Charleston Whole Home 2026 Opens in Ansonborough

Nine interior designers transformed two side-by-side condominiums in Charleston’s Ansonborough neighborhood into contrasting models of modern Southern living for the 2026 Whole Home showcase, which opens to the public this month.

Built by Bennett Hofford Construction, the project departs from the traditional single-residence show house format. Instead, the adjacent units present two distinct architectural and lifestyle philosophies within the same footprint: one calibrated as a low-maintenance retreat for frequent visitors who dine out, and the other engineered as an entertainment hub anchored by professional-grade cooking infrastructure.

Ansonborough, located on the lower peninsula, is one of Charleston’s oldest districts. Largely rebuilt after a devastating 1838 fire, the neighborhood is defined by its concentration of Greek Revival and Federal-style architecture. Developing new luxury condominiums here requires navigating strict oversight from the city’s Board of Architectural Review, which enforces rigorous standards on exterior materials, massing, and streetscape compatibility to preserve the historic character. The Whole Home project integrates into this environment while offering contemporary floor plans rarely found in the district’s centuries-old single-family homes.

The first unit prioritizes flexibility over formality. Designer Nicole Salceda of Eye for Pretty eliminated the conventional dining room, replacing it with a lounge configuration built around café tables and upholstered banquettes suited for card games or cocktails. Susan Ford, leading design-build for Bennett Hofford, anchored the kitchen with a blush Viking dual-fuel range balanced against Cosentino Ēclos Legnd stone. In the primary suite, Anissa Zajac of House Seven Design layered an iron canopy bed with botanical textiles, while Mark Kennamer converted a secondary room into a chinoiserie-lined writing space rather than a standard bedroom. Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors finished the guest quarters using custom quilt work and antique furniture.

The second unit targets serious hosting. Chloe Legras of Boxwood Avenue reconfigured the main floor plan so the great room greets visitors before the dining area, which sits beside a Dekton-wrapped fireplace. The kitchen centers on a teal La Cornue CornuFé range, paired with the brand’s CornuFé Kitchen Collection metal cabinetry featuring walnut interiors. Michael Mitchell designed the primary suite using Art Nouveau-inspired Liberty of London textiles draped across the walls and ceiling.

Upstairs, the second unit expands into specialized leisure spaces. Katie Monkhouse of Monkhouse Studio built a 1970s-inspired listening lounge acoustically treated with mohair upholstery and crewelwork draperies. Robin and Regina Reaves of R&R Interior Design 365 dedicated a separate wing to a gallery space displaying artwork by Jonathan Green alongside pieces sourced from Minted, illuminated by remote-controlled picture lighting.

Across both residences, Benjamin Moore paints, Brizo fixtures, Baldwin hardware, Visual Comfort & Co. lighting, and Four Hands furnishings provide material continuity despite the divergent aesthetics.

Show house events have operated as economic engines and charitable platforms in the U.S. since the early 20th century, but they have increasingly shifted toward high-density urban infill projects like the Ansonborough condos rather than sprawling suburban estates. This reflects broader real estate trends in historic coastal cities where land scarcity drives demand for luxury condominiums that deliver period-appropriate aesthetics without the maintenance burden of standalone historic properties.

Public tours run during the second, third, and fourth weekends of October in two-hour blocks. Tickets are priced at $50 per guest, with all proceeds directed to the Lowcountry Food Bank, which distributes supplies to families and seniors facing food insecurity across the Charleston region.