What is the Story Behind Charleston Green? - Page 159

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 3319-3339 of 5239
1 Photos Sold 5 Kracke Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29403

5 Kracke Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliottborough
Residential

MLS# 16017652 / Sold
2 br, 1 ba, 860 Sqft

Conveniently Located to Historic Downtown Charleston & MUSC with Easy Access on & off the Peninsula, this Attractive 2BR/1BA Home has Loads of Char... 

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Sold Price: $277,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston
1 Photos Sold 2 Laurens Street UNIT 2b Charleston, SC 29401

2 Laurens Street UNIT 2b
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential

MLS# 16017649 / Sold
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2684 Sqft

Perfectly located South of Calhoun, (the new South of Broad!), the Anson House at 2 Laurens St is simply an amazing property. Charleston's top down... 

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Sold Price: $1,450,000
Provided courtesy of Matt O'Neill Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 10 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29401

10 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16017495 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2456 Sqft

Let 10 Ashley be the blank canvas upon which you create your vision of life South of Broad. The traditional character of this 1936 home filled wit... 

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Sold Price: $925,000
Provided courtesy of Smith Spencer Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 60 Pitt Street Charleston, SC 29401

60 Pitt Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 16017540 / Sold
4 br, 3 ba, 1784 Sqft

Looking for a home for sale near the College of Charleston? This 4 bedroom, 3 full bath single-family home has an ideal location in Harleston Villa... 

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Sold Price: $650,000
Provided courtesy of Disher Hamrick & Myers Res Inc
1 Photos Sold 8 Marion Street Charleston, SC 29403

8 Marion Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Morris Square
Residential

MLS# 16017466 / Sold
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1735 Sqft

Roof top deck with fantastic views of Charleston's skyline and a secure two car garage. Beautifully maintained, low maintenance townhouse located i... 

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Sold Price: $703,500
Provided courtesy of Lois Lane Properties
1 Photos Sold 6 Ambrose Alley Charleston, SC 29401

6 Ambrose Alley
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Green
Residential

MLS# 16017317 / Sold
2 br, 1 ba, 1260 Sqft

This old Charleston Historic property, exist pre-civil war era, as a cook house to a plantation home, which fronted Rutledge Avenue. Converted late... 

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Sold Price: $505,000
Provided courtesy of RE/MAX FullSail
1 Photos Sold 20 Colonial Street Charleston, SC 29401

20 Colonial Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16017402 / Sold
5 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3889 Sqft

Nestled in Charleston's coveted South of Broad neighborhood, 20 Colonial Street is an ideal home mixing historic Charleston charm with modern updat... 

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Sold Price: $1,250,000
Provided courtesy of The Cassina Group
1 Photos Sold 1 King Street UNIT #603 Charleston, SC 29401

1 King Street UNIT #603
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16017369 / Sold
1 br, 1 ba, 514 Sqft

Great opportunity to live at Charleston's premiere address, 1 King Street, Fort Sumter House! Property has been completely renovated and boasts a w... 

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Sold Price: $490,000
Provided courtesy of Handsome Properties, Inc.
1 Photos Sold 245 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29403

245 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliottborough
Residential

MLS# 16017353 / Sold
3 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1842 Sqft

Great opportunity to purchase a property located in Downtown Charleston as an investment or permanent residence! Only .5 miles from MUSC, 10 miles ... 

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Sold Price: $370,000
Provided courtesy of Matt O'Neill Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 32 Vendue Range UNIT #203 Charleston, SC 29401

32 Vendue Range UNIT #203
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 16017312 / Sold
1 br, 1 ba, 667 Sqft

The perfect lock and leave pied-a-terre in town on the corner of bustling East Bay Street. So close to the harbor you can feel the breezes. Just ... 

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Sold Price: $350,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 6 Wraggborough Lane Charleston, SC 29403

6 Wraggborough Lane
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential

MLS# 16017135 / Sold
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3382 Sqft

Large, beautiful, custom home in gated Wraggborough Square community. Home features 4 bedrooms and 4 and 1/2 baths, custom kitchen, elevator, 2 lau... 

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Sold Price: $1,325,000
Provided courtesy of Morton Needle Company
1 Photos Sold 8 Elizabeth Street Charleston, SC 29403

8 Elizabeth Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential

MLS# 16017025 / Sold
3 br, 1 ba, 1485 Sqft

Perfect location. Walking distance from everything that makes Charleston special. This home is ready for someone to update it and make it their own... 

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Sold Price: $430,000
Provided courtesy of Weichert Realtors Palmetto Coast
1 Photos Sold 19 John Charleston, SC 29403

19 John
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential

MLS# 16017057 / Sold
5 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2904 Sqft

Handsome Charleston Single house built in 1852, located in historic Wraggborough. Interior features include original mantled fireplaces, heart pin... 

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Sold Price: $1,214,607
Provided courtesy of Lois Lane Properties
1 Photos Sold 21 Council Street Charleston, SC 29401

21 Council Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16016812 / Sold
4 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3416 Sqft

Prime South of Broad location. Beautifully restored with chic interior finishes throughout. The main level features bright, spacious formal rooms p... 

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Sold Price: $1,887,500
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
1 Photos Sold 85 Cumberland Street UNIT P5 Charleston, SC 29401

85 Cumberland Street UNIT P5
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 16016791 / Sold
2 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1012 Sqft

Here's a rare opportunity to own a pristine two-bedroom penthouse in Charleston's historic French Quarter. Market's Gate at 85 Cumberland Street is... 

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Sold Price: $640,000
Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
1 Photos Sold 150 Bee Street UNIT #510 Charleston, SC 29401

150 Bee Street UNIT #510
Charleston, SC 29401
Bee Street Lofts
Residential

MLS# 16016682 / Sold
3 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2053 Sqft

Conveniently located in downtown Charleston it is accross the street from VA hospital and MUSC. Short walk to Joe Riley statium and the City Marina... 

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Sold Price: $499,000
Provided courtesy of RE/MAX Southern Shores
1 Photos Sold 84 South Battery Street Charleston, SC 29401

84 South Battery Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16016538 / Sold
5 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3599 Sqft

The Harriett Porcher Simons House was constructed in 1920 and designed by Albert Simons for his family. The home is named for his wife, Harriett, w... 

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Sold Price: $2,075,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
1 Photos Sold 109 Smith Street Charleston, SC 29403

109 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential

MLS# 16016569 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2206 Sqft

This house is a must-see. Original Charleston single structure maintains its old world charm, and recent 2015, 2 story addition of 1026 square feet... 

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Sold Price: $713,000
Provided courtesy of Lois Lane Properties
1 Photos Sold 14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 9-A Charleston, SC 29401

14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 9-A
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential

MLS# 16016488 / Sold
1 br, 1 ba, 508 Sqft

Ideal downtown location...walk or bike everywhere! This totally renovated unit has breathtaking views of the historic district's rooftops & steeple... 

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Sold Price: $235,000
Provided courtesy of Elaine Brabham and Associates
1 Photos Sold 8 Prioleau Street UNIT Unit A Charleston, SC 29401

8 Prioleau Street UNIT Unit A
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 16016509 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2620 Sqft

Fabulous Colonial Revival building located in the heart of Charleston's historic district on the quiet end of waterfront park. Built in 1860 (with... 

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Sold Price: $1,500,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 131 Church Street Charleston, SC 29401

131 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 16016564 / Sold
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 4266 Sqft

Beautiful Georgian Townhouse built in 1809 by James Huston, the son-in-law of Alexander Calder who once owned this parcel and the Planters Inn wher... 

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Sold Price: $2,910,000
Provided courtesy of Handsome Properties, Inc.
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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 03-29-2024 9:04 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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