In the heart of Charleston's historic South of Broad neighborhood, on high ground, the Jacob Motte House at 61 Tradd Street is a rare and remarkable fusion of 18th-century charm and modern sophistication. Originally built in 1731 by provincial treasurer Jacob Motte, this Georgian-style single house stands as one of Charleston's earliest surviving residences. Carefully restored through a multi-year, comprehensive renovation, the home today reflects both its colonial heritage and contemporary design excellence.From the street, the classic Charleston single house facade gives way to gracious piazzas, with almost 1000 square feet of additional space, and an entry loggia, which have been thoughtfully preserved and reimagined. Once enclosed and adjoined to the home's dependency through a shared party wall, these spaces now house a beautifully reconfigured kitchen and bathrooms. The chef's kitchen, complete with GE Monogram appliances, Waterworks and deVOL fixtures, mudroom, and butler's pantry, sit behind the home's historic volumeseamlessly connecting to the living areas through restored historic openings. Brickwork from the home's original addition has been carefully repointed and left exposed, while salvaged stucco and a glazed steel entry door honor the original architectural elements.
The home spans four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, each blending elegance with function. The second-floor primary suite has been completely redesigned to offer walk-in closets, a freestanding tub, and a private water closetall accessed through a preserved historic fenestration, allowing original paneling and casework to remain untouched. On the third floor, previously unsympathetic alterations were reversed to restore the natural rhythm of the space, aligning rooms with original windows and fireplaces. A second bathroom was structurally reinforced and updated with modern finishes, while a mid century attic stair was removed to uncover hidden piazza windows. This restoration allowed the primary stair to extend to a new fourth-floor bedroom and bath, now fully integrated into the home.
Throughout, the house features heart pine floors, soaring ceilings, and original cypress panelingtimeless details that evoke its storied past. Outside, the double piazzas offer peaceful retreats ideal for entertaining or enjoying Charleston's historic ambiance.
This home is more than just a residenceit is a stewardship of one of the city's architectural treasures. Just steps from renowned dining, shops, and cultural landmarks, the Jacob Motte House offers the rare opportunity to live at the crossroads of preservation and modern luxury.
