Often when I tell someone where I live, the response is, "Oh, that's one of my favorite streets in Charleston." I completely understand why. Lamboll Street is one of the city's prettiest and most historic passageways. The architecture is exceptional, traffic is minimal, and, as a charming bonus, a local flock of guinea fowl wanders the neighborhood.

This summer, our firm has had the privilege of representing the seller of 22 Lamboll Street---one of the street's true architectural treasures.

22 Lamboll Street, Exterior

The Federal Period in Charleston

Few homes better illustrate Charleston's transition from the colonial era to the elegant Federal period than 22 Lamboll. Built around 1820 by Richard Bohun Baker, it served as the town residence for one of South Carolina's most prominent planter families. The Bakers arrived from Barbados in 1680, establishing Archdale Hall Plantation along the Ashley River. Over generations of public service, Revolutionary War leadership, and successful rice cultivation---along with a union with the distinguished Bohun family---they built a lasting Lowcountry legacy.

Like many wealthy planters of his era, Richard Bohun Baker divided his time between plantation operations and city living. His Federal-style town home on fashionable Lamboll Street reflected that status, featuring soaring ceilings, gracious entertaining rooms, fine woodwork, and an extraordinary stair hall.

22 Lamboll Street, Interior

Dorothy Porcher Legg -- Early Preservationist

In 1885, the property entered a new chapter when St. Michael's Church purchased it as their official rectory. By 1927, after decades of heavy use and alterations, the church sold the home to Dorothy Porcher Legge---one of Charleston's pioneering preservationists and a key figure behind the restoration of Rainbow Row.

Mrs. Legge famously described the residence as "ugly, dark, and cut up." She set about stripping away 19th-century additions to restore its original Federal character. Local lore has it that she spotted the ideal dining room mantel in another Charleston house, circled the block for a second look, and persuaded the owner to sell it to her on the spot---a mantel that still graces the home today. Mrs. Legg resided in 22 Lamboll with her husband and 2 children before restoring and moving to 99-101 East Bay.

The Baker Family Plantation

While 22 Lamboll Street has endured for over two centuries, Archdale Hall did not fare as well. Severely damaged in the 1886 Charleston earthquake and later abandoned, the plantation house eventually fell into ruin beneath the live oaks along the Ashley River.