21 E Battery St
Charleston, SC 29401
Charlestowne
7 Beds
8 Baths
13,462 sqft (on 0.39 acres)
7 Beds
8 Baths
13,462 sqft
(on 0.39 acres)
Local Information
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Description
21 East Battery offers a rare opportunity to steward one of Charleston's most historically significant residences. Known as the Edmondston-Alston House, this extraordinary South of Broad property has stood overlooking Charleston Harbor for two centuries. It embodies the architectural beauty, resilience, and layered history that define the Charleston peninsula.Constructed in 1825 for Scottish shipping merchant Charles Edmondston, the residence was among the first substantial houses built along the city's seawall and what is now Charleston's iconic High Battery. A decade later, the property was acquired by Charles Alston, a member of a well-established Lowcountry rice planting family, who refined the house in the Greek Revival style. Alston added architectural elements including the signature three tiered piazzas supported by Corinthian columns and a distinctive parapet bearing the Alston family crest. From its earliest years, the house has been closely tied to Charleston's network of prominent families. In 1849, the marriage of Williams Middleton to Susan Pringle Smith united the Edmondston-Alston House with Middleton Place under one extended family lineage. Susan Pringle Smith's ancestry traces to Bishop Robert Smith, who arrived in Charleston in 1757, and served as the first American Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina. Bishop Smith also played a foundational role in the creation of the College of Charleston, helping to finance and establish the institution. Through generations of intermarriage among the Smith, Middleton, and Alston families, ownership and stewardship of both Middleton Place and the Edmondston-Alston House became intertwined, reinforcing a legacy deeply rooted in land and heritage. The house has witnessed defining moments in American history. From the third floor piazza overlooking the harbor, Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard observed the first shots of the Civil War in 1861. Later that year, General Robert E. Lee sought refuge here during the Great Fire of Charleston. For generations, the Edmondston-Alston House functioned not only as a residence but as part of a broader narrative connecting Charleston to Middleton Place. The Edmondston-Alston House served as a seasonal house, with family members residing during the summer months while maintaining their deep ties to the Middleton Place property. The grounds of the Edmondston-Alston House, surrounded by large oak trees, provided shade during the summer months. Within the house, the interiors were filled with historical artifacts and heirlooms, including Middleton Place silver. Over time, as family needs evolved, portions of the house were preserved while others remained actively lived in, reflecting the natural progression of a house continuously shaped by its stewards. In 1969, a generational transition took place when ownership of the Edmondston-Alston House formally passed to Charles Halliwell Pringle Duell, a twelfth generation Middleton descendant. The estate was thoughtfully divided, with Charles receiving the physical properties, including the Edmondston-Alston House and Middleton Place. The property features three distinct structures, creating a private enclave rarely found within Charleston's historic district. The main residence welcomes guests through a foyer that immediately establishes the scale of the house. Twelve foot ceilings, original moldings, and period craftsmanship reflect the artistry of early nineteenth century construction. Architectural detailing evolves from floor to floor, with subtle variations in trim work that speak to the layered history of the house. On the main level, two formal parlors extend from the central foyer, with original pocket doors allowing the spaces to flow together for entertaining or remain intimate for quieter gatherings. A staircase rises to the second floor, where two additional parlors continue the tradition of formal entertaining. These grand rooms, with their twelve foot ceilings, fireplaces, and intricate millwork, once served as important social spaces within the household. One parlor was historically reserved for ladies' gatherings, offering a glimpse into the customs of the period, while a library, traditionally used as a gentlemen's withdrawing room, adds further character to this level. The third floor serves today as the primary living quarters, where natural light and harbor views reflect the house's original design and orientation toward Charleston Harbor. This level includes two bedrooms, along with a spacious dining room that could easily serve as an additional bedroom. Directly behind the main residence, The Quarters, historically the kitchen building and living quarters for the enslaved, have been preserved and now serve as a private two story retreat with a living area, kitchenette, and gas burning fireplace on the main level. Upstairs, two well proportioned bedrooms and bathrooms make for inviting accommodations. Adjacent to the Quarters is the historic Carriage House, originally used as stables for horses and carriages as well as quarters for groomsmen, now configured as a bed and breakfast. The interiors retain original beamed ceilings and heart pine floors, preserving the authenticity of the structure. A sitting room occupies the main level, while two generously sized rooms are located upstairs. Together, the main residence, The Quarters, and The Carriage House form an exceptional historic estate along Charleston's High Battery. With harbor views, architectural pedigree, and centuries of documented history shaped by generations of stewardship, 21 East Battery offers a rare opportunity to own and preserve a remarkable piece of Charleston's past.
Home Highlights
Parking
No Info
Outdoor
Porch
A/C
Cooling only
HOA
None
Price/Sqft
$1,040
Listed
34 days ago
Home Details for 21 E Battery St
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MLS Status: Active |
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Beds & Baths Number of Bedrooms: 7Number of Bathrooms: 10Number of Bathrooms (full): 6Number of Bathrooms (half): 4 |
Dimensions and Layout Living Area: 13462 Square Feet |
Appliances & Utilities Utilities: Charleston Water Service, Dominion EnergyLaundry: Washer Hookup,Laundry Room |
Heating & Cooling Has CoolingAir Conditioning: Central AirNo Heating |
Fireplace & Spa Fireplace: Bedroom, Dining Room, Family Room, Great Room, Living Room, Three +Has a Fireplace |
Windows, Doors, Floors & Walls Flooring: Wood |
Levels, Entrance, & Accessibility Stories: 3Levels: Three Or MoreFloors: Wood |
Security Security: Security System |
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Exterior Home Features Roof: SlatePatio / Porch: Covered, Front PorchFencing: Wrought IronOther Structures: Guest House |
Parking & Garage No CarportNo GarageParking: Off Street |
Frontage Not on Waterfront |
Water & Sewer Sewer: Public Sewer |
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Days on Market: 34 |
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Year Built Year Built: 1825 |
Property Type / Style Property Type: ResidentialProperty Subtype: Single Family ResidenceArchitecture: Charleston Single |
Building Construction Materials: Brick, StuccoNot a New ConstructionNot Attached Property |
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Price List Price: $14,000,000Price Per Sqft: $1,040 |
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Direction & Address City: CharlestonCommunity: South of Broad |
School Information Elementary School: MemmingerJr High / Middle School: Simmons PinckneyHigh School: Burke |
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Listing Agent Listing ID: 26012755 |
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Building Area Building Area: 13462 Square Feet |
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Lot Area: 0.39 acres |
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Listing Terms: Cash, Conventional |
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Mls Number: 26012755Attribution Contact: 843-628-0008 |
Last check for updates: about 1 hour ago
Listing courtesy of The Cassina Group, (843) 628-0008
Source: CTMLS, MLS#26012755
Also Listed on CTMLS.
Market trends in Charleston
Last updated April 2026
Avg. sale price
$578K $14.33KMoM
Sale-to-List Price
96.9% 0.1%MoM
Price per sq ft
$331 $5MoM
Available listings
1780 115MoM
Price History for 21 E Battery St
| Date | Price | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/04/2026 | $14,000,000 | Listed For Sale | CTMLS #26012755 |
| 01/02/2008 | $943 | Sold | N/A |
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Property Tax and Assessment
| Year | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Tax | $31,583 |
| Assessment | $3,934,361 |
Home facts updated by county records
Comparable Sales for 21 E Battery St
Address | Distance | Property Type | Sold Price | Sold Date | Bed | Bath | Sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.09 | Single-Family Home | $7,400,000 | 03/02/26 | 6 | 6.5 | 7,183 | |
0.09 | Single-Family Home | $5,550,000 | 08/15/25 | 6 | 6 | 5,895 | |
0.18 | Single-Family Home | $8,400,000 | 01/29/26 | 5 | 5.5 | 7,343 | |
0.26 | Single-Family Home | $7,800,000 | 05/07/26 | 6 | 5.5 | 6,766 | |
0.24 | Single-Family Home | $5,600,000 | 04/15/26 | 4 | 5 | 4,637 | |
0.13 | Single-Family Home | $2,675,000 | 10/17/25 | 5 | 5 | 3,328 | |
0.10 | Single-Family Home | $3,155,000 | 02/25/26 | 5 | 4.5 | 3,182 |
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Get a sense of prices in the area by checking nearby homes.
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SOLDNOV 20, 2025
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Assigned Schools
These are the assigned schools for 21 E Battery St.
- Memminger Elementary School
- PK-5
- Public
- 387 Students
2/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageMy oldest child started Memminger in CD-4 and will be graduating from this wonderful school this month. My youngest also started in pre-k, but moved to Buist for 3rd grade--which is not a move I would've opted for except we preferred Buist to our in-district middle school. All that to say, with Memminger becoming a Buist feeder school, the school demographics have shifted dramatically in this time--not necessarily for the better of the community and public, if you ask me, but I digress. What has been the same since we started, is the absolutely amazing, warm, inclusive culture at Memminger--thanks to truly amazing teachers, staff and administrators. This is a place where teachers seem happy and engaged, and everyone knows your child's name, whether they've had them in class or not. Dottie Brown was an amazing principle, and Cheryl Wash has been an exceptional vice and interim principal (who every bit deserved the full-time role, as I'm sure the vast majority of parents and educators would agree, but again, I digress). What you see on scorecards never gives a full picture. If I had used them to guide my decision about where to send my children, rather than my intuition, after visiting the school and getting to know the amazing educators and atmosphere (special shout out to Ms. Inabinet)I may not have sent my children to this wonderful gem of a school. My children both tested as gifted and have high 90th percentiles in iReady thanks in no small part to the excellent education provided by this school and the very dedicated educators. As a parent, I will miss this place tremendously--and I imagine the same is true of my kids.Parent Review1y ago - Burke High School
- 9-12
- Public
- 352 Students
1/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageI actually really like this school. I feel like ethnicity nor income should downgrade a school. This is my first year attending Burke High School. No, I am not 'Black'. Yes, there are some disrespectful children at this school but their are also intelligent children like myself with high GPA's. attending Burke High. If a family is low-income than that should be left confidential. However, if these children are lowering the average test scores then they should accept the help that is being offered and if they refuse to resulting in a lowered average score they should be transferred to a a school that best meets their needs. In my opinion this is a good school that could soon be great.Student Review8y ago - Simmons Pinckney Middle School
- 6-8
- Public
- 219 Students
4/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating Average
No reviews available for this school. 
Check out schools near 21 E Battery St.
Neighborhood Overview
Neighborhood stats provided by third party data sources.
What Locals Say about Charlestowne
At least 7 Trulia users voted on each feature.
100 % Say there are sidewalks
91 % Say yards are well-kept
88 % Say streets are well-lit
82 % Say people would walk alone at night
80 % Say it's walkable to restaurants
73 % Say there's holiday spirit
70 % Say it's dog friendly
70 % Say kids play outside
69 % Say they plan to stay for at least 5 years
58 % Say it's walkable to grocery stores
56 % Say car is needed
46 % Say there are community events
39 % Say neighbors are friendly
36 % Say parking is easy
29 % Say it's quiet
18 % Say there's wildlife
Sourced by Trulia users. Learn more about our methodology.
LGBTQ Local Legal Protections
LGBTQ Local Legal Protections
The Cassina Group, (843) 628-0008
IDX information is provided exclusively for personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Copyright Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
21 E Battery St, Charleston, SC 29401 is a 7 bedroom, 10 bathroom, 13,462 sqft single-family home built in 1825. 21 E Battery St is located in Charlestowne, Charleston. This property is currently available for sale and was listed by CTMLS on May 4, 2026. The MLS # for this home is MLS# 26012755.