What is the Story Behind Charleston Green? - Page 164

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 3424-3444 of 5239
1 Photos Sold 33 Lockwood Drive UNIT H-25 Charleston, SC 29401

33 Lockwood Drive UNIT H-25
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential

MLS# 16009786 / Sold
n/a br, n/a ba, 990 Sqft

Slip H-25 55ft X 18ft Located on the T-Head of D-Dock Very accessibly within the marina with easy boat handling. Ashley Marina is located near the ... 

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Sold Price: $35,500
Provided courtesy of BHHS Carolina Sun Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 33 Lockwood Drive UNIT G-4 Charleston, SC 29401

33 Lockwood Drive UNIT G-4
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential

MLS# 16009781 / Sold
n/a br, n/a ba, 900 Sqft

Slip G-4 50ft X 18ft Very accessibly within the marina with easy boat handling. Ashley Marina is located near the Historic District in downtown Cha... 

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Sold Price: $34,000
Provided courtesy of BHHS Carolina Sun Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 14 Limehouse Street Charleston, SC 29401

14 Limehouse Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16009778 / Sold
3 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2317 Sqft

Come explore this classic Charleston Single house on one of the quaintest streets South of Broad. Immediately entering the first floor piazza you w... 

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Sold Price: $1,300,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
1 Photos Sold 85 Cumberland Street UNIT #14 Charleston, SC 29401

85 Cumberland Street UNIT #14
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 16010407 / Sold
1 br, 1 ba, 396 Sqft

Modern meets historic at 85 Cumberland Street, Unit 14, in Charleston's French Quarter. This one-bedroom pied-a-terre in the historic Market's Gate... 

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Sold Price: $355,000
Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
1 Photos Sold 1 Motley Lane Charleston, SC 29401

1 Motley Lane
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 16009554 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 2097 Sqft

Historic Gem!! 1850's brick carriage house, tucked away on quiet lane in the beautiful Ansborough neighborhood. The house is nestled behind a priv... 

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Sold Price: $992,500
Provided courtesy of AgentOwned Realty Charleston Group
1 Photos Sold 83 Smith Street Charleston, SC 29401

83 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 16009557 / Sold
4 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3400 Sqft

Great renovated property 2 blocks from MUSC/Roper. Recently completed renovation. Extremely open and very livable floor plan compared to houses of ... 

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Sold Price: $905,000
Provided courtesy of Co-Realty LLC
1 Photos Sold 109 East Bay Street UNIT 1d Charleston, SC 29401

109 East Bay Street UNIT 1d
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16009276 / Sold
1 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1645 Sqft

Printers Row historic residence south of Broad combining sophisticated features w. Charleston grace. Unit 1D, 1645sf duplex, offers open floor plan... 

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Sold Price: $810,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
1 Photos Sold 12 George Street UNIT 6-A Charleston, SC 29401

12 George Street UNIT 6-A
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 16009391 / Sold
2 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1024 Sqft

Unbeatable downtown location on 12 George St, this maintenance free Town Home is just what you are looking for if downtown Charleston is your cup ... 

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Sold Price: $484,000
Provided courtesy of RE/MAX FullSail
1 Photos Sold 56 Ashe Street UNIT Na Charleston, SC 29403

56 Ashe Street UNIT Na
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliottborough
Residential

MLS# 16009437 / Sold
4 br, 2 ba, 2974 Sqft

Excellent location downtown inside crosstown 100 feet from convenience store/Line Street. Need extensive repairs/roof, etc. Seller has allowed rel... 

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Sold Price: $349,900
Provided courtesy of Century 21 Properties Plus
1 Photos Sold 90 East Bay Street Charleston, SC 29401

90 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16009224 / Sold
4 br, 4 ba, 2 Half Bath, 3762 Sqft

BEST LOCATION AND ONE OF THE LOWEST SOUTH OF BROAD PRICES, $451/SQFT Historically known as The Ancrum Wharf Building, this home has been listed as ... 

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Sold Price: $1,530,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
1 Photos Sold 41 Chapel Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29403

41 Chapel Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential

MLS# 16009213 / Sold
4 br, 2 ba, 2 Half Bath, 2400 Sqft

Historic Charleston charm of the 1840's and efficient & modern renovations of the 2000's! This classic Charleston Single is perfectly located withi... 

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Sold Price: $919,000
Provided courtesy of Places LLC
1 Photos Sold 26 Society Street Charleston, SC 29401

26 Society Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 16009360 / Sold
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1354 Sqft

Rare hidden gem in Ansonborough within walking distance to King Street shopping, restaurants, grocery store and the magnificent Gaillard Performan... 

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Sold Price: $650,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
1 Photos Sold 13 Short Street Charleston, SC 29401

13 Short Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 16009054 / Sold
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1525 Sqft

Best deal in town!! Great house in a great location!! This gorgeous home has so much charm and appeal. Walk in the foyer and to the left is the sta... 

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Sold Price: $780,000
Provided courtesy of Charleston Home Team
1 Photos Sold 11 Ascot Alley Charleston, SC 29401

11 Ascot Alley
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Green
Residential

MLS# 16008941 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2350 Sqft

Welcome to this meticulously renovated townhome in Harleston Green, conveniently located within walking distance to MUSC, Roper Hospital, and The C... 

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Sold Price: $581,500
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 166 Smith Street Charleston, SC 29403

166 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 16009090 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2188 Sqft

Big price reduction. Best buy if you want low maintenance & lots of square footage. Occupy or rent for $4200 - tenants want to renew.Regime fee i... 

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Sold Price: $550,000
Provided courtesy of Kit Thrash Properties LLC
1 Photos Sold 53 Drake Street Charleston, SC 29403

53 Drake Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential

MLS# 16009002 / Sold
8 br, 4 ba, 2604 Sqft

100% occupied quadraplex (4 units). 8Br/4Ba total, each apt is 2Br/1Ba. Located downtown Charleston just short walk to The Cigar Factory!! Hard... 

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Sold Price: $520,000
Provided courtesy of Kay Real Estate Group, LLC
1 Photos Sold 18 Limehouse Street Charleston, SC 29401

18 Limehouse Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16008986 / Sold
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3775 Sqft

In a prime location, South of Broad, the Hughes House, has recently been restored to perfection. All new plumbing, wiring, HVAC, appliances & much... 

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Sold Price: $2,650,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
1 Photos Sold 97 King Street Charleston, SC 29401

97 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 16008655 / Sold
4 br, 3 ba, 2253 Sqft

The ""Lewis Timothy House"" located South of Broad in the heart of the Historic District. Surrounded by 18th Century charm and within walking dista... 

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Sold Price: $1,795,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
1 Photos Sold 18 Broad Street UNIT #501 Charleston, SC 29401

18 Broad Street UNIT #501
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 16008598 / Sold
3 br, 3 ba, 3023 Sqft

One of the most coveted condos in the city, situated on the fifth floor of the People's Building, Charleston's iconic ""high rise"". Phenomenal fin... 

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Sold Price: $2,775,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
1 Photos Sold 8 Jasper Street Charleston, SC 29403

8 Jasper Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 16008435 / Sold
4 br, 3 ba, 2544 Sqft

Beautiful, renovated Charleston Single in Radcliffeborough area of Charleston with loads of historic style and design including original fireplaces... 

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Sold Price: $741,000
Provided courtesy of Luxury Simplified Real Estate, INC
1 Photos Sold 23 Corinne Street UNIT #4 Charleston, SC 29403

23 Corinne Street UNIT #4
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 16008405 / Sold
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1370 Sqft

Welcome to 23 Corinne Street, located in popular Radcliffeborough in the heart of downtown Charleston! This location offers convenience and walking... 

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Sold Price: $521,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
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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 03-28-2024 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.
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