Charleston Charm ~ An iconic Charleston Single House!
I’ve entitled my latest painting of 104 Queen Street Charleston Charm because it features the uniquely charming architectural elements that identify it as Charleston. A Single House has dual upper and lower side porches or verandas, which provide privacy from the street plus protection from the sun and much needed cool air flow from the prevailing wind.
Charleston Charm by William R. Beebe, 18 x 18, Oil on board, commissioned.
The robin-egg light blue front door actually opens to the lower side porch, with the actual front door into the house being to the right as you walk onto the porch. The metal red overhang to the false front door, along with the similar red-window overhangs were some of the architectural features that drew me to this particular home. Notice the chunky scrolled wooden brackets that help hold up the door overhang and add a decorative element. Copper gas lanterns adorn both sides of the entrance.
Original double hung windows with handcrafted wooden shutters with metal shutter dogs uphold the integrity of this historic home. Plush floral arrangements in the window boxes are common in classic Charleston homes.
This home has a unique feature of a small brick wall leading to the front entrance way. It also has an iron gate at the entrance to the driveway. Parking downtown is at a premium. Having one’s own driveway is highly valued and they are often gated for privacy.
A tall palm tree and branches from nearby crepe myrtle trees also provide a canopy of leaves and fronds that help provide shade during the hot and humid months.
This particular home was built in 1866! Just a year after the end of the Civil War. It was a turbulent time in Charleston with the city under military occupation. Racial tensions were high as Reconstruction efforts were being made. People were busy rebuilding their lives and trying to get a foothold financially.
1866 is around the time my Great Grandfather was born and I’m no spring chicken. To think of how this charming Single House has not only stood the test of time, but has been so well cared for over so many generations is a testament to how Charleston values its past and wants to preserve its history for generations to come.
I love that about Charleston. I’d like to think that in a small way I’m helping to preserve the history of Charleston by capturing iconic homes like 104 Queen on canvas.
Thank you for reading my journal and for your interest in my artwork. I hope you like Charleston Charm. If you’d like to comment on my painting I’d love to hear from you. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year!
“One of the joys of being an artist is having the freedom to follow my passion….”
What’s next?
Drawing by William R. Beebe