Finding Charleston Style Homes in Charleston, SC

By Lee Keadle

Few cities in the country have a style of house all their own. The Chicago bungalow and the Cape Cod are two styles that come to mind for having specific architecture associated with the area. In Charleston, SC, you'll find what's called the Charleston single. This is a single family house that is not very wide but is very long, and they're usually two to three stories. Residents started building these homes in the 1700s in downtown Charleston. Land was being sold at a premium, and these homes were designed to fit on smaller lots. The idea was to build up rather than out, so you'll see some historic homes in downtown Charleston with as many as five stories!

There are so many of these homes are available to home buyers in downtown Charleston. So, if you're looking to buy an authentic Charleston styled home and you're in a higher price range, this is the ideal area to start your home search. You can find beautifully restored Charleston singles, many of which can be linked back to Charleston's rich history. For example, lots of these homes are listed on various state and national registers of historic homes and some are featured in books about Charleston's history.

If you're looking for the Charleston look but want a newer home, you'll find so many options throughout the Charleston area. Because this style of home is in high demand from buyers, new neighborhoods built in the Charleston style have been popping up in areas from James Island to Summerville!

The most famous of these neighborhoods is I'on. This is a nationally known neighborhood located in Mt. Pleasant, and this is as close as it gets to downtown Charleston style homes. Many of these homes have the final Charleston touches, too, such as operable shutters, beautiful brickwork designs, and gas lighting at the entrance. The main downfall of I'on is that it's as expensive as the homes in downtown Charleston. But, if you're in this price range anyway (say, $700K plus), and you don't want to live downtown but still want the feel of it, I'on may be the neighborhood for you!

There are plenty of more affordable options for Charleston styled homes, so don't worry if your budget is in the $200-500K range. On James Island, you'll find the Charleston style neighborhoods Westfield Place, Eaglewood Retreat, Jamestowne Village, and Lakeside Village. On Johns Island you'll find Barberry Woods, the Villages in St. Johns Woods, and Rushland Plantation. In Mt. Pleasant there is Rivertowne on the Wando, Grassy Creek, Chadbury Village, The Village subsection of Park West, and Hamlin Plantation. West Ashley has Schieveling Plantation and McLaura Bluff, and Summerville has White Gables (which is the most affordable option on this list).

Whether you want an authentic Charleston style home in downtown Charleston or a newly built home in a convenient location, you'll find a lot of options to choose from!

About the Author
Buyers can search all Charleston real estate listings on our website, which includes Mount Pleasant SC real estate and Summerville SC real estate!

Out of Tune The Real Housewives of Atlanta

On the Real Housewives of Atlanta Lisa, Nene and their husbands helped Eric Snow celebrate DeShawn’s birthday. At DeShawn’s birthday dinner things got a little personal after Nene had one too many drinks. She began talking about Sheree, but the real surprise that night was her comments about Kim. Nene began singing a not-so-nice song about Kim’s singing career. This performance made Ed and Lisa Hartwell extremely uncomfortable.

I believe Nene was lashing out because she felt Kim was riding the fence. She wanted Kim to choose between her and Sheree. I’m very leery about this budding friendship between Kim and Sheree on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

So what made Kim start to lean more towards Sheree? I believe its social climbing. Right now it appears that Sheree has more things going on socially and a woman like Kim who has a Big Poppa knows which circles she should be in.

Doesn’t Kim remember how after Nene was humiliated at Sheree’s party she still showed up the following day to Kim’s daughters’ party? She was cordial and respectful of the fact that it was Kim’s daughters’ day to shine. How soon they forget on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Has anyone noticed how Sheree treats DeShawn? Every time DeShawn calls Sheree, she acts like she doesn’t know who she is? She has to keep repeating herself until finally Sheree puts two and two together. I feel embarrassed for her. Sheree is not your friend girl.

The moment of truth for Kim finally arrived. Can she sing or can’t she? Obviously if you watched that episode you would know that she cannot. How sad. Kim couldn’t take any constructive criticism from Miss Jan who has worked with such greats as Whitney Houston. She had an excuse for everything.

If I should see a CD in the stores with Kim’s face on it, I will fall down on the floor and remain there until someone hauls me away.

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Who’s Your Poppa and Bring on the Bling – The Real Housewives of Atlanta

In the following episodes of the The Real Housewives of Atlanta a lot of interesting things took place. Nene received a letter from one of her family members who claimed that Curtis the man she knew as her father wasn’t really her biological father. This is shocking news to Nene who seeks counsel from a dear family member who tells her not to worry about it and brushes it off. But this doesn’t squelch Nene’s need to know. She places a call to Curtis to find out if he ever suspected that he wasn’t her father. To Nene’s surprise he had suspected this even before she was born. So after some contemplation Nene decides the best thing to do is to take a DNA test to find out the truth.

On the Real Housewives of Atlanta we also find out that we have some hidden talent in this group of women. Kim wants to be a country singer. Who saw that coming? But why is everyone shocked when she admits this. Not one of The Real Housewives of Atlanta knew about this. Nene even stated she never even heard the girl hum. Ding, ding, ding bells went off in my head. A singer who never sings? Something is very fishy about that. Have you ever known someone who wanted to be a singer? You can’t get them the shut up. Am I right?

Deshawn Snow of The Real Housewives of Atlanta was determined to pull off one of the biggest fundraisers in Atlanta for her foundation. Her goal was to raise one million dollars in one night. Keep in mind that this is her first time ever hosting an event this huge. Immediately, in The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s private takes we see how none of the housewives thought this would be possible, and definitely not in one night. But none of the housewives expressed this to her directly. Nene thought her goals were unrealistic, but she chose to be there for her and support her. Sheree just chose to talk about it behind her back. Sheree had the perfect opportunity to tell Deshawn when she asked her to participate in the auction. She didn’t want to participate because she felt things weren’t going to go well and she didn’t want to be a part of that. Because we all know how important she is, wink wink. It was like she was waiting for an I-told-you- so moment.

On a more positive note Lisa of The Real Housewives of Atlanta business ventures were taking off in the right direction. Lisa landed a distribution deal with jewelry mogul, Steven Zale.

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Foreclosure is imminent so would it be possible to walk away from your home?

Are you one of many that is facing or considering foreclosure on your home? Have you ever heard about walking away from your home? I haven’t heard of this concept until I discovered this company called YouWalkAway.

Imagine being able to stay in your home for eight months or more and not having to pay a penny. They can help stop those harassing phone calls from mortgage companies. This service will provide a personalized plan just for you. You get a consultation with a real estate attorney in your state and you may even receive up to $5000 dollars towards your moving expenses. And what I found that was instrumental is that you get a YouWalkaway advocate to assist you throughout the entire process.

They offer a Forensic Loan Document Review to investigate your existing loan agreement. This technique is used to comb through your loan document with a fine tooth comb. They are looking for anything that that isn’t in line with the Truth in Lending Act that you signed. If something isn’t correct, something as little as being overcharged on your final Hud-1 document there might be a violation. This violation can give you some leverage when applying for a Home Loan Modification to improve your existing loan. In order to work with homeowners because of a hardship the lender may modify the existing loan.

You will need Foreclosure Protection to make sure that your lender follows all the laws in your state. Foreclosing on a home is a very strict procedure. It’s important to have someone on your side to help make sure that none of your rights are being violated.

YouWalkaway has been featured in several publications and news programs such as ABC News Now and CNBC. What I like about this program is that they offer a 100% Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

If you think this might be something for you weigh your options, investigate, and find out if you qualify. And remember always be smart in whatever you do.

Showmars Casual Dining Fast a Restaurant Review

Showmars restaurant a staple here in Charlotte, North Carolina has more than 25 locations in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. This Greek inspired restaurant serves up delicious fast food in a casual dining environment.

There are 27 locations within Charlotte and its surrounding cities. Only two of the Showmars restaurants are franchises. Which is unique in itself and that’s why Showmars food and customer service is consistent at all locations. I have frequented several locations and the ones that stand out are the Dilworth and the Fort Mill location.

My Showmars favorites are the fresh flounder dinner and the gyro dinner and the Greek salad. The calabash shrimp dinner is an extremely popular item. The plates overflow with nice big pieces of shrimp.

Sandwiches you must try are Fresh Filet Fish sandwich, gyro, Grilled chicken pita, and the Old fashion pita burger. Showmars restaurant has the best fish sandwich in town. You’ll love their salads especially the Greek salads with grilled chicken or gyro meat.

Showmars has one of the most attentive and friendliest staffs. They take pride in their restaurants. Managers greet you at the door. They want you to have a pleasant experience so you’ll come back and again. And I do just that.

But no matter how nice the staff is you wouldn’t come back if the food wasn’t delicious. And Showmars exceeds your expectations.

Showmars restaurants pride itself in a fun friendly atmosphere which serves fresh cooked to order food at reasonable prices. Plus, they give you generous portions. I have to admit that Showmars delivers every time.

If you’re new to the Charlotte Area you need to pay them a visit as soon as you can. And if you’re passing through make this one of your stops.

I have three categories in which I put a dining experience in.
1. Recommended – Meaning I would eat there again and recommend it to others.
2. Toss up – Means you have to decide for yourself by visiting the establishment.
3. Drive By – Means keep on driving pass the restaurant.

So which category does Showmars fall in? I would have to say Recommended.

Until next time Bon appétit!

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