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Galleries / Home & Garden

Restoring a Circa-1832 Charleston Single in Radcliffeborough

Photos 21Issue September 2026
This circa-1832 Charleston single house was constructed in the Federal style by John M. VanRhyn during a building boom on Thomas Street. The neighboring homes were erected in the same era by New England transplants, a fitting pedigree for a house now owned by a couple who moved from Boston.A rare double lot provides room for a driveway and pool, as well as the restored formal gardens, while painstakingly rebuilt double piazzas feature hand-recreated columns and balusters faithful to the original design.Drenched in Sherwin-Williams “Needlepoint Navy,” the drawing room walls complement the custom Jesse Morgan sofa in Cowtan & Tout sky-blue velvet.The brick fireplace, discovered under sheetrock, anchors the sitting area, where original heart pine flooring is topped by a vintage Turkish rug.The honey-hued floors continue into the entry, where an Urban Electric pendant, Woodbridge console, and botanical-themed art welcome visitors.A marble-topped walnut island, lined with Charles Stewart “Mystic” counter stools in Schumacher “Cadet” velvet, centers the kitchen beneath a custom Riloh brass pendant light.A blue Lacanche range fits into an original masonry fireplace beneath a hood by Charleston Plaster Co.Tucked behind the dining room, the butler’s pantry features a large sink and marble-topped counters highlighted by brass fixtures.In the dining nook, white oak paneling reflects light from the opposing wall of windows. An Urban Electric “Chiltern” lantern hangs over a Split Woodworks red oak table, where a custom banquette provides ample seating.The entry hall powder room pairs York Wallcoverings “Gunmetal” grasscloth with Benjamin Moore “Amber Slate” trim. Riloh orb sconces and a Villa & House mirror sit atop a Split Woodworks walnut vanity and marble sink.In the primary bedroom, a linen-dressed Gabby bed rests atop a cream Jaipur Living rug. The Phillips Scott “Bentley” chest and headboard, both in charcoal, offer contrast.The spa-like, Carrara marble-clad en-suite bath features a wet room and brass fittings.Under the eaves in daughter Ava’s retreat, angled walls left no room for furniture, so built-ins were designed to fit, including a daybed painted in Benjamin Moore “Harbor Haze” and dressed with Emily Daws pillows.Once a separate apartment, the in-law suite features original brick and centuries-old, hand-hewn beams. Its main living area was the home’s original kitchen.The pool bath features penny-round diamond mosaic tile floors, a wall-mounted sink, and exposed brass plumbing.The windows in the suite’s cozy, first-floor bedroom were restored to match the upper windows on the home’s facade, with the added benefit of bringing in more light.The rebuilt rear addition provided the Dions with spaces the house lacked, including an office for Tom outfitted with a Restoration Hardware desk and Visual Comfort chandelier.The mudroom entrance features a herringbone brick floor and shiplap paneling.In the family room, Jesse Morgan sofas in gray Schumacher Crypton fabric sit atop a Turkish carpet.The home’s formal gardens, fully restored by Landplan Associates, now feature a tiered fountain and brick-edged pathways that lead to a new pool. The fence, painted in Benjamin Moore “Mopboard Black,” provides a neutral backdrop.he piazza floor features the understated Colors of Historic Charleston “Antique Pewter.” The new addition, distinct from the original building with different exterior siding and red roofs, reinforces the home’s layered story. The project earned a Carolopolis Exterior Award from the Preservation Society of Charleston in February.

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Restoring a Circa-1832 Charleston Single in Radcliffeborough
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