81 Rutledge Avenue Charleston, SC 29401

The Sottile-Glover Mansion is an exceptional building, which is listed in the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. The first recorded sale of 81 Rutledge Avenue, then known as 6 Rutledge Street, was in 1775.Estate OverviewThree buildings on 79 & 81 Rutledge AvenueMain building (built in 1826) - a grand residence ideal for entertaining, featuring large rooms and piazzasOriginal house (pre-1775) - now divided into:Four-bedroom long-term rentalTwo-bedroom short-term rentalThird building - former carriage house with three stories, now used for storageAmple parking availablePrime location - Walking distance to MUSC, King Street, Colonial Lake, Broad Street, and the College of CharlestonProperty Description
Carriage house (third building)
Originally housed carriages, a community room for servants, and seven small bedrooms
Middle house (original house)
Built before 1775, constructed using wooden pegs
Now divided into rental units
Main house
Built in 1826 by Dr. J. Glover with 18-36 inch thick brick walls
Formerly served as the Italian consulate
Original painted ceilings deteriorated, but gold leaf cornices in the living and dining rooms remain
Cornices were custom-made in France to fit windows, mirrors, and French doors

Historical Significance
First recorded sale in 1775 - included the building now used as rental property
1826 - Mansion built by Dr. Joseph Glover (1740-1840), a respected physician and advocate for urban greenery
Later ownership
Arthur Gordon Rose (1794-1880) - President of the Bank of Charleston
Early 1900s - Used as a school for girls, later purchased by the Benjamin Moise family
1906 - Bought by Giovanni Sottile, Italian Consul, who added Italianate details
Hosted King Victor Emanuel of Italy
1991 - Passed to Carmelina Sottile Thompson
1999 - Purchased by the current owners

Architectural & Preservation Details
Mid-19th & early 20th century - Italianate embellishments and ironwork added
Front doors feature ornate grille work, similar to those at 1 Broad Street (possibly linked to banker Arthur G. Rose)
Hand-carved vestibule door with fruit relief, made in England
Kitchen renovated in 2023 - New cabinets and appliances
Original floor plan remains intact - Owners prioritize historic integrity
Structural enhancements
Air conditioners added to rooms without them
Sump pump system installed to prevent flooding
Survived earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and war

Gardens & Atmosphere
Ideal for entertaining - Hosted numerous parties, charity events, and musical gatherings
Lush gardens with over 80-year-old sago palms
Other plantings include loquats, pomegranates, camellias, hydrangeas, and azaleas, cared for by the current owner

This historic Charleston estate offers a blend of grandeur, history, and tranquility, preserving its architectural and cultural heritage.