Discover Unique Homes for Sale South Carolina: Find Your One-of-a-Kind Residence

Key Takeaways

• South Carolina offers a diverse range of unique houses for sale in South Carolina options from historical antebellum mansions and plantation homes to modern architectural masterpieces and coastal retreats, catering to various tastes and historical interests.
• The state’s coastal properties offer distinct living experiences with waterfront estates, beachfront sanctuaries, and island escapes highlighting luxury amenities, outdoor activities, and scenic views, along with an emphasis on the benefits and lifestyle of coastal living.
• Unique living spaces in South Carolina, such as converted warehouses, lofts, eco-friendly homes, and repurposed historical buildings, provide opportunities for homebuyers to own a piece of history or embrace sustainable living while enjoying the benefits of modern amenities.

South Carolina’s Architectural Gems

South Carolina boasts a plethora of architectural gems, perfect for those in search of a unique home that tells a story. From Colonial to Victorian, Bungalows to Arts and Crafts, the old houses in South Carolina serve as a testament to the state’s rich architectural history. Cities like Charleston, Greenville, and Mount Pleasant house these architectural treasures, each radiating its own distinctive charm and character.

These old homes not only offer a glimpse into the past but also provide an affordable alternative to new constructions, larger lot sizes, mature landscaping, and established neighborhood settings, making them a compelling choice for homebuyers. With over 405 South Carolina old houses currently available for purchase, finding your dream old house in South Carolina is an exciting journey. The ability to refine your search using filters such as price, square footage, and number of bedrooms or bathrooms brings you a step closer to your dream home.

Antebellum Mansions

South Carolina’s antebellum mansions magnificently encapsulate the state’s rich historical and architectural legacy. With their distinct Georgian, Neo-classical, and Greek Revival architectural styles, these mansions speak volumes about the affluence of plantation owners of the past. The rugged architecture of the upstate region and the charm of mature trees add to the unique character of these properties.

Among the most celebrated antebellum mansions are Boone Hall Plantation, Drayton Hall, and Magnolia Plantation. These exquisite homes stand as a testament to South Carolina’s rich historical past. Furthermore, preservation efforts explore the lives of both enslaved workers and their owners, acknowledging the culture and contributions of enslaved individuals at locations like McLeod Plantation, while upholding the authenticity of these properties.

Modern Masterpieces

Despite its abundance of historic homes, South Carolina also hosts an array of modern masterpieces. These homes blend contemporary design with the natural beauty of South Carolina, creating unique living spaces that cater to the modern homeowner. South Carolina’s Innovative Wood Buildings and the MUSC Innovation Center are excellent examples of innovative architectural structures, often featuring hardwood floors that add to their modern appeal.

Notable modern architects in South Carolina include:

• Catalyst Architects
• Herlong Architects
• Frederick + Frederick Residential Architects
• Swallowtail Architecture
• Anderson Studio of Architecture and Design

These architects are known for designing homes with unique features that cater to their client’s needs and preferences. They harmoniously incorporate traditional Southern design elements with nature’s elements, often using materials that blend seamlessly with the natural environment.

Historic Plantation Homes

The historic plantation homes of South Carolina provide a window into the state’s agricultural history. Constructed during the Colonial era in the 17th century, these old houses were established on expansive farms that yielded profitable crops like cotton and sugar. They stand as a testament to South Carolina’s agricultural prowess and provide potential homeowners with a unique opportunity to own a piece of the state’s rich history.

Coastal Retreats

In addition to architectural marvels, South Carolina presents unique coastal retreats featuring homes nestled along its unspoiled coastline. From beachfront sanctuaries to island escapes and waterfront estates, these homes offer stunning and unobstructed ocean views and easy access to the beach. Top examples of beachfront sanctuaries include:

• The Center for Birds of Prey
• Nature Adventures Outfitters
• Botany Bay Plantation
• The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
• The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
• Montage

These charming homes offer a unique coastal living experience that is unparalleled in each charming home.

Island getaways like Hilton Head Island and Kiawah Island are highly sought after, known for their picturesque beauty and peaceful atmosphere. On the other hand, luxury waterfront estates can be found through real estate listings on Sotheby’s International Realty and JamesEdition websites. These websites are associated with reputable brokerage firms that specialize in luxury real estate.

Beachfront Sanctuaries

Living in a South Carolina beachfront sanctuary comes with an array of benefits, including:

• High returns on investment
• Reduced stress levels
• Improved Health
• Access to outdoor activities

These properties offer a lifestyle like no other. With detailed information and data relating to information deemed reliable available through reputable real estate websites and local agents, finding your dream beachfront sanctuary is easier than ever.

Distinctive features of these properties include custom luxury waterfront homes and access to amenities like restaurants and farmland. The architecture integrates beachy and casual designs, evident in modern beach houses on Kiawah Island, waterfront homes in Palmetto Bluff, and traditional homes with contemporary styles on Sullivan’s Island.

Island Escapes

Living on an island in South Carolina provides a distinct experience. The island homes offer:

• significant porches
• high ceilings
• white or vividly colored exteriors
• stunning ocean views
• the unique Charleston Single Homes without attics

This type of living is highly sought after, with the average cost of island houses for sale in South Carolina being $450,830.

The island lifestyle, particularly in the Lowcountry, is defined by its proximity to water, encompassing marshlands and sea islands. Coastal towns provide a variety of housing options, from charming bungalows to luxurious beach residences. The island lifestyle is unlike anything you’ll experience on the mainland, making it a unique living experience in South Carolina.

Waterfront Estates

Waterfront estates in South Carolina showcase a variety of architectural styles, including:

• Charleston-style homes
• Lowcountry Cottage style
• Traditional Southern designs such as Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Classical Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Victorian, Art Deco, and Southern plantation styles

These homes are often situated along a variety of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and the scenic Atlantic coast, offering breathtaking views of South Carolina’s waterways.

These estates offer a wide range of amenities, including:

• Private beaches
• Spas
• Dining options
• Parks
• Nature preserves
• Walking and biking trails
• Pools
• Event lawns
• Recreational facilities such as bocce ball and pickleball

These amenities contribute to a luxurious living experience beyond the stunning views.

On average, the price of a waterfront estate in South Carolina is approximately $807,884.

Unique Living Spaces

For seekers of uniqueness, South Carolina presents a variety of distinctive residential options including converted warehouses and lofts, repurposed historic churches and schoolhouses, and eco-friendly homes. These unique living spaces offer a fresh perspective on home living, blending the old with the new, the traditional with the contemporary, and the natural with the man-made. Discover the perfect sale in South Carolina to find your dream home.

Prominent instances of converted warehouses and lofts in South Carolina include Mattress Factory Lofts, West Village Lofts (formerly Brandon Mill), The Lofts at Woodside Mill, Judson Mill Lofts, The Lofts Of Greenville, and Sterling Mill Lofts. The conversion process entails understanding zoning regulations, acquiring permits, conducting structural inspections, and depending on the desired finishes, conversion expenses can vary from $35 to $250 per square foot.

Converted Warehouses and Lofts

Converted warehouses and lofts in South Carolina, with their high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and large windows, maintain and incorporate industrial elements, demonstrating the state’s industrial history. These characteristics serve as a tribute to the state’s history of textile manufacturing and other industrial activities, showcasing the buildings’ past as industrial spaces.

Converted warehouses and lofts often showcase exposed brick, pipes, and support beams. Modern lofts may possess distinct features, and many converted apartment buildings in South Carolina are known for their affordability.

Historic Churches and Schoolhouses

In South Carolina, historic churches and schoolhouses have been creatively transformed into living spaces. From a schoolhouse from the 1920s in Salters to two churches in Mount Pleasant, one of which is listed on the National Historic Registry, these spaces have been transformed into unique living spaces while honoring their historic roots.

Renovating these spaces to accommodate bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms while preserving sought-after design elements such as vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and exposed beams is no small feat. These unique, completely renovated homes offer a blend of history and modern convenience, including a great room and new carpet, making them truly one of a kind.

Eco-Friendly Homes

In South Carolina, eco-friendly homes distinguish themselves with their exceptional energy efficiency and use of sustainable building materials and design. In contrast to traditional homes, they demand less energy for climate control and hot water, challenging the misconception that sustainable homes are inherently more costly or spacious.

Examples of environmentally sustainable homes can be found through ZeroDown listings, constructed by builders such as True Homes, Addison Homes, and Cimarron Homes. Additionally, sustainable communities like Anderson Farms, Berkeley Hall, and Hampton Lake exemplify eco-friendly living in South Carolina.

South Carolina’s Most Picturesque Locations

In South Carolina, it’s not only about the homes but also about the picturesque locations they inhabit. From Charleston’s historic district to Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront properties and Greenville’s scenic mountain homes, the state offers a variety of picturesque locales that enhance the appeal of the unique homes it houses.

Charleston’s Historic District is particularly picturesque due to its abundance of buildings with national historic and architectural importance, coupled with its extensive commercial and trade heritage dating back to its establishment in 1680. Myrtle Beach, on the other hand, is known for its sought-after oceanfront properties, offering breathtaking views and direct access to the beach. Greenville’s scenic mountain homes enhance the area’s picturesque quality by incorporating designs that complement the natural surroundings, such as clear cedar siding and expansive windows that offer stunning views of the mountains.

Charleston’s Historic District

Charleston’s historic district significantly contributes to the city’s allure. Its abundance of buildings with national historic and architectural importance, coupled with its extensive commercial and trade heritage dating back to its establishment in 1680, makes it a must-visit locale.

In the historic district of Charleston, there is a diverse selection of properties for sale, such as 257 homes matching Historic Charleston, and 465 homes matching Historic Downtown Charleston listed on Zillow. The pricing for these properties can vary, with the average price in Downtown Charleston being $976K, and homes in King Street Historic District ranging from $629K to $2.7M.

Myrtle Beach’s Oceanfront Properties

Oceanfront properties in Myrtle Beach are highly desirable due to their unique attributes, such as:

• Spacious living areas
• Dining spaces
• Fully-equipped kitchens
• Private bedrooms
• Convenient access to the Atlantic Ocean
• Expansive decks
• Private pools
• Panoramic ocean views from large windows

As of November 2023, the market for these properties shows a slight decline in home prices compared to the previous year, with a median selling price of $258K.

These properties offer a lifestyle like no other. Residents can enjoy:

• Private beach access
• Beach towels
• Outdoor pools
• Free Parking
• Water features for all ages
• Beachside bars
• Fitness facilities
• Convenience stores
• Gift shops

With all these home features and amenities, residents have everything they need right at their doorstep, all within walking distance.

Greenville’s Scenic Mountain Homes

Greenville’s scenic mountain homes provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. These homes boast a wide array of amenities and architectural marvels, such as golf courses, nature trails, and fitness facilities. The stunning mountain vistas are enhanced by unique elements like flagstone entrances with front waterfalls, 30-foot walls of windows, and the integration of diverse architectural styles ranging from modern to mountain-modern with rustic features.

Two of the highly esteemed mountain home communities in Greenville are The Cliffs at Mountain Park and The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, known for their scenic locations and upscale amenities. On average, the price of mountain houses for sale in South Carolina is approximately $477,000, presenting an accessible option for individuals looking for a scenic retreat.

Tips for Finding Your Unique South Carolina Home

The journey to find your unique houses for sale in South Carolina is an exciting one. But like any journey, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge to make your home-buying process as smooth as possible. Whether you’re working with a local realtor, understanding your financing options, or preserving the historic integrity of your home, these tips will help you navigate your home-buying journey with ease.

Highly regarded real estate agents in South Carolina possess the following qualifications:

• Local knowledge and valuable information on properties, neighborhoods, and schools
• Specific certification in unique and historic properties
• Appropriate licensing
• A track record in real estate sales with relevant designations

It is advisable to seek out a realtor who meets these qualifications.

Working with a Local Realtor

Working with a local real estate agent in South Carolina comes with a multitude of benefits. Agents with local expertise possess a thorough comprehension of the market and potential challenges, as well as insider insights on neighborhoods and market dynamics to effectively identify the most suitable options that align with your criteria.

A local realtor can play a crucial role in assisting you with your search for unique houses for sale in South Carolina by:

• Providing answers to inquiries
• Offering valuable advice
• Organizing property viewings
• Pinpointing listings that match your individual requirements and preferences

Numerous financial institutions in South Carolina provide specialized home loan options for unique properties, such as:

• South State Bank
• Griffin Funding
• eLEND
• Country Place Mortgage
• CIS Home Loans
• United Community Bank

These financing options offer a way to acquire the unique home of your dreams.

The acquisition of historic houses for sale in South Carolina may necessitate special considerations when it comes to mortgage options. Conventional mortgages for historic homes can have an interest rate up to 3 points higher than those for modern homes, and lenders may mandate additional assurances or comprehensive property information.

Preserving Historic Integrity

Lastly, considering the home’s historical integrity is crucial when purchasing unique houses for sale in South Carolina. The renovation of historic homes in South Carolina necessitates the submission of an application to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for thorough assessment and authorization prior to the commencement of any work.

Furthermore, owner-occupied residences undergoing rehabilitation may qualify for a tax subtraction equivalent to 25% of the expenses incurred for numerous repairs and renovations.

Summary

In conclusion, South Carolina presents a treasure trove of unique homes, from architectural gems and coastal retreats to eco-friendly residences. Whether you’re drawn to the rich history of Charleston’s historic district, the stunning ocean views of Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront properties, or the peaceful tranquility of Greenville’s scenic mountain homes, there’s a unique home waiting for you in South Carolina. So why wait? Embark on your home-buying journey today and find your one-of-a-kind residence in the Palmetto State.