What is the Story Behind Charleston Green? - Page 4

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 64-84 of 5238
1 Photos Sold 78 Vanderhorst Street Charleston, SC 29403

78 Vanderhorst Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 24004504 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1914 Sqft

MUST SELL NOW!! HIGHLY MOTIVATED SELLER SAYS BRING ALL OFFERS! ASK ABOUT UNBEATABLE FINANCING OPTION WITH RARE 6.00% RATE! If you're looking for So... 

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Sold Price: $1,789,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company, LLC
1 Photos Sold 32 N Adgers Wharf Charleston, SC 29401

32 N Adgers Wharf
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24004501 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2250 Sqft

Located South of Broad between Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park, this updated townhome sits on one of Charleston's most romantic cobblestone streets... 

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Sold Price: $2,785,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
36 Photos 3 Chisolm Street UNIT #103 Charleston, SC 29401

3 Chisolm Street UNIT #103
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24004498 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1342 Sqft

Welcome to 3 Chisolm, a prestigious and captivating gem nestled in the heart of Charleston's sought-after South of Broad neighborhood. Steeped in h... 

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$1,199,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston
61 Photos 2 Wharfside Street UNIT 4-B Charleston, SC 29401

2 Wharfside Street UNIT 4-B
Charleston, SC 29401
Laurens Place
Residential

MLS# 24004433 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 2509 Sqft

Unit 4-B represents the best in luxury condominium living on the Peninsula. This home is truly turn-key, ready for its new owner. Laurens Place is ... 

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$3,495,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
30 Photos
Open House: Sat Mar 30th, 11:00am - 1:00pm
1 Harleston Place Charleston, SC 29401

1 Harleston Place
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Place
Residential

MLS# 24004442 / Active
3 br, 3 ba, 1774 Sqft

Welcome to charming Harleston Place. Nestled in Harleston Village, this end unit townhome offers three stories of downtown living. Natural light ba... 

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$995,000
Provided courtesy of Lois Lane Properties
20 Photos 309 Meeting Street UNIT #15 Charleston, SC 29401

309 Meeting Street UNIT #15
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 24004439 / Active Contingent
1 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 650 Sqft

PRIME LOCATION - Take a look at the map! This condo is at the core of downtown Charleston. Stroll to the farmers market at Marion Square every Satu... 

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$425,000
Reduced -$15,000
Provided courtesy of Real Broker, LLC
42 Photos 14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 12 E Charleston, SC 29401

14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 12 E
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential

MLS# 24004406 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1061 Sqft

Great opportunity to own a luxurious Penthouse at Ashley House with breathtaking views of the Ashely and Cooper Rivers, Atlantic Ocean and downtown... 

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$675,000
Provided courtesy of Oyster Point Real Estate Group, LLC
38 Photos 5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #415 Charleston, SC 29401

5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #415
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential

MLS# 24004278 / Active Contingent
2 br, 2 ba, 1172 Sqft

The Gadsden offers luxury condos with incredible amenities and an amazing location.This two bedroom corner unit has breathtaking views of Gadsdenbo... 

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$1,150,000
Provided courtesy of The Cassina Group
28 Photos 80 Society Street UNIT C Charleston, SC 29401

80 Society Street UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential

MLS# 24004284 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 691 Sqft

Experience the epitome of Southern charm in this second-floor 1 bedroom condo, nestled within a historic antebellum mansion in downtown Charleston.... 

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$609,000
Reduced -$10,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston West Ashley
23 Photos 80 Society Street UNIT E Charleston, SC 29401

80 Society Street UNIT E
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential

MLS# 24004285 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 742 Sqft

Welcome to your charming retreat in the heart of downtown Charleston! This first-floor 1 bedroom condo offers the perfect blend of historic charm a... 

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$589,000
Reduced -$10,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston West Ashley
75 Photos 44 Church Street Charleston, SC 29401

44 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24004276 / Active
5 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3182 Sqft

The Righton-Chisolm House, circa 1780, is a stunning home sitting at the bend of Church and Water Street. The home was extensively renovated in 202... 

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$3,695,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
66 Photos 154 King Street UNIT A & B Charleston, SC 29401

154 King Street UNIT A & B
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential

MLS# 24004208 / Active
4 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 4008 Sqft

154 King Street A&B offers the perfect live/work space along coveted King Street, one of the Top 10 Shopping Districts in the country. This 3-story... 

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$3,895,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
71 Photos 17 Princess Street UNIT C & D Charleston, SC 29401

17 Princess Street UNIT C & D
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential

MLS# 24004054 / Active
5 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3824 Sqft

Atop one of the highest parts of the peninsula and just steps from the corner of King and Market, this inconspicuous 19th century brick warehouse b... 

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$3,900,000
Provided courtesy of AgentOwned Realty Charleston Group
50 Photos 12 Bee Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29403

12 Bee Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24004020 / Active
3 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 998 Sqft

This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo in the Historic William Robb House at 12 Bee St is SOLD FURNISHED with OFF STREET PARKING and has been lovingly and ... 

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$840,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
28 Photos 5 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29403

5 Bee Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 24003989 / Active
3 br, 3 ba, 2376 Sqft

Imagine a thoughtfully renovated historic home built in 1890, combined with all of the modern upgrades a discriminating buyer expects in a home. Th... 

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$2,195,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
29 Photos 78 Smith Street Charleston, SC 29401

78 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24003874 / Active Contingent
5 br, 5 ba, 2061 Sqft

Historic curb appeal meets modern design - thoughtfully renovated in 2016 by a highly reputable contractor with updated mechanical, electrical, plu... 

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$2,475,000
Provided courtesy of Smith Spencer Real Estate
75 Photos 41 Pitt Street Charleston, SC 29401

41 Pitt Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24003806 / Active Contingent
4 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 4358 Sqft

Welcome to 41 Pitt Street, a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort! Formerly a cherished church, this remarkable property has been tran... 

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$2,500,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
14 Photos 212 Calhoun Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29403

212 Calhoun Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 24003709 / Active Contingent
3 br, 2 ba, 1540 Sqft

This spacious first-floor condo is conveniently located on the corner of Calhoun and Pitt Streets, just steps from the College of Charleston and th... 

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$675,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
52 Photos 39 Barre Street Charleston, SC 29401

39 Barre Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24003801 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2556 Sqft

Welcome to 39 Barre Street, a lovely 1950s brick home, nestled on a corner lot in Harleston Village just steps from the City Marina. This property ... 

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$1,795,000
Reduced -$100,000
Provided courtesy of Maison Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 22 Felix Street Charleston, SC 29403

22 Felix Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough
Residential

MLS# 24003643 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1704 Sqft

This charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom short term rental (STR) property offers the quintessential downtown Charleston experience. Situated in the vi... 

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Sold Price: $1,550,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston West Ashley
52 Photos 42 South Battery Charleston, SC 29401

42 South Battery
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24003612 / Pending
4 br, 4 ba, 4325 Sqft

Reside on one of the most prestigious addresses in downtown Charleston, South Battery, in the famed South of Broad neighborhood at the Robert Murra... 

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$5,625,000
Provided courtesy of Disher Hamrick & Myers Res Inc
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 8:28 AM 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.
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