MLS# 22023751 | 217 Ashley Avenue Charleston SC | Cannonborough-Elliotborough subdivision

217 Ashley Avenue is a remarkable urban estate with a rich and storied past that once spanned all the way to the Ashley River and continues to be a spectacular example of Charleston's unique culture and architecture. A Georgian style Charleston Double (listed as one of Charleston's Notable Homes) was originally built by Adam Tunno, a successful merchant in colonial Charleston. Tunno, a delegate to the First Continental Congress and known in South Carolina as the ''King of the Scotts'', was a partner in the mercantile firm Tunno & Blalock. Adam Tunno married Margaret Bettingall. She, and their daughters, inherited the property upon Adam Tunno's death in 1832.Purchasing the property in 2005 the present owners spent almost a full year designing and renovating it to its current blend of historical integrity while offering all the comforts and conveniences of a modern home.The architecture presents a stately appearance as one approaches the home. A phenomenal front porch beckons you down the granite front walkway through the lush landscaping. Entering the Tunno-Bettingall House through the foyer, the hand painted stained glass windows reach from the old heart pine floors to the 12-foot ceilings.Choose from one of two options: the gathering room to the right - with its delightful bay windows, moldings, original sliding pocket doors, original Cornelius gasolier lights (electrical now) and working marble fireplaces, or the living room to the left.Passing through the foyer into the stair hall your eye will be drawn to the magnificent, curved mahogany staircase as you proceed to the dining room and library. The dining room is built for entertaining. The stunning original heart pine floors are a perfect complement to the stunning fireplace.The library's working gas fireplace and ornate double crown molding provide the perfect setting in which to enjoy an aperitif or a glass of fine Scotch in honor of the original owner - or simply to relax and unwind with a good book.The kitchen features an open floor plan with gorgeous marble floors, custom cabinetry with stone countertops plus all the features a chef could desire, such as; 48 Inch Viking gas range with a 60 inch hood with warmer, Dacor double wall electric ovens, Subzero tempered glass refrigerator and two Bosch low noise dishwashers. When you, or your guests, want a cocktail or glass of wine the custom bar lies just off the kitchen. The bar, constructed of heart pine wood reclaimed from the Tunno-Bettingall House itself, contains wood and glass cabinets, a copper sink, ice maker & two Subzero wine refrigerators (two climate zones) with drawers. A full bathroom is conveniently located just off the bar.Heading up the curved mahogany staircase, you will find four bedrooms with three full bathrooms. The master suite is spacious and incorporates a number of custom elements. The en suite bathroom a custom Jacuzzi-style shower, separate vanities and a single water closet with a reclaimed exterior hardwood door from a period home in the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Expect to be visited by friends and family often after they've stayed in the guest room which is really an expansive second master bedroom with en suite access to the bathroom.The third and fourth bedrooms -both with two closets - are configured Jack and Jill style with access to a shared bathroom.Rounding out the second floor of the home is a large laundry room with storage.During Colonial times the kitchens were built set off separately from the main house to prevent kitchen fires from burning the entire home down. The Tunno-Bettingall House retains its original kitchen house with its original brick floors and true shiplap walls. The Kitchen House is now equipped with a full bedroom and bath, kitchen and living space which provides a number of options for its use; guest house, potentially an accessory dwelling unit short term rental (provided the buyer lives on the property) or as a pool house. The property is large enough to house a beautiful swimming pool, a massive 1,900 gallon twin waterfall koi pond and a delightful parterre with a bricked column entrance emblazoned with lion heads.The gated motor court can comfortably accommodate five vehicles.Situated in the heart of the historic Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, 217 Ashley Avenue is a perfectly positioned urban estate located on Ashley Avenue at its intersection with Cannon Street. The central location means Charleston's world-renowned restaurants, shopping, and the exciting nightlife are just a short walk away. This property is zoned DR-2F within the short term rental overlay district, allowing for additional density of up to eight residential units on the property, additionally bed and breakfast/ short term rental may be permitted if the property is owner occupied.