Step into a piece of Charleston’s rich history with this magnificent museum-quality home located on the High Battery – 2 Water Street.
Built between 1810 and 1818 by the renowned Nathaniel Ingraham, a merchant who served aboard John Paul Jones's Bon Homme Richard , this 4-story solid brick and stucco dwelling offers a rare blend of historical charm and modern luxury in one of the city’s most iconic waterfront settings.
Although its entry faces Water Street, the residence has always been oriented toward the picturesque harbor, providing breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter—an ideal framework for authentic Lowcountry living.
Spanning 7,453 square feet, the property includes six bedrooms and six and a half baths, ensuring generous space for family and guests. The grand living room, soaring ceilings, and exquisite mouldings create an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication that is unmatched. Interior highlights include finely carved fireplace mantels and intricate details that speak to the home’s historic provenance.
This residence has an illustrious chain of ownership. In the 1820s, William Burgoyne purchased and expanded the property by acquiring the neighboring Francis Saltus House at 6 Water Street. In 1832, Otis Mills—developer of the Mills House Hotel—combined the properties. After damage during the 1864 bombardment, subsequent owners Anna Wells and her husband, Dr. Edward Wells, made significant architectural changes, including adding a Second Empire mansard roof and cast-metal detailing. Their daughter, Sabina Elliott Wells, later became a celebrated Newcomb potter.
Set on a double lot, the grounds offer a gated off-street parking court, a private Charleston garden, a sparkling pool, and a gracious terrace for outdoor entertaining. An elevator provides easy access to the second floor, blending convenience with timeless grandeur.
With only a handful of prominent Charleston families as past stewards, this residence is both an exclusive offering and a rare investment opportunity in the city’s most prestigious neighborhood.
2 Water Street represents the pinnacle of Historic Charleston living—timeless, elegant, and unparalleled. Contact us today to arrange your private tour of this extraordinary home.