The Charleston Pink House
The Charleston Pink House
The Charleston Pink House, simply known as "The Pink House" is one of the oldest buildings (if not the oldest) in historic Charleston, South Carolina.
The exact construction date of the Charleston Pink House is debated, however it is believed to have been built somewhere between 1696-1712.
The Pink House has been alot of things over the last 310+ years. It’ been a private home, an art gallery, a law office, a publishing house, a place for entertainment and parties, a small black church….but when it was originally built, it was built as a sailors tavern and brothel.
The Pink House is a Charleston photo showstopper as it sits on a lovely coble stone street and it is notable for some distinct architectural features.
Pink Bermuda Stone - The Pink House is one of the few actual stone buildings in Charleston, SC. The house is said to have been constructed of “pink bermuda stone” Bermuda Stone is a type of limestone that is commonly found on the island of Bermuda. It is characterized by its pink to coral hues and is valued for its durability and attractive appearance.
Stucco Exterior - The Bermuda Stone has been covered by pink stucco. The stucco is made from a local mixture of lime, sand, and crushed oyster shells, giving it the distinctive pinkish hue. This material is not only visually striking but also provides weather resistance.
Original Terracotta Roof Tile in a Gambrel Style - Made of clay terracotta, the roof plays an essential role in this style of architecture as it is one of the few Gambrel style roofs in the city of Charleston. The gambrel roof is a type of gable roof with two slopes on each side, the upper being less steep than the lower. The roof style is commonly known as “Dutch Style Gambrel Roof”.
Size of The House - The pink house iis currently about 1,000 square feet in size. It is said to be 3 stores tall with a single room on each floor. I would say there is basically 2.5 rooms in the house. The 1st and 2nd floor each have 1 square 13x13 foot room with a fireplace. The 3rd floor is about the same size but the walls slant in due to the Gambrel style roof. In the back an addition was added that included a ½ bath and small kitchen. It has low ceilings and narrow staircases. I am 6’1” 230 lbs so getting around in this house would be difficult!
The Charleston Pink House has survived fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods, 2 wars and 30+ hurricanes, making it a symbol of Charleston's resilience and history now and into the future.
Family & Real Estate History
As one of the oldest pieces of real estate existing in the city there are quite a few records about the people who have owned this property over the years.
1700’s - John Brenton is said to have built the house and Thomas Coker is listed as an early owner during it’s tavern days in the 1700’s.
1800’s - The Whistler Family - The Charleston Pink House located at 17 Chalmers Street is often associated with the Whistler family and has been referred to as the "Whistler House" due to its historical connection.
The Whistler family are known for their ties to the renowned American artist James McNeill Whistler best known for his famous painting "Whistler's Mother”. James McNeill Whistler was born in Massachusetts in 1834 but spent part of his childhood in Charleston, SC . His father, Major George Washington Whistler, was an engineer and was stationed in the city. The Whistler family lived in the Pink House during their time in Charleston and is a notable part of his early life and family history.
After the Civil War from the late 1800s until the 1930s The Pink House fell into some major disrepair (like many of the buildings in Charleston had).
In the 1930’s major historic preservation efforts and new ordinances had recently passed thanks to The Charleston Historic Society (known as The Society for Preserving Old Dwellings at that time).
Mr. and Mrs. Victor Morawetz were New Yorkers who had recently restored some properties in Charleston (including Fenwick Hall). The Morawetz’s added a small addition on the left side of the building. They also spruced up the pink house color and made it more vibrant.
1940’s - A Publishing House & Print Shop - In 1946, Henry McInvaill, Jr. bought the Charleston Pink House and opened up a small publishing business in the house. He would also host artists and exhibits in the house and was a big proponent of the Charleston art scene during this era. When McInvaill decided to sell the house he sold it to a local artist Alice Ravenel Huger Smith. She turned the Pink house into her art studio and art gallery with events.
1950’s - Attorney Frank H. Bailey bought the property and turned it into his law office “Bailey and Buckly”. Bailey did some major renovations and upgrades to the house like adding electricity and a telephone line. He added a small washroom in the back and rehabbed the courtyard with it’s high walls. To the left of the Pink House there is parking lot but in the 1950’s there was a large building that was demolished which opened up the side angle of The Pink House for viewing.
1960’s - The Pink House at one point was the headquarters for The Piping & Marching Society of Lower Chalmers Street. Started by a group of World War II vets could play bag pipes, drink, march and find camaraderie.
1987 - The house was eventually passed on to Mr. Bailey’s daughter and it became another art gallery. There was an art gallery off and on in the pink house from 1987-2017 until the pink house sold to New Yorker Scott Bessent for $620,000.
As of 2024 The Charleston Pink House is valued at over $1.1 Million dollars for this 1 bed 1.5 bath 1000 square foot house located at 17 Chalmers Street. This iconic home is featured on quite a few tours in Charleston and is a fine example of historic preservation that has taken the time and effort of quite a few people over the years.
