Downtown Charleston house dating to U.S. origins available for lease

George Washington was president when 22 King Street was built in the bustling city of Charleston. The year: 1789. Such properties are showpieces that change hands – when they do – for millions of dollars. But in this case, the property can be yours, at least as a residence, for $5,000 per month. Daniel Ravenel Real Estate is leasing the 3,700-square-foot, three-story house. For another $500 a month, the house will come furnished. “You can get a chance to live in a piece of history,” says Casey Murphey, Realtor with Daniel Ravenel Real Estate who is listing the property. She says the house has a number of unusual features for a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home that’s 220 years old. On the main floor, “It has large French doors (with) easy access to the side slate patio and surrounding gardens” –- designed by local landscape architect Sheila Wertimer. “You usually don’t get that space.” The first level, which has the most living space, is comprised of a large family room, dining room and eat-in kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances including gas range, built-in microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. Also, the historic home, which has been extensively renovated and upgraded, showcases a second-floor master suite with “sybaritic” –- a master bath the size of a typical bedroom with double sinks, designer bathtub, walk-in shower and water closet, Murphey says. There’s also a laundry room on the second floor that connects to an office bay, similar to a study. The third floor has what is essentially two master suites each with large bathrooms. Murphey says she is seeking a year’s lease. Possible tenants could be a couple from out of town who want to try out downtown Charleston before they buy, someone who is building a home that has been delayed and needs a place to stay for awhile or an executive who will be in the area for several months or more and requires a place to entertain, she says. “It’s a cool house,” Murphey says.