroom Vanity and Shower
This bathroom features a sophisticated blend of soft white cabinetry and marble countertops, creating an inviting and elegant atmosphere. The walk-in shower boasts large, light-grey tiles and a rainfall showerhead, making it accessible and convenient for family use. A sizable, beveled mirror above the vanity helps reflect light, enhancing the sense of space. Ample storage is provided by drawers and cabinets beneath the sink, keeping daily essentials tucked away. The overall color palette is composed of soothing whites and greys, promoting a tranquil vibe and making the room feel clean, airy, and comfortable for family members of all ages.
Front Porch Entrance
A welcoming front porch with grand steps leads up to the main entrance of this classic American home, shaded by a magnificent old tree that creates a sense of privacy and peace. The crisp white exterior is offset by elegant navy shutters and large symmetrical windows, allowing sunlight to pour into the home. Ornate railings and lantern-style lights at the foot of the stairs add a timeless Southern charm. Lush greenery and palm-like plants surround the pathway, offering a family-friendly space for children to explore and play, while the spacious porch invites gatherings and relaxation.
Garden Fountain Area
This lush garden features a tranquil fountain at its center, surrounded by vibrant greenery and mature palm trees that offer dappled shade. Brick pathways form a symmetrical layout, inviting leisurely strolls and making the space easy to navigate for all ages. Decorative blue-and-white planters filled with sculptural agave plants add artistic flair and a sense of order. The balustrade along the side hints at classic Southern or Mediterranean architecture, blending elegance with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. This serene outdoor oasis is perfect for gatherings, quiet reflection, or children’s play amidst nature’s beauty.
Listing Agent: Property Owner of The Cassina Group via Zillow
