401 Johnston Street

Description

Two families have lovingly owned and meticulously maintained this remarkable home over the past 116 years, preserving both its structural integrity and timeless character. Built from locally sourced, rock-solid old-growth fir, this five-bedroom, three-bath residence stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era.Inside, you'll find authentic materials rarely seen in modern construction--solid 3/4-inch red oak flooring downstairs and stunning heart pine floors upstairs, which have mellowed beautifully over the decades into rich honey-gold and deep red tones. Unlike today's mass-produced homes, this residence was built with true-dimension lumber, where the 2x4s actually measure 2x4.The home features separate HVAC systems for upstairs and downstairs comfort, including abrand-new 3.5-ton upstairs unit with all-new ductwork and a 4-ton downstairs unit. Numerous plumbing and mechanical upgrades have also been completed throughout the years, ensuring modern reliability while preserving historic charm. As you stroll through the home, you'll notice thoughtful details from another era--from the original wavy glass windows downstairs overlooking century-old camellias to the restored 1910 Mission-style hanging lamps that were converted from gas to electricity. The spacious 22' x 24' living room is ideal for entertaining and is filled with natural light from double beveled-glass French doors and an additional French door opening from the dining room. A generously sized mudroom at the rear entrance offers exceptional functionality, complete with a washer and dryer area and an original 1910 porcelain laundry sink. The interior fir trim throughout the home was carefully stripped to bare wood, sanded, and repainted, as was the exterior siding, reflecting the care invested in maintaining this property. Outside, the brick patio is constructed from hand-selected circa-1900 nine-pound pavers sourced decades ago from Charleston salvage yards, adding even more authentic historic character. Situated on a generous 0.59-acre corner lot in one of the town's most desirable neighborhoods, the property is just a block from Town Hall and conveniently located near the beautifully restored 1923 St. George School building, now serving as the County Services Building. The backyard is a peaceful retreat shaded by a magnificent live oak and several mature pines, offering ample room for pets, gardening, or even a future pool. Established blueberry bushes produce more fruit than most families can enjoy, making it easy to freeze extras or share with friends and neighbors. The approximately 600-square-foot detached garage, connected to the home by a breezeway, features a new roof along with the expansive front porch. This versatile space would make an excellent workshop, studio, or gardening outbuilding. Come experience life in this welcoming neighborhood, where neighbors enjoy evening walks, dogs gather to socialize, and the sense of community feels as timeless as the home itself.