MLS# 25014073 | 81 Rutledge Avenue Charleston SC | Harleston Village subdivision

The Sottile-Glover Mansion is an exceptional building, which is listed in the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. The first recorded sale of 81 Rutledge Avenue, then known as 6 Rutledge Street, was in 1775.Estate OverviewThree buildings on 79 & 81 Rutledge AvenueMain building (built in 1826) - a grand residence ideal for entertaining, featuring large rooms and piazzasOriginal house (pre-1775) - now divided into:Four-bedroom long-term rentalTwo-bedroom short-term rentalThird building - former carriage house with three stories, now used for storageAmple parking availablePrime location - Walking distance to MUSC, King Street, Colonial Lake, Broad Street, and the College of CharlestonProperty Description""Carriage house (third building)""Originally housed carriages, a community room for servants, and seven small bedrooms""Middle house (original house)""Built before 1775, constructed using wooden pegs""Now divided into rental units""Main house""Built in 1826 by Dr. J. Glover with 18-36 inch thick brick walls""Formerly served as the Italian consulate""Original painted ceilings deteriorated, but gold leaf cornices in the living and dining rooms remain""Cornices were custom-made in France to fit windows, mirrors, and French doorsHistorical Significance""First recorded sale in 1775 - included the building now used as rental property""1826 - Mansion built by Dr. Joseph Glover (1740-1840), a respected physician and advocate for urban greenery""Later ownership""Arthur Gordon Rose (1794-1880) - President of the Bank of Charleston""Early 1900s - Used as a school for girls, later purchased by the Benjamin Moise family""1906 - Bought by Giovanni Sottile, Italian Consul, who added Italianate details""Hosted King Victor Emanuel of Italy""1991 - Passed to Carmelina Sottile Thompson""1999 - Purchased by the current ownersArchitectural & Preservation Details""Mid-19th & early 20th century - Italianate embellishments and ironwork added""Front doors feature ornate grille work, similar to those at 1 Broad Street (possibly linked to banker Arthur G. Rose)""Hand-carved vestibule door with fruit relief, made in England""Kitchen renovated in 2023 - New cabinets and appliances""Original floor plan remains intact - Owners prioritize historic integrity""Structural enhancements""Air conditioners added to rooms without them""Sump pump system installed to prevent flooding""Survived earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and warGardens & Atmosphere""Ideal for entertaining - Hosted numerous parties, charity events, and musical gatherings""Lush gardens with over 80-year-old sago palms""Other plantings include loquats, pomegranates, camellias, hydrangeas, and azaleas, cared for by the current ownerThis historic Charleston estate offers a blend of grandeur, history, and tranquility, preserving its architectural and cultural heritage.