Charleston Bit the Big Apple

By Creaturo & Associates of Century 21 Properties Plus in Charleston SC

Charleston finally beat New York City as Condé Nast Traveler readers 2008 Readers’ Choice Survey best city to visit. The complete results will appear in the November issue that comes out October 21.

South Carolina is also home this year to the number 2 island in North America – Kiawah. Kiawah is home to the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, which came it as the number 3 Mainland U.S. Resort. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton also ranked in the Top 10 Mainland U.S. Resorts, coming in at Number 8.
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500074

Select results from the 2008 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards include:

Top Cities- United States:
1. San Francisco
2. Charleston, SC
3. New York City
4. Santa Fe
5. Chicago
6. Carmel
7. Honolulu
8. Savannah
9. San Diego
10. Sedona

Top Hotels- United States:
1. The Peninsula, Chicago
2. Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Amelia Island
3. Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach

Top Islands- North America:
1. Vancouver Island
2. Kiawah, SC
3. Nantucket, MA

Top Resorts- Mainland U.S.:
1. Kenwood Inn & Spa, Sonoma
2. Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa, Jackson, NH
3. Sanctuary at Kiawah Island

One Cool Blow - Downtown Charleston Lofts- Real Estate

By Creaturo & Associates of Century 21 Properties Plus

On the Peninsula where Down Town Charleston has a rich history and Million dollar Mansions there is a place even the "Average Joe" can call home. It's called One Cool Blow. The name itself lets you know this condominium development is a little different. One Cool Blow is a mixed-use loft development on Charleston’s peninsula. The "green environment" is being built just over looking the Ravenel Bridge and less than a mile from the market. One Cool Blow is built with lots of concrete walls, large windows and a communal rooftop. It's being built with the future in mind. The concrete can with stand hurricane force winds. Some materials being used in the building process include, energy efficient pre-cast concrete, bamboo flooring, and lots of windows for natural light and help benefit the owners well being. all paints, stains and sealants omit the lowest possible VOC (volatile organic compounds) to make the environment a healthy place to live.

There are two floor plans.

785 - PRICES STARTING AT $183,000

The 785 square foot residences provide 1-1/2 to 2 bedrooms and one full bath. A generous great room runs the length of the pan with windows on each end. The roof garden residences include windows on three sides. The kitchen is recessed along one wall of the great room, allowing an open space for flexible living and furnishing arrangements.

1175 - PRICES STARTING AT $340,750

The 1175 square foot residences provide 2-1/2 to 3 bedrooms and two full baths. A generous great room with open walls of glass flows into both the kitchen and the study/guest room. The bath is configured to serve as both a powder room and a second bath by partitioning the tub room via a pocket door.

The kitchen is well equipped with Granite Counter tops and Energy Star Stainless Appliances.

For more information contact Creaturo and Associates.

The Charleston Market is getting a makeover

By: Creaturo & Associates of Century 21 Properties Plus Inc.
Charleston's historic Market is getting a face lift and the cost will be 100K. On October 1, 2008 a new management company, City Market Preservation Trust will be taking over the Charleston market. Tourist and merchants will notice a change in the market immediately with the sprucing up project. The Market will be steam cleaned, painted and refreshed. Also by 2012, the markets flooding issues should be taken care of.
Another proposed project is the expand the market to block of Market Street between East Bay and Concord streets. This area is currently a metered parking lot. The new management company wants to make the market a venue for parties, weddings and events. The management group wants to do everything they can to help Charleston's historic market live up to it's potential in revenue. Current gross revenue is about 1.5 million.
The market is a must see place to go when visiting Charleston, SC. The land was given to the city by a wealthy family over 220 years ago to be used as a market. The market has survived, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and fires. The market sold meat and fish market and for sanitation purposes the three buildings behind Market Hall, which sold fruits and vegetables with other produce brought direct from island plantations were set apart. Now sweet grass basket weavers can be seen in every building, along with, local artists, jewelry, tapestry, souvenirs, church dolls,afghans, rugs, rice, beans and sauces, local candies and cookies and much more.
SEARCH CHARLESTON HISTORIC HOMES

Bee Street Lofts - Downtown Luxury Condos

Developed by the Bomasada Group, the Lofts are luxury condominiums within walking distance to MUSC (Medical University Of South Carolina) and across the street from the Ashley River and magnificent view of historic Charleston. These are Charleston's first true lofts and perfect for a "on the go" lifestyle. The Bee Street Lofts are equipped with all the luxuries you'd expect.The Gourmet kitchens have granite counter tops, stainless appliances and wall mounted self cleaning ovens, built in microwave and dishwasher and built in wine chillers. The upscale flooring, natural stone tile in baths and expansive master suites all are a standard feature. Most of the lofts have balconies or private patios. There are 11 different floor plans ranging from 800 to over 2000 square feet. The floor plans are open with 10 foot ceilings making even the smallest floor plan feel like adequate space. Prices range from 300,000-over a million dollars. There are a some nice amenities that you will have access to wit your home at Bee Street. There are two courtyards, a fitness center and a clubhouse that will have contemporary furniture, plasma tv's and a Starbucks' coffee machine.

View Bee Street Lofts on MLS.

Ansonborough - Quaint as could be - Charleston SC

BY: Darcy Creaturo

Historic Downtown Charleston has so many quaint neighborhoods full of history as well as breath taking architecture. One of the great historical neighborhoods is Ansonborough. Ansonborough is named after Captain George Anson a captain in the Royal Navy. It has been said that he won the property in a game of cards. The area known as Ansonborough is most of properties between George, Meeting, Pinckney and East Bay streets The first public high school (55 Society St) was also in Ansonborough and has been transformed into a condominium property. The homes in Ansonborough were first built in the 18th and 19th centuries, including Charleston’s oldest private home, the Col. William Rhett house, which dates to 1712. In 1959, the area began a restoration started by the Charleston Historic Foundation. The area needed this revitalization because the area that had once been one of Charleston's finest residential areas was full of slums. Now the quality of life in Ansonborough is at it's peak and the realestate opportunities are full of luxury homes. When you walk the streets of Ansonborough, you see all the historic buildings with grand columns, piazzas,wrought iron work and garden courtyards all within walking distance to the Market and Shopping of King Street. View all Ansonborough Real Estate on MLS.

Charleston International Film Festival – Charleston SC Events

Ready Set Action!! The Charleston International Film Festival will take place in Charleston South Carolina May 1-4. The 1st Annual CIFF will bring attendees together for 4 days to attend premieres, panels, special events, seminars, after parties and deal making opportunities. The festival will showcase documentaries, features and shorts from around the world. There will also be a screenplay competition. CIFF will accomplish this with an international film competition, dedicated to showcasing the art and talent of emerging filmmakers from around the world at Charlestons premier art house, the Terrace Theater. On the 4th and final night of the festival, CIFF will present awards to honor the finest in film making displayed during the competition.

For complete event schedule please CLICK HERE

MORE CHARLESTON EVENTS

The Bristol - Charleston SC Luxury condo

If you would like to have a luxury real estate address in the historic town of Charleston SC, then you have to live at the Bristol Condominiums. Located on the banks of the Ashley River, the Bristol is maintenance free living at it's best. Amenities at the Bristol include 24 hour security, pool sauna, fitness center and owners may lease a boat slip at the Bristol marina.
Living at the Bristol you'll have amazing views of the Bristol Marina and Brittlebank Park. There are also views of the flourishing wildlife but your only steps away from the Gourmet Dining Downtown Charleston has to offer. In the summer months on Friday evenings, you can enjoy what seems to be your own private fireworks show from the "JOE" ( Charleston Minor League Baseball) just down the street. And you will never have to worry about parking for you or your guests with your two deeded parking spaces and an additional 30 shared spots for visitors.
Prices at The Bristol currently range between 685-800,000 with 2 and 3 bedroom units available.
Click here to view all Bristol condo's currently for sale on Charleston SC's MLS.

CHARLESTON SC INFO

Longborough Down town Charleston's New Luxury Neighborhood

Century 21 Properties Plus is pround to introduce to you a wonderful community with the charm of historic Charleston and the luxury of a new home. Located on the eastern side of the peninsula, within minutes to The Citadel and Hampton Park, Longborough brings a new community into the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina .

The 27-acre site includes marsh front green space overlooking the Ashley River, a good portion of which will remain open space. The urban scale plan includes 82 custom home sites in this community that is quickly becoming one of the most sought after addresses in Charleston. Longborough's plan of the neighborhood includes tree-lined sidewalks making the community pedestrian friendly.
Several custom home builders were involved in this luxury home community. Each home is custom and luxurious with beautiful porches and views of Charleston and it's new Ravenel Bridge. Homes in Longborough range from the 500's to over 2 millionwith the average square footage over 3,000 square feet. And with construction 99% complete there are several homes available for resale. To view Longborough Homes currently for sale on Charleston, SC's MLS click here.

Historic Downtown Charleston's Harleston Village

There are many unbelievable opportunities to own historic real estate in the heart of downtown Charleston.
According to the Harleston Village community web site, the Village of Harleston, also frequently called Harleston’s Green, more rarely Harlestonborough, and more recently Harleston Village was originally part of a grant made to John Coming and Henry Hughes in 1671-1672. After the death of Coming and his wife Affra Coming, it was inherited by Ms. Coming’s nephew, John Harleston, and his descendants. The section bore the Harleston name when it was developed and streets were opened in 1770. The Harlestons, during the Colonial period, were active in the government of the Province and also accomplished breeders of racehorses.
Streets in the Village of Harleston were named for prominent men of the period, in England and the Province. The Royal Governor, Lord Charles Greville Montagu, along with Lt. Gov. William Bull; Hecter Beranger de Beaufain, Collector of Customs and member of His Majesty’s Council; William Pitt, the British member of Parliament who defended Colonial rights; as well as John Rutledge, Thomas Lynch and Christopher Gadsden, who were active in the Provincial government and later leaders in the American Revolution; all were commemorated.
Despite its early creation, Harleston was but slowly covered with houses, and in 1819, a contemporary described it as indented with marsh and creeks.
A large part of Harleston was acquired by Thomas Bennett, Sr., who with Daniel Cannon, used the ebb and flow of the tides to power large lumber mills. Thus, the part of Harleston near the Ashley River was covered by huge mill ponds. The ponds persisted after the development of steam power, and were not filled until the 1880’s.
Harleston village is a convenient , historic address in peninsular Charleston. This pleasant mix of antebellum houses and upscale modern townhouses is situated on the site of the first golf club in America, and a congenial community atmosphere still prevails. Surrounding the shady blocks of Harleston Village are the prestigious College of Charleston, South Carolina’s Medical University complex, and historic Cannon park and Colonial Lake. Only a few blocks away is Charleston's King Street retail district as well as many of Charleston's dining possibilities.
Creaturo and Associates of Century 21 Properties Plus would be happy to take you on a personal tour of the area and shop you some of the breath taking historic homes that are currently available.

Historic French Quarter

Charleston, South Carolina is one of America's most historic cities. One of the most eclectic neighborhoods is the French Quarter. The French Quarter has cobblestones streets, historic churches, quaint theaters and art galleries.
Part of the National Historic Register for its concentration of 18th and 19th century architecture, the French Quarter boasts some of the city’s best examples of early Georgian single houses, airy piazzas and lush courtyard gardens.

The French Quarter is a quiet residential area surrounded by some of Charleston's best restaurants
trendy retail shops and lively entertainment. Featuring property that is comprised much of the original walled city dating back to 1704, French Quarter include old pirate taverns and tunnels dating to colonial days, the nation’s only and most famous French Anglican church, and the old theater where Planter’s punch was first concocted, and centuries-old graveyards where ghost tours are still available.

Just North of Broad Street, near the famous Charleston Market, the French Quarter is the address for the active and culturally involved Charleston resident.

Properties currently for sale in the French Quarter range from a One Bedroom Condo with 300 square feet for $297,000 to a beautiful brick restored warehouse with 5 bedrooms and 5,000 square feet for 3.4 million.

Click to view all French Quarter Homes currently available on Charleston, SC MLS.

Click to view all Historic Charleston Homes.

Cigar Factory Lofts- Downtown Charleston's Newest Real Estate

Downtown Charleston's largest historic landmark is being refurbished into 77 Urban-style lofts. The 125 year old Cigar Factory is transforming into live- work community with loft style homes, upscale retail shoppes, offices, galleries and restaurants. The Cigar factory is prime Charleston Real Estate located on East Bay Street.
Some of the executive amenities the Lofts will have include a concierge service, temperature-controlled wine cellar, private bar and clubroom allow residents to have a big night without leaving the building. Cigar Factory also has a swimming pool, fitness center and a fine restaurant an elevator ride away.
In addition owners of the Cigar factory can enjoy 15 foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and huge industrial windows with bridge and city views. Open kitchens feature granite counter tops and over sized islands. Sliding glass walls allow residents to instantly change the space. Luxurious master baths include double sinks, spacious closets, big bathtubs and fully tiled showers.
You can own a piece of history because The Cigar Factory is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Creaturo and Associates , Charleston's award winning Real Estate team can help you reserve a Cigar factory Loft. The first residents could start moving in around mid-2009. Pricing for the condos will likely start around $380,000 and top out around $1.4 million.
To view all Cigar Factory Lofts available on Charleston's mls click here.

Charleston SC Real Estate

We appreciate you visiting our Charleston SC Real Estate site and look forward to assisting you in your next real estate transaction. Whether selling or buying a home, we pride ourselves on being the real estate experts in the Charleston SC area. You’ll find our main blog to be a great resource for the latest news for those living in the Charleston, sc area or relocating to Charleston. We currently have 9 blogs

1) Charleston SC Fine Homes & Estates : This blog is dedicated to the fine homes, market conditions, subdivisions, builders and amenities of the Charleston SC area.

2) Charleston SC New Construction : This blog is dedicated to new homes, new communities, home builders and the new home buying process.

3) Mount Pleasant SC Real Estate: This blog is dedicated to all things Mt. Pleasant SC including homes for sale, market snapshot, neighborhoods and happenings around town.

4) Isle of Palms SC Real Estate: This Blog is dedicated to the Isle of Palms SC real estate market conditions, subdivisions, builders, and amenities of the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Daniel Island South Carolina.

5) Johns Island SC and James Island SC Real Estate: This Blog is dedicated to Johns Island SC real estate market conditions, subdivisions, builders, and amenities of the Johns Island, James Island, and Folly Beach South Carolina.

6) Daniel Island SC Real Estate: This Blog is dedicated to Daniel Island SC real estate market conditions, subdivisions, builders, and amenities.

7) Summerville SC Real Estate: This Blog is dedicated to the Summerville SC real estate market conditions, subdivisions, builders, and amenities of Summerville, Monks Corner and Goose Creek South Carolina.

8) Downtown Charleston SC Real Estate: This Blog is dedicated to the Downtown Charleston SC real estate market conditions, neighborhoods, builders, and amenities of the Downtown Charleston South Carolina area.

9) Carolina Park Real Estate: This Blog is dedicated to the Carolina park subdivision of Mt. Pleasant South Carolina, we will cover the subsections of the subdivision, builders, Business’s and amenities of the neighborhood

We understand that many factors impact choosing your new home. To name just a few: proximity to work, the neighborhood, the area amenities and the schools are always at the tops of homebuyers wish lists in the Charleston housing market. In order to help familiarize you with a particular area, we have provided neighborhood overviews as well as providing a ranking of top Charleston school systems, top Charleston elementary schools, top Charleston middle schools and top Charleston high schools. During your homebuyer’s strategy session, we’ll help you create your wish list and use that to find your new home.

In the meantime, please be sure to use our powerful property search tools, resources and information. You’ll find that our clients love our property search tools, including the ability to search by subdivision or condo, the advanced search (which includes a school search). You can even get pre-qualified for financing quickly with one of our preferred lenders.

We specialize in homes, land, Beachfront, condo, townhome, and new construction for sale in Charleston, Mount Pleasant , Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Summerville, James Island, Johns island, North Charleston, Daniel Island, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Awendaw, Hanahan, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island. If you’re ready to schedule a complimentary home market analysis or an exclusive homebuyer’s strategy session, give us a call at 843-709-6687.

This site features all listings from every company including Century 21, RE/MAX, Exit Realty, Prudential Realty, Assist to Sell, Coldwell Banker and many more so SEARCH away! Buying or selling a home in today's market just got easier. Free Home Evaluation.

If you are selling Real Estate in the Charleston sc area - We'll ease your selling experience by developing the best strategies and negotiating the highest value for your property, with the least amount of frustration and stress to you.

There has never been a better time to enter the Charleston Real Estate market. The Charleston South Carolina area is seeing property values increase at an enormous rate, and experts predict that Real Estate values in this area will continue to rise. If you are thinking about buying - the time to act is now!