Midtown Charleston May Receive Permits for Small Hotels and B&Bs

The Cannonborough and Elliottborough areas may get more kudos. Another reason to make a brainy investment into the areas that I have tooted my horn about. This would be the Midtown Development, my favorite Bogard St with the Freedman's cottages and new chic Traitorria Lucca, and the entire swathe stetching from King St across Ashley Ave. The Planning Commission is having a hearing today to consider re-zoning to allow small hotels up to 50 rooms and B&Bs with as many as 10 rooms.

The thinking is that there probably won't be a 50 room hotel, just more like a 20 room inn adapted from an existing structure. There are some drop dead gorgeous buildings that are begging for adventuresome investors, and this certainly adds fuel to the fire. Just think of how you have always wanted to be your own boss....why not run a trendy B&B in the downtown area of one of the most sought after cities in the US? You could close your eyes and believe that you were a Proprietaire in Europe!

City Council is expected to consider this proposal, if recommended, on July 25th. Very exciting development for Midtown. I'm going to run over to MLS right now and see what's available. I'll post them on Condos for Sale. Stay tuned!

2 BR Bee St Lofts Condo for Rent

Wonderful location for those working at the Medical University or just wanting to be in downtown Charleston.  These lofts were created in 2007 with a good contemporary feel. Look over the water and marina from your private balcony and feel a little "new Yorky'. Two bedrooms and two baths feel spacious in this 11674 sq ft unit. You can even slip your small doggie in.

12 month lease for $2250 per month.

MLS 1026256

 

Charming Pied a Terre on Church St

This was originally a masonry kitchen house. Three beautifully restored floors await your tasteful eye. The master suite on the third floor even has a marble bath. On the second floor you fall into a light filled drawing room with high cielings. With 1br and 1.5 ba you can spend your first newly married year in the perfect spot in downtown Charleston. $2500 monthly. MLS #1007091.

RENTED - Rental at High End Anson House

I have just written a blog about the foreclosure at Anson House. This rental might be just the answer to live in this luixury development while the kinks are being ironed out for purchases.The 3BR 2.5 BA unit is $3500 monthly. Even a doorman comes along with the package.

Master suite with dressing room, custom cabinery in the kitchen, granite and marble bathrooms, solid 8ft raised panel doors, generous piazza, and views of the beautiful Cooper River. These photos are representative of Anson HOuse and may not be this particular unit. But the point is that this would be a great way to try out downtown Charleston in style!

If you have any interest at all, let me know and I'll find out the current status.

Pros

Luxury all the way
Walk or order a rickshaw to great restaurants

Cons

Not quite "on the river" but just one row back

REDUCED - 2 BR Condo for Rent in Renovated Warehouse

Was on the market for $2975, now $2795 - Great location here within walking distance to Charleton's best restaurants on East Bay Street. And even better, just around the corner from the newly renovated Dock Street Theatre. This is a super way to get your feet wet in downtown Charleston.

This 1594 sq ft unit hasd 2BR and 2.5BA. Even better it sports two master suites. Check out the antique heart pine flooring and exposed brick walls. This renovation, called Queensgate, was built in 1854.

MLS 1011948

Pros

Location, location, location
Spacious

Cons

A bit pricey in my opinion at $2975

RENTED - Rental Right on the Harbor in Downtown Charleston

Most people drive from all points north west and east to come down the the Battery and experience the bottom of King St and the Charleston Harbor. Rent this lovely Charleston condo and you're there! This unit is large because it was made from by combining two units. So at $3000 a month, fully furnished and tasteful at that, this looks like a great rental.

The kitchen and bath are updated in this 1869 sq ft lovely. Especially nice are the gorgeous views of the Charleston Harbor and Charleston's famous rooftops.

Pros

Best location in town
Spacious
Furnished
Views

Cons

The building was an old hotel built in 1920 - may be a bit dated here and there

RENTED - One Cool Blow Rental Downtown

One Cool Blow still has allure. There have been slow sales as in most of the condo developments in our fair city. But the rental market in Downtown Charleston is alive and well, and this is a good opportunity to get a feel for living on the northern fringe of downtown Charleston. Stained concrete floors, bamboo in some rooms and all sorts of green features make this a pretty cool place to live. Pardon my pun!

This unit has 3BR and 2BA in 1214 sqft. Secured parking on the ground level leads to elevators to all floors. I don't have pics of this particular unit so I am going to add some earlier One Cool Blow photos to give you an idea of the feel. A common rooftop of bamboo is a great way to see the July 4th fireworks!

Rent this jewel for $1600 and see what you think!

MLS 1015378. Condo #125

RENTED - Town House Rental in secluded Etiwan Pointe

Imagine yourself sitting on your spacious screen porch looking our over the vista of lowcountry marshes. This very nice 2BR 2BA unit is located at the back of Etiwan Pointe on the end.

High Ceilings and crown molding add a little zip to your life here. You can take a leisurely walk down to the tidal creek and watch the sunset, preferably with a glass of chilled chardonnay. Mount Pleasant is very convenient to the airport, downtown and the beaches. For Boeing employees this is a great place to be...just 1o minutes to the site.

$1650 and one pet welcome.

145 Marsh Walk, MLS 1007882

Pros

very private and peaceful

Cons

close to the Interstate but this unit is way back towards the marsh

RENTED - One Bedroom Rental Downtown

This renovated first floor unit in a 1885 Charleston single is well situated and perfect for a pied a terre. Students take note...it's very close to MUSC and the College of Charleston.

High ceilings, hardwood floors, granite counters and a grand porch space plus private courtyard add to the allure of being able to live downtown for $1350 a month. One BR and one BA.

MLS 1007222 - 182 A Ashley Ave

Pros

nice price
Fine location
super location
renovated and ready to go
first floor

Cons

only 930 sq ft

RENTED - Rental at the tides

I have written off and on about the Tides Condominiums. As all luxury developments, I think The Tides has gone through it's share of tough times recently, but that bodes well for the renters! This 3BR, 3BA condo, located on the 4th floor with a private elevator, has river views from the back and private marsh views on the side. All of the details in the Tides are top drawer from hardwoods, stainless steel, and the ubiquitous granite.

It's not easy to find a 3 BR condo rental of this caliber just 10 minutes from the heart of downtown Charleston. The amenities at The Tides are excellent from the marvelous workout area with sauna, steam room, and massage room to the resort style pool with outdoor kitchen.

There are a number of available rentals here from 1BR to 3BR. Definitely worth taking a look.

This unit rents for $3600 a month. Not bad for a very large $2673 sq ft condo!

MLS#2925272 - 349 Cooper River Dr

Pros

Great views of the Wando River and Ravenel Bridge
Super location
Large with 3BR and 3BA
Amenities

Cons

Not really any unless you just flat out can't afford it


RENTED - Share Rental in Northern Part of Peninsula Charleston

This beautiful 3 BR 3.5 BA house near Hampton Park and the Citadel, and a quick bike ride to MUSC is looking for a roommate. The house was built in 2005 and is replete with high ceilings, hi def TV, granite, heart pine floors, and gas fireplaces on each of the three levels. The renter will have a private room and bath. The current tenants are professional males.

What a grand situation for a young professional who wants to be close to downtown and near work. The price is $700 a month plus the utilities shared between the tenants.

Pros

Great way to rent downtown in a new house
Not a nice neighborhood to walk in - lots of traffic, no sidewalks
This unit is not on the river side

Cons

Not very close to the heart of downtown but a short bike ride away


RENTED - Luxury Condo on River for Rent

The Bristol is located conveniently downtown near the Medical University. Nestled on the banks of the Ashley River, it has its own private marina. The marina is suitable for all types of power boats, but no convenient for sailboats as one must pass under the Ashley River bridge. The condos are spacious and elegant.

This 2 BR 2.5 BA condo is 2038 sq ft and rents for $2300 a month. A great location for someone working at the Med U, or someone wanting to try out downtown Charleston living. The condo has crown molding, hardwood floors, and a large exterior balcony. And by al means, granit counter tops and stainless appliances! The custom plantation shutters on all the windows is a great touch.

The Bristol offers 2 deeded parking spaces and 24 hr security, an outdoor pool with patio area, and a fitness room with sauna and lockers.Pretty posh, if I do say so myself!

MLS 2932049

Pros

Ashley River
Spacious and elegant
Just across the street from MUSC

Cons

Not a nice neighborhood to walk in - lots of traffic, no sidewalks
This unit is not on the river side

RENTED - Charming Uptown Cottage for Rent

241 W Poplar is right is just a block from the Ashley River and near a local community park. Hampton Park, one of Charleston's most eminent parks located next to The Citadel, is very close by. This gorgeous park dates from 1769 as part of the Grove Plantation. It morphed many times from plantation to a race course (1835), to a Union Prisoner of War camp, to a Trade Exposition site which Theodore Roosevelt visited, to a park again redesigned by the son in law of Frederick Law Olmstead who designed Central Park in New York City. Quite a fun history!

Back to this cute cottage with 3 BR and 2 BA and completely renovated. The MBR is huge (13X17) with a private entrance, perfect for roomates. 9' ceilings give the bedroom a grandiose feel for a charming cottage. The yard is professionally landscaped with a storage shed. There are lots of young couples in the neighborhood, so if renting is on your agenda, this is certainly one to look at.

MLS 1000053

Pros

Newly renovated 1949 house
Located very close to the Ashley River and directly backs up to the newly built Longrove project with very expensive homes
Granite, stainless, brand new appliances

Cons

A pretty good hike to downtown Charleston but not a bad bike ride!

RENTED - Historic Gem on Church St for rent

Live in a 1733 house and pretend that you're a Charleston aristocrat in pre-revolutionary downtown Charleston. Or maybe bask in the fact that you're a modern day aristocrat in 21st Century downtown Charleston. This 2600 sq ft, 3 BR, 3.5 BA house on three stories. The third story was added when it was discovered that it was lost in a previous fire.

There's an elegant second story sitting room which complements the two guest suites on the same floor. And the master suite, on the third floor, occupies the whole floor. The lovely courtyard with impeccable landscaping breathes serenity.

$4250 a month. (MLS 2929432)

Pros

Right in the heart of historic downtown Charleston
Fabulous walking neighborhood
Saunter to some of Charleston's greatest restaurants for supper
Charlestons' budding art scene is two blocks away

Cons

Maybe a bit pricey but there are three bedrooms, don't forget!

RENTED - Charming Fully Furnished Carriage House

This charming fully furnished carriage house rental is located South of Broad (just like the title of Pat Conroy's new novel!) and is wonderfully situated. Water St is a quiet street just off the Battery and the harbor. Walk to the restaurants, galleries, and historic sites and just enjoy the ambiance of downtown Charleston. The price of $1500 monthly for this charming carriage house includes water. A quaint courtyard leads to the house which has 1000 sq ft and 1.5BR and 1BA. There is a "mini" bedroom with a single bed off the master bedroom, which is a nice perk. Definitely a nice pied a terre for someone wanting the give old Charleston living a whirl.

pros

Fab location
Furnished

cons

Small

RENTED - Darling Carriage House for Rent

This 1780 carriage house is nestled behind a large house on fabulous East Bay St in downtown Charleston. Absolutely quaint with 2 bedroom and 2 baths, and totally renovated. The signature granite counter-tops, marble baths, and re-polished hardwood floors reek of up to date. The price is $2800 a month for this 1200 sq ft jewel.

Quintessential downtown living at its best.

pros

Charming exposed brick and beams
Old Charleston at its best
Private

cons

Pricey for the size

RENTED - Private Downtown Kitchen House for Rent

This cute 989 sq ft jewel is nestled behind a larger house. With 1BR and 1BA, it's great for a single or a couple. The study is upstairs. There is one off street parking space, which means a whole lot in downtown Charleston.

The price is $1300. Sorry, no pets. Bike to all of the great restaurants, walk to the local grocery store and the auditorium, and enjoy all that historic downtown Charleston has to offer for a great price.

RENTED - Rental in Private Etiwan Pointe at a Great Price

This lovely 3BR, 3BA 2 story unit on Salty Tide Cove is too fine! Marshfront townhome with splendid views of the Wando River! The 9' ceilings, hardwood floors and crown molding add a touch of elegance. The kitchen features granite countertops and opens to the comfortable family/dining area. The master bath features double sink vanity, separate shower and whirlpool tub. The screened porches in these units are completely private. Built in cabinets, wet bar and ceiling fans have been added to the large 2 car drive under garage to create a wonderful entertainment area. All this for only $1500 a month.

Etiwan Pointe has two sections. This unit is in the original 35 unit townhouse section. Nearly all of the houses are occupied. The new section is now condos and are under a different ownership. However their amenities which include a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and fabulous dock on the creek are available to the townhouse owners. Enjoy crabbing, fishing, and kayaking right in our own backyard.

Located in Mt Pleasant very close to 526 and Daniel Island, this little develoment is one of Mt Pleasant's best kept secrets.

RENTED - Tides Condominium Rental for $3250

The Tides rental prices have gone up! Which means that things must be picking up over there. This 3BR, 3BA 2673 Sq Ft has it all. The great location just under the bridge on the way to downtown charleston has awesome views, garage parking, an elevator takes you private entry foyer, resort style swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, very nice water view fitness center, walking path all the way around project - connects directly to new Mount Pleasant memorial Waterfront park with fishing pier and kayak boat launch, walk or bike to Patriots Point, Comcast basic (about 50 channels) cable included. This is the time to try out the Tides and see if you want to buy one. Check the Charleston Condos for sale to see what the going prices are now for the units for sale.

pros

Granite, stainless steel, elegance
Vista views of the Wando River and Ravenel Bridge
Privacy

cons

Prices have gone up

RENTED - One Cool Blow Rentals from $1200 to $1700

One Cool Blow (see historic charleston living blog) is now offering the remaining 20 Charleston condo's for rent. The other 35 condo's have been sold and the remaining are for sale or rent. This hip "uptown- downtown" complex is great in environmental details and features a neat common area with contemporary wall fountain and bamboo. The 785 sq ft units feature 2BR and 1BA and rent for $1200. They are asking $1700 for the 3BR,2BA units but I have seen a private offering of $1600. All in all a good way to be close to downtown Charleston at a pretty good price.

Update on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 11:52PM by Editor

One Cool Blow Update: Price Reduction

I just spoke with the One Cool Blow folks and have found that they have reduced the rental prices a bit. The 2.5BR, 2BA units are 1175 sq ft and now rent for $1600 down from $1700. The 2.5 bedroom might sound a little peculiar, but they are now saying that because the "third" bedroom does not have a door. People are using it as a third bedroom with a curtain.

The 1.5BR, 1BA units are 785 sqft and now rent for $1100. Pets are ok with a $500 redundable pet deposit. Worth taking a look at!