Presqu’ile
National Register Listing
Street Address:
2 Amherst St., Charleston, SC (Charleston County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817710106
Description and Narrative:
Presqu’ile is among Charleston’s finest examples of Adam style architecture, featuring a distinct floor plan, and notable interior details. Additional significance is derived from its associations with several prominent South Carolinians. It is believed that the house was constructed between 1802 and 1808 by Jacob Belser. Circa 1840 a large three-story wing was added to its northeast corner. The structure features fine Adam style woodwork, including mantels, cornice moldings, and wainscoting. The structure also features a distinctive floor plan with one room on each of the first two floors. The circular staircase is also notable. The original portion of the structure features a two-story piazza extending along three facades. On the ground level, simple stucco-over-brick columns rest on a piazza paved with flagstone. The columns on the second (main) floor are smaller and wooden. The second-story piazza also features a wooden balustrade. An off-centered single door with a four light transom opens onto both piazzas. The gable roof is covered by tin and features a pediment with lunette. The gable ends of the roof have wood siding and dentil molding. The eastern gable also features a Palladian window. Listed in the National Register December 8, 1978.
Period of Significance:
1840;19th century
Level of Significance:
State
Area of Significance:
Architecture
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
December 8 1978
