85 Cumberland St.:Penthouse townhome serves up views, comforts in historic Charleston

Market's Gate Condominiums fronts on Cumberland Street and rises four floors to penthouse townhomes. This penthouse townhome has high-end kitchen appliances such as a Sub-Zero refrigerator and stainless steel microwave and stove. A metal railing anchors the stairs from the top floor living space to the second level bedrooms. The penthouse model is priced at $799,900. This Market's Gate Condominiums penthouse terrace has striking views of historic St. Philip's Episcopal Church. The housing stock in Charleston’s downtown district is diverse and venerable but except for a few instances, not very tall. In the Market’s Gate Condominiums penthouse, though, you are pretty high up there. Located at 85 Cumberland St., the luxury development is a converted apartment complex with a little bit extra — an added fourth level. The top floor is where you can reach the penthouse, more specifically six penthouse townhomes, sized from 900-1,100 square feet and priced at $799,900 apiece. “We tried to keep the price point as low as possible,” says Jay. The model, which is for sale, is representative of the two-level dwellings. It showcases tony interiors and terraces with panoramic views. Connor says that cruise ships and other large vessels on Charleston Harbor are visible from the roof-top perch. The two-bedroom townhome has upscale features such as hardwood floors; open living room with space for plenty of furniture and big screen TV; gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances including refrigerator; and built in shelves. Eye-catching wood stairs lead people to the spacious master bedroom on the lower floor, and travertine tile dominates the voluminous master bathroom. Interested parties are primarily wealthier individuals or couples who are viewing the penthouses as places to stay when they are in downtown Charleston. “What you are finding are 50s (age) second home (prospects), Kiawah people.” The backers call Market’s Gate “pied-a-terre,” which is French for part-time residence. In addition to the penthouse townhomes, Market’s Gate Inc. designed 18 flats on the ground and second floors from 440 square feet and $369,900 and up. “It’s price you can enter at.” The building, complete with security system and sprinklers, has models of one-story condos with gourmet kitchens, hardwood floors and cozy bedrooms. The partners kept the old-style elevator with scissor doors, updating and remodeling it. Parking spaces have been set aside in the Charleston County garage across the street. Market’s Gate launched the conversion of the former rentals on Cumberland Street across from the Charleston County parking garage two years ago. The marketing effort began last year. Carolina One Real Estate, is heading up sales. Visit http://www.sallyandj.com/ for more real estate information.