The concept of running an office or small specialty shop under where you live is certainly not new. Many European cities and towns have embraced this custom dating from the 1500's on, I would think. Downtown Charleston was certainly patterned after this lifestyle, with King Street a prime example. Many of these wonderful structures date back to the early 18th century. The frugal merchant who lived over the store.

Well it's back! Meeting Street Properties has completed a live/work community, Shelmore Village, in the heart of Mt Pleasant. 41 very nice three story townhouses surround a neat little park. This cool development is located just across the prestigious Ion neighborhood and is only 10 minutes from downtown Charleston.

They are actually selling the residential and commercial spaces separately, should you just be looking for a retail space, or searching for a townhouse at the right price. The architectural style is early 1800's, so put on our long skirt with the bustle in the back, and live the 19th century lifestyle right smack in the early swirling 21st century.

I'm attaching photos of the exteriors as well as retail and residential interiors. I only see three units listed. The first is a residential only listing at $235,000 for 1228 sq ft and 2 bedrooms. The others are the entire townhouse, with 3 bedrooms ranging from $520,000 to $560,990.

If we believe that this recession is bottoming out, this might be a good time to make this investment and plan on that trendy boutique that you always wanted to own, or, if you're like me, a wildly successful sandwich shop!

MLS Code 2926954, 2926762, 2929670