Pink House, Charleston

Pink House, Charleston

Distinct from the Olde Pinke House in Savannah, this picturesque abode, claimed to be the oldest masonry residence in Charleston and the second oldest in the nation, was constructed between 1694 and 1712 using 18-inch-thick Bermuda Stone, a coral stone originating from West India, which gave it an innate pink hue. Although it has been repainted since, the current color retains its distinctive character.

The building's architectural peculiarity is evident in its design, featuring low ceilings and just one room on each of its three floors. The roof, crafted from pantiles akin to those on the Powder Magazine, dates to the 18th century when the house functioned as a tavern (rumored to have had a brothel upstairs) catering to sailors, merchants, and pirates passing through Charleston's port in search of "whiskey, wenches, and wittles". You see, this area of Charleston, now fashionable, was once rather disreputable, known for rowdy nights.

The Pink House continued its role as a tavern throughout the 1700s until the neighborhood underwent revitalization, transforming into a predominantly residential area in the 1800s. Since then, the building has served various purposes, including as a publishing house, a law office, and the studio of the renowned Charleston artist Alice Ravenel Huger Smith. For two decades, it also housed an art gallery.

Why You Should Visit:
There are few remaining cobblestone streets in town, and none are more delightful than the one found here. Lovely setting!

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charleston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Pink House on Map

Sight Name: Pink House
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Charleston, South Carolina

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Create Your Own Walk in Charleston

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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