Charles Karrison House

Historic Property

Street Address:

138 Wentworth Street, Charleston, South Carolina (Charleston County)

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Site card for S108042000500051000

Date Surveyed:

circa 1972

Construction Date:

circa 1839 – 1842

Number of Stories:

2

Exterior Walls Materials:

Stucco

Roof Shape:

Hip

Porch Shape:

Columned portico.

Signficant Architectural Features:

Was constructed by Edwin Kerrison, founder of the famous dry goods store which still bears his name and is a Charleston landmark. Immediately upon completion he offered the handsome Greek Revival dwelling for rent. The house was built as the last word in elegant and comfort, and was truly ahead of its time in such things as the modern plumbing. The builder used elaborate cornice treatment and interior embellishment to off-set the stark plainness of vast unadorned plaster walls on the interior of the house. The house was eventually conveyed for $1 to the Dioses of South Carolina for use as their headquarters in 1947. The house was recently bought to be used as a private residence.

Survey:

Historic Charleston Foundation Survey 1972

Archives Location:

Box 5, Series 108042, Survey of historic resources (county by county data on surface properties), circa 1971-2014

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