Inside the oldest and most expensive mansion in Charleston, which is selling for $16 million, is said to be haunted, and was once owned by Abraham Lincoln's granddaughter
The Sword Gate House at 32 Legare St. is the most expensive home in Charleston, South Carolina.
The property was last sold in 1998 for $3 million. It landed on the market again in 2009 for $23 million, after some major renovations.
Source: Realtor and Work and Money
It's seen various price changes since then, with the current price of $16 million a hefty drop from its original $23 million.
Source: Realtor
The lack of buyer interest is a bit baffling, considering the home's priceless historical value.
In its 200-year lifespan, The Sword Gate House has been an inn, a private all-girls school, a tannery for processing animal hides ...
Source: Handsome Properties
... and a seasonal residence for Jessie Lincoln Randolph, a granddaughter of President Abraham Lincoln, who bought the mansion in 1930.
Source: Handsome Properties and Town and Country
"It has kind of a mysterious air to it," historian Robert Rosen told Charleston Real Estate. "It's like a miniature history of Charleston."
Source: Charleston Real Estate
As for the estate's name, Sword Gate House, inspiration was drawn from the sturdy wrought iron gate at its entrance.
Source: Work and Money
It was crafted in 1838 by a well-known iron maker at the time and is inlaid with iron swords.
Source: Work and Money
When the gate is shut, the swords appear to be pointing toward each other.
Past the gates, and the brick walls that line the entire property, is a carriage house.
Source: Zillow
The living room inside has brick walls and beamed ceilings.
And its bedroom sports a fireplace and a beige bed canopy.
... but nothing compares to the breathtaking interior of the main residence.
When the house was renovated in the early 2000s, preservation experts helped ensure that the home maintained its original Old World design.
Source: Work and Money
The home's plasterwork and woodwork are prime examples of Federal Era design, conservation architect Richard Marks told Charleston Real Estate.
Source: Charleston Real Estate
"Sword Gate really represents some of the best surviving architecture of that Federal Period in Charleston," he said.
Source: Charleston Real Estate
But restoring the home meant a higher price tag, and when the home landed on the market in 2009, its asking price of $23 million was the highest Charleston had ever seen.
Source: Charleston Inside Out
In a city where the median real estate value is $312,000, the home was asking nearly 74 times that. What's more, the country as a whole was recovering from the 2008 recession.
Source: Zillow
When the home initially went on the market, Americans weren't too focused on buying homes with 12 different fireplaces ...
Source: Work and Money
... or glittering chandeliers.
A dining room's walls are covered in a mural depicting a calm sea ...
... while another dining room is painted a pale green.
And its cozy bathroom matches.
Another bedroom is decorated in shades of red and pink with an elegant canopy ...
... and the master suite sports a beige interior.
The master bathroom has a pristine freestanding tub, which was added during the home's restoration.
The home was taken off the market in November of 2011 and re-listed with the same price that December, during a time when Charleston's real estate market was in a slump.
Source: Charleston Inside Out
Another bathroom has a clawfoot tub as well as wallpaper along its walls and ceiling.
Though not every bathroom holds a unique, vintage tub — this one is more standard.
Upstairs is another bedroom in the attic.
Dainty naval scenes are printed in white and blue.
Perhaps the most modern space is the kitchen.
A curved counter sits feet from the island.
And a modern-day oven is installed for use ...
... but a touch of the Old World can still be spotted with the wood oven stove.
The home saw even more price drops since 2011, as well as another de-listing and re-listing back onto the market. But Charleston's job and real estate markets are bustling now.
Source: Charleston In and Out and The Post Courier
As for the supposed haunting at The Sword Gate, it's said that the headmistress of the girls' school that once occupied the property never left.
Source: Sotheby's Realty, Scares and Haunts of Charleston, and Work and Money
Reports say that the strict principal, entrusted by wealthy locals to keep a keen eye on their young daughters, was humiliated when one of her students escaped the school grounds and eloped with a man that the girl's father deemed unworthy.
Source: Sotheby's Realty, Scares and Haunts of Charleston, and Work and Money
Legend has it she never got over the embarrassment, even in the afterlife, and now walks the halls of the Sword Gate House to ensure that nothing escapes her again.
Source: Sotheby's Realty, Scares and Haunts of Charleston, and Work and Money
There aren't, however, any known accounts of violent paranormal attacks or incidents in the home.
Though according to a Realtor.com report, that may not matter — 42% of homebuyers said they would not consider a home if it were haunted, no matter what.
Source: Inman
Another downside to the listing is that it's been stagnant for nine years and its price has gradually decreased, which can spook buyers.
Source: U.S. News
But buyers can't be too picky in Charleston right now. There's actually a shortage of luxury homes for Charleston's wealthy prospective homeowners. Homes are selling within 30-day windows.
Source: The Post and Courier
It's nothing but luxury outside behind the conservatory, where you'll find a reflecting pool.
Source: Realtor
And a hot tub oasis sits unobstructed by fallen Magnolia leaves above.
And whoever buys it will make history for purchasing the most expensive home in the city.
Source: Work and Money
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