A unique opportunity to purchase a piece of storied history. The Kerrison House, later known as Villa De La Fontaine, was built circa 1840 and restored in the 1970s. New England architect Russell Warren, a relative of Nathaniel Russel, designed the home and rear bathhouse. The grand residence sits back from the street and welcomes you with a semicircular driveway and front facing portico supported by columns with Temple of the Winds capitals. A descendant of the original merchant-owner, Miss Marguerite Kerrsion left the estate to the Episcopal Church of South Carolina who maintained the home as the diocesan office until 1971. Sold in a private bid to respected designers Fontaine & Hancock, the property once again became a private residence. The new owners meticulously renovated the home,roof, gardens, and driveway. Famed Charleston ironsmith Philip Simmons was commissioned to create the ornate gate and fence situated along the front property line. One of the largest pieces of land in Harleston Village, this estate includes over 6,400 square feet of living space, an attached kitchen house, converted bath house apartment, two story garage, and old world style gardens. Detailed plaster moulding , original hardwood flooring, and Greek Revival details grace the home throughout. The impressive home includes a grand foyer, music room, library, formal living room, dining room, breakfast room, elegant spiral staircase, landings, a butler's pantry, kitchen, numerous bedrooms, and private balconies. The property is fully enclosed, providing security and privacy. The front of the estate can be accessed by an electric swinging gate or the coded pedestrian gate. Historical and contemporary walls surround the perimeter of the home, saltwater spa pool, and additional outbuildings. The name Villa De La Fontaine was given to this stunning residence when it was admitted to the Tourist House Association of America in 1978. Esteemed guests such as the Guggenheim family, dignitaries, and civic groups frequented the Villa during the last 45 years of its residency.
Listing Date: 10-16-2020
Sold Date: 11-15-2021
Aprox Days on Market: 
1 Year(s), 29 day(s)
Listing Sold: 
1 Year(s), 10 month(s), 14 day(s) ago
Asking Price: $4,490,000
Selling Price: $3,999,000
Price Difference:
Same as list price
Grazing Permits Blm: Yes
Grazing Permits Forest Service: Yes
Farm Credit Service Incl: Yes
Horse: No
Grazing Permits Private: Yes
Fullbaths: 5
Floors: Wood
Window Features: Window Treatments - Some
Levels: Two, Multi-Story
Year Built: 1840
Rent Control: No
Pool Private: Yes
Exterior Features: Balcony
Fencing: Brick, Wrought Iron, Privacy
Style: Villa
Pool Features: In Ground
Misc Ext: Patio, Front Porch
Attached Garage: No
Gar Pkg: 2 Car Garage, Detached, Off Street
Garage: Yes
Laundry Features: Dryer Connection, Laundry Room
Interior Features: Ceiling - Smooth, High Ceilings, Garden Tub/Shower, Walk-In Closet(s), Bonus, Family, Formal Living, Entrance Foyer, Great, Media, In-Law Floorplan, Office, Pantry, Separate Dining, Study, Utility
Fireplace: Yes
Desclocation: Bedroom, Dining Room, Family Room, Great Room, Living Room, Three +
Lot Size Units: Acres
Lot Size: 0.55
Lot Sqft: 23958
Acres: 0.55
Lot Desc: .5 - 1 Acre
Irrigation Water Rights: Yes
Mobile Home Remains: Yes
Spa Features: Hot Tub/Spa
Security Features: Security System
Property Type: A
Stories: 2
Foundation: Crawl Space
Exterior: Stucco, Wood Siding
New Construction: No
Roof: Metal
Property Subtype: Workshop
Building Area Units: Square Feet
View: No
Home Warranty: Yes
Habitable Residence: Yes
Beds: 5
Primary Bedroom Features: Dual Masters, Garden Tub/Shower, Sitting Room, Walk-In Closet(s)
Room Master Bedroom Level: Upper
Sold Date: 2021-11-15T00:00:00
Lease Renewal Option: Yes
Lease Considered: Yes
Lease Assignable: Yes
Sqft: 6442
Water Source: Public
Heat: Electric
Cooling: Yes
Heating: Yes
Utilities: Charleston Water Service, Dominion Energy
Water Sewer: Public Sewer
Waterfront: No
Courtesy of listing office AgentOwned Realty Charleston Group - 843-769-5100