What is the Story Behind Charleston Green? - Page 13

Charleston Green

Our fair and Holy City of Charleston, South Carolina, is painted with dabs and dots of a single signature color, which is commonly referred to as Charleston Green. It's a color that could dress up the shabbiest Charleston single house, and aggrandize the smallest freedman's cottage.

A green so dark it appears black, it lends an air of subtle chameleon mystery to streets with light streaming through moss draped trees. The color changes as you move and elevates what might have been a simple flat black to a rich and dignified tone.

The History Behind Charleston Green

Charleston Green lends a formal sensibility, but the purported history is more rebellious. The origin of the color is contested, but the story goes that after the American Civil War, the Union sent buckets of plain black government-issued paint down to Charleston to gloss over what war had done to the city. But Charlestonians, less than impressed with boring black, added yellow and blue (or green, depending on the source) to make the deep forest green now named for the city where it originated. 

How to Use Charleston Green on Your Home

If you're strolling Downtown Charleston on the brick, pavement, or cobblestone streets, you'll notice the hue applied to front doors, window shutters, Italianate trim and even balustrades. There's no right or wrong way to use Charleston Green, but do remember that direct sunlight will heat the dark color and could cause it to bubble, or even be hot to the touch—a danger those moss draped trees can alleviate, since the Charleston housing market is quite hot enough on its own.

This deepest-deep green hue can be used in a variety of different exterior color schemes. The most classic is off-white with Charleston Green shutters and doors. Green shutters can compliment a lighter green home, a yellow home, or even a pink one.

If you'd like to add a touch of black-tie class, but don't want to darken your overall palette, try painting just the front door, or brushing the window sashes with Charleston Green while the casing remains white. Some homes paint only their front steps in the color. Window boxes are a nice place to add a deep green to bring out the green leaves and flowers and provide a visual anchor to the shape of the windows. Think of them as the strong brows on the face of your home.

You can also pull the color inside by using it on an interior staircase or in a study. Give a high-style makeover to a small half bath with a stunning high gloss enamel finish or treat a mantle to a stroke of dark green.

While the color chip is readily available from Historic Charleston Foundation's collection at your nearest Sherwin-Williams, you could also mix your own using a local recipe:

DIY: Charleston Green Recipe

10 ounces black paint

4 ounces green paint

½ ounce yellow paint 

Now that you know what to look for, the next time you're walking South of Broad , you'll more easily spot the difference between a true black hue and the trademark tint that we call Charleston Green. 

Looking for something different? See below for current listings downtown Charleston!

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Displaying results 253-273 of 5239
1 Photos Sold 7 West Street UNIT B Charleston, SC 29401

7 West Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 23022211 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1587 Sqft

Location, location, location! This wonderful 3-bedroom townhome is perfectly located on a quaint and quiet street in the very heart of Charleston's... 

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Sold Price: $1,250,000
Provided courtesy of Maison Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 278 Meeting Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29401

278 Meeting Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 23022267 / Sold
n/a br, 1 ba, 1070 Sqft

278 Meeting A is a free standing building in Charleston Historic District with 3 off street parking spaces. This property affords great foot traffi... 

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Sold Price: $875,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
1 Photos Sold 5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #419 Charleston, SC 29401

5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #419
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential

MLS# 23022067 / Sold
2 br, 2 ba, 1155 Sqft

Welcome to The Gadsden 419! As a previous model, this residence offers luxury living at its finest. In a prime location in the heart of downtown Ch... 

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Sold Price: $1,160,000
Provided courtesy of Dunes Properties of Charleston Inc
1 Photos Sold 9 Bogard Street UNIT 7(G) Charleston, SC 29403

9 Bogard Street UNIT 7(G)
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 23021863 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1310 Sqft

Welcome to a remarkable real estate investment opportunity! This property is ideally situated just blocks away from a vibrant array of restaurants ... 

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Sold Price: $750,000
Provided courtesy of Matt O'Neill Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 91 Columbus Street Charleston, SC 29403

91 Columbus Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential

MLS# 23021825 / Sold
4 br, 2 ba, 1410 Sqft

Welcome to 91 Columbus Street, a gem nestled in the heart of Charleston's historic east side. Built c. 1890, this home is waiting for you to restor... 

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Sold Price: $375,000
Provided courtesy of The Montez Team
1 Photos Sold 101 Cooper Street Charleston, SC 29403

101 Cooper Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential

MLS# 23021819 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1565 Sqft

Ever dreamed of living in downtown Charleston and walking to everything it has to offer? Welcome to 101 Cooper St! Situated in the center of this c... 

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Sold Price: $875,000
Provided courtesy of 32 South Properties, LLC
1 Photos Sold 53 Hasell Street UNIT G Charleston, SC 29401

53 Hasell Street UNIT G
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 23021781 / Sold
1 br, 1 ba, 383 Sqft

Welcome to your own slice of Southern charm in the historic Ansonborough neighborhood of downtown Charleston. This exquisite, turnkey, 1-bedroom, 1... 

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Sold Price: $478,000
Provided courtesy of The Exchange Company, LLC
29 Photos 11 Reid Street Charleston, SC 29403

11 Reid Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential

MLS# 23021666 / Active
5 br, 3 ba, 2104 Sqft

YES! Listing it for TWO lots! - 11 Reid St & 13 Reid St.- Welcome to 11 Reid St. - Completely renovated and updated!! This lovely two story home is... 

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$799,900
Reduced -$25,100
Provided courtesy of Ismail Real Estate LLC
1 Photos Sold 214 Coming Street Charleston, SC 29403

214 Coming Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Midtown
Residential

MLS# 23021581 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1946 Sqft

Sophisticated charm in the heart of downtown! This home has been freshly painted inside and out and has a prime location in the Cannonborough/Ellio... 

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Sold Price: $1,060,000
Provided courtesy of Redfin Corporation
1 Photos Sold 14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 7i Charleston, SC 29401

14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 7i
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential

MLS# 23021485 / Sold
2 br, 2 ba, 1125 Sqft

Across the street from the City Marina, and close to Children's Hospital and MUSC Health Center, this charming, renovated two bedroom, two full bat... 

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Sold Price: $425,000
Provided courtesy of Brand Name Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 13 Church Street Charleston, SC 29401

13 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 23021465 / Sold
4 br, 3 ba, 2 Half Bath, 4125 Sqft

The circa 1775 Thomas Ball House is set ''below the bend'' on Church Street and presents the very best of historic charm and downtown living. This ... 

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Sold Price: $3,950,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
1 Photos Sold 7 State Street UNIT B Charleston, SC 29401

7 State Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 23021464 / Sold
2 br, 2 ba, 1563 Sqft

Welcome to a piece of history reimagined for modern luxury living. This newly renovated condominium is nestled within the original Union Insurance ... 

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Sold Price: $1,550,000
Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
1 Photos Sold 13 Legare Street Charleston, SC 29401

13 Legare Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 23021494 / Sold
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3564 Sqft

One of the finest renovations in Historic Charleston on beautiful tree-shaded Legare Street. Perfection at every turn! Private gated brick and blue... 

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Sold Price: $5,900,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
1 Photos Sold 85 Cumberland Street UNIT #11 Charleston, SC 29401

85 Cumberland Street UNIT #11
Charleston, SC 29401
Markets Gate
Residential

MLS# 23021298 / Sold
1 br, 1 ba, 492 Sqft

Exclusive Markets Gate residence located in the heart of Downtown Charleston. Secured entry and lobby with inhouse mailboxes and delivery area. 85 ... 

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Sold Price: $495,000
Provided courtesy of The Cassina Group
1 Photos Sold 12 Franklin Street Charleston, SC 29401

12 Franklin Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential

MLS# 23021126 / Sold
3 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3332 Sqft

Welcome to the stunning 12 Franklin Street, located one block north of Broad Street and walkable to some of the city's most beautiful destinations.... 

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Sold Price: $3,600,000
Provided courtesy of Constant Properties
1 Photos Sold 377 King Street UNIT #103 Charleston, SC 29401

377 King Street UNIT #103
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential

MLS# 23021114 / Sold
2 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 830 Sqft

Embrace the best of downtown Charleston living in this charming, fully furnished two-story condo. Its prime location places you in the heart of Cha... 

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Sold Price: $590,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 92 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401

92 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 23021073 / Sold
4 br, 5 ba, 1 Half Bath, 4949 Sqft

The Dewar Lee Pringle House, circa 1762, is an exquisite four-story Charleston Single house located on one of the most iconic streets in downtown C... 

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Sold Price: $4,495,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
1 Photos Sold 36 Morris Street Charleston, SC 29403

36 Morris Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 23021182 / Sold
2 br, 2 ba, 1326 Sqft

Rare fully permitted STR duplex one block from King Street in the accommodation overlay district. One-bedroom STR units are the most efficient and ... 

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Sold Price: $1,200,000
Provided courtesy of Tift Properties
1 Photos Sold 22 Sheppard Street Charleston, SC 29403

22 Sheppard Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential

MLS# 23021077 / Sold
2 br, 2 ba, 817 Sqft

A True Gem on Sheppard Street! This is a rare opportunity-to own a totally restored and renovated historic home, built by and for the owners, on t... 

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Sold Price: $849,900
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 95 Church Street Charleston, SC 29401

95 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 23021030 / Sold
4 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2886 Sqft

In the heart of the old walled city, under the shadows of historic church steeples and nestled among old-growth live oaks, an exceptional late Vict... 

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Sold Price: $3,600,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
1 Photos Sold 63 King Street Charleston, SC 29401

63 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 23020960 / Sold
6 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 4094 Sqft

This incredible South of Broad property offers the luxuries of downtown living with exceptional modern-day conveniences. 63 King Street is tucked a... 

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Sold Price: $4,316,460
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
Residential, Land, Other Disclaimer:

Broker Reciprocity The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker ReciprocitySM Program of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Marshall Walker Real Estate are marked with the Broker ReciprocitySM logo or the Broker ReciprocitySM thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Last updated on 03-28-2024 11:53 PM EST . The broker providing these data believes them to be correct, but advises interested parties to confirm them before relying on them in a purchase decision. Copyright 2024 Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
Commercial Sale/Lease: Copyright 2024 South Carolina commercial MLS, Inc. All rights reserved. Last updated on 03-28-2024 11:53 PM EST est.

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