Ornamental wrought iron gates can be found at the most prestigious homes in downtown Charleston.These gates guard the entrance to magnificent homes, driveways and secret gardens. There are so many different fabulous styles from simple geometric shapes to intricate detailed designs. The gates were painted vivid, bright colors in the 19th century, but now they are mostly painted black or Charleston green. The forged ornamental ironworks on the Charleston peninsula are said to be one of the most impressive public collection in the country. The Cleland Kinlock Huger House at 8 Legare Street was built in 1858. This fabulous intricate gate leads to the magnificent Italian Renaissance Revival Style home.This amazing gate has swirly whimsical designs and beautiful life-like flowers. Eagle Nest located at 45 Meeting Street was built in 1889. This gate was designed by Philip Simmons a Charleston native. He was called the "The Keeper of the Gate". Simmons was the most celebrated Charleston ironworker of the 20th Century. You can find over 500 pieces of ornamental wrought iron created by him throughout the Holy City. Philip Simmons was born on Daniel Island in 1912 and died in 2009 at the age of 97. The James Simmons House, a traditional Georgian style home at 37 Meeting Street was built in 1760. The cast iron balcony is thought to be added around 1847. This magnificent ornate gate is an example of the sharp spikes on top of gates and fences for protection. The house number 37 is creatively placed in the gate. Simmons-Edwards House at 14 Legare Street is a fabulous large Neoclassical house built in 1800. Famous for the decorative wrought iron it is known as the "Pineapple Gates House". George Edwards who owned the house from 1816 until 1835 had his initials designed into the ironwork. In the picture the "E" is distinctive in the round ironwork. The wonderfully ornate ironwork is painted Charleston green. And another amazing Charleston gate. Call me I will help you find your perfect Charleston Gates home. Kathy Rambo 843-749-4913

Following my last blog, where we explored Charleston's Historic Alleys, I decided to follow up with my favorite part of Charleston Architecture, the Gates! Every time I'm walking around South of Broad, I find myself snapping photos of these ornate gates, guarding the entrance to driveways and secret gardens!            Can you imagine Charleston's Historic homes without these wrought iron gates? The mid-1800's trend was actually to use the cheaper cast iron, but the Holy City spared no expense and talented blacksmiths were able to carry out the visions of wealthy residents. Wrought iron is a tough, yet malleable iron alloy that is welded and forged together using a small anvil; it is ideal for crafting the beautiful patterns seen in Charleston gates today. The wrought iron originally was not just for gates, but window grills, sharp spikes for tops of fences, and boot scrapers! In the mid to late 1800s, it became increasingly popular to embellish gates mostly in patterns of flowers, leaves, and branches that reflected the time's popular Victorian Style.       One name you should know is the highly-noted Artisan, Phillip Simmons. Also known as "The Keeper of the Gate", Simmons produced hundreds of decorative gates and other ornamental ironworks around the Peninsula. From St. John's Church to Hibernian Hall to Private Residences, chances are you've seen and admired Simmons' work all over the city. His work can also be seen at the South Carolina State Museum and Smithsonian Institution.       Next time you are strolling South of Broad, make sure to take a closer look at one of these ornate gates that adorn the Holy City.If you want to snag one of these wonderful homes, CLICK HERE to see what is available in the area RIGHT NOW! Call me today to see one of these Historic Homes. 843-410-7871