"Red Door- and Gate"

Built in 1857, 8 Legare was first owned by Charlestonian Cleland Kinloch Huger (pronounced “U-gee”). Patrick O’Donnell, an Irish immigrant, was the contractor for this imposing structure which was built in the Italianate style. Here we are greeted by another pair of grand gateposts with a wrought iron gate. This gate with the elongated harps is thought to be the work of Christopher Werner who also designed the Sword Gates at 14 Legare Street.

What always catches my eye is the grand red door – it stops me every time I walk down this street. It’s the kind of door that makes you wonder about the history and life behind it. In the photograph you can see the distressed nature of the gateposts and wall, a timeworn and weathered effect that intrigues me and simply adds to the mystery of Charleston and its history.