CHARLESTON, S.C. — One of the most recognizable addresses South of Broad is for sale, and the asking price could reset the Charleston housing market. On Monday, Oct. 19, the Sword Gate House, 32 Legare St., was listed at $35 million.
That figure would make it the priciest home ever put on the market in the greater Charleston area. The top downtown sale so far was an East Bay Street house that went for about $21 million in October 2025.
The Federal-style home dates to the early 1800s and is named for its wrought-iron gate, worked into a sword and spear pattern by Charleston ironworker Christopher Werner and in place since the late 1840s. Over the years it has been a private home, a school for girls and an inn.
The estate covers 17,142 square feet of living space on a lot of a little under an acre, with 11 bedrooms between the main house, a two-story carriage house and guest suites. The grounds hold walled gardens, a pool and spa, and a magnolia thought to be about 280 years old.
The current owner, a Nashville-based trust, bought the property for $10 million in 2020 and renovated it, adding a kitchen on the main floor. It was first offered in 2009 at $23 million. Maison Real Estate has the listing.
Section: More Charleston SC business news
Charleston business profiles
Filed under: Charleston SC Business News
