Charleston's $16.5M Stevens-Lathers House Hits the Market

Lucía Torres · 2026-09-19

### A Rare Piece of Charleston History Just Hit the Market Imagine owning a piece of Charleston's history. The Stevens-Lathers House at 20 South Battery Street, a landmark that's watched over the city for nearly 200 years, is now listed for $16.5 million. Handsome Properties, Charleston's premier luxury boutique real estate firm, is handling the sale of this extraordinary property. Perched along the iconic Battery, the home overlooks White Point Garden and Charleston Harbor. It's not just a house—it's a chapter of American history. And for the right buyer, it could be home. ### From Merchant's Mansion to Society Hub Built in 1843 by shipping merchant Samuel N. Stevens, the home originally embodied the grandeur of antebellum Charleston. But it was Colonel Richard Lathers who, in 1870, transformed it into the architectural gem you see today. He hired architect John Henry Devereux to give the residence its distinctive Second Empire style and a grand ballroom that would become legendary. Under Lathers, the house welcomed politicians, military leaders, writers, and business titans. It was the place to see and be seen—a true gathering spot for Charleston society. ### The Birthplace of a Preservation Movement In 1920, the home played a pivotal role in saving Charleston's historic character. Nell McColl Pringle and Susan Pringle Frost gathered preservation-minded citizens in the drawing room to discuss the future of the city's architecture. That meeting led to the founding of the Preservation Society of Charleston, which has been instrumental in protecting the city's historic charm ever since. "20 South Battery is an exceptionally rare offering because of the combination of its history, architecture, scale and location," says Deborah C. Fisher, Broker-in-Charge of Handsome Properties. "There are beautiful historic homes in Charleston, but very few have played such a meaningful role in the story of the city and have been so thoughtfully restored." ### Architectural Splendor Inside and Out The home's Neoclassical details are stunning: symmetrical design, stone window lintels, a balustraded parapet, pilasters, a tracery fanlight, fluted columns, an elliptical stair, curved mahogany rail, and a scrolled Empire-style newel post. The News & Courier once described its original scale and floor plan as one of the most "authentic representations of that last period of prosperity before the war." ### Modern Amenities, Historic Charm Today, 20 South Battery spans 15 bedrooms and 17 full and 2 half bathrooms. It includes the historic Battery Carriage House Inn, an 11-room fully licensed inn with grandfathered use—a rare opportunity for a buyer interested in hospitality. In 2020, the property hosted the Preservation Society's centennial celebration, exactly 100 years after its founding meeting took place in the drawing room. Since its restoration, it has continued to host performances, galas, civic events, and visitors from around the world. ### A Legacy Property Like No Other Handsome Properties specializes in legacy properties, including the famed Sword Gate House and iconic Fenwick Hall Plantation. They bring deep knowledge of Charleston's history, architecture, and culture to every transaction. For more information about this listing or to schedule a private showing, contact Deborah C. Fisher at debbie@handsomeproperties.com or (843) 810-4110. Visit www.HandsomeProperties.com or call 843-727-6460 to learn more about the firm. *Don't miss this chance to own a piece of Charleston's soul.*