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from the publisher april/may 2025

Spring in the Lowcountry never arrives quietly.

Yellow jasmine leans into the iron like it never plans to leave, and palmetto trees stand tall with the kind of posture that comes from weathering a historic winter storm yet still look good enough to invite to a Sunday Gospel Brunch at Halls.

Don’t you just love springtime in Charleston?

Porches fill up. Dinner parties move back outside. Parking becomes more of a challenge. And the luxury real estate market stretches its legs. As we move into these next months, Charleston’s high-end real estate scene continues to thrive. Inventory is up, demand is steady, and buyers are more discerning than ever. I have learned that Southern charm-seeking homeowners are not just looking for square footage but are searching
for something that reflects how they want to live. Legacy architecture. Smart design. Seamless indoor and outdoor flow. That perfect balance of charm and utility.

This issue is a celebration of exactly that narrative.

Inside these pages, you will find a curated mix of homes that speak to the layered sense of style authentic to the Lowcountry. Some are rooted in history. Others look confidently ahead. All of them are crafted with intention and designed for living beautifully. After all, Charleston in the spring is not just a style-it’s a statement. Equal parts elegance and presence. The breeze gets softer. The colors on Rainbow Row seem to speak as vibrantly as the blooming prints, nipped waists, and unapologetic sleeves donned by the gorgeous women who know their way around a garden party and a closing table.

It all just works here.

I implore you to be tourists of the Lowcountry this spring. Book the trip you have been meaning to take. Staycation at The Sanctuary or Montage for no reason at all. Wander the peninsula as if seeing it for the very first time. Walk the gardens at Middleton Place. Visit the places you never considered. Be a kid again at the themed attractions of Myrtle Beach or bike the beach on Hilton Head. Recreate a romantic moment or get in some good exercise among the swans and Spanish moss at Cypress Gardens. Shop local. Eat slow. Make a memory that will give you a reason to stay just one more night.

Also, mark your calendars: We’d like to invite all of you to join Luxury Home Magazine’s Tour of Homes– May 17–18, from 1 to 4 pm. A curated, citywide showcase of stunning properties and the pros who bring them to life.

As always, this publication is more than just listings. It is a look at the people, properties, and businesses that define, design, build, maintain, decorate, landscape, automate, style, restore, and protect it.

If your home or business belongs in these pages but is not here yet, that is something we can fix. Reach out to us or your trusted real estate professional and start the conversation.

In closing, let us toast to the season ahead.

Cheers to a luxury home market that continues to grow with confidence.
Cheers to a city that is always ready to host the love, the laughter, and the prewedding chaos.
And cheers to my beloved Lady Gamecocks, who remind us every spring what excellence looks like-especially with Dawn Staley at the helm.

It is an honor to present you with the spring issue of Luxury Home Magazine. Enjoy.

Oh, and see you at Spoleto!

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from the publisher february/march 2025

Apparently, when we said the next issue of Luxury Home Magazine would be our Winter issue, the Lowcountry took it as a challenge and gave us the first snow in eight years!

Charleston turned into a winter wonderland with snow angels on King Street, sleds hitched to cars gliding down streets, and the usual joggers on the Ravenel Bridge swapped for ambitious snowboarding attempts. Even the city’s iconic wrought iron gates became portals to snowy blankets covering perfectly manicured lawns, proving that this city knows how to make the most of a rare snowfall.

Looking ahead into the new year, the luxury home market is infused with a sense of positivity and innovation. I find myself excited about the endless exploration of refined living that inspires us to dream bigger. Maybe it’s that I am a hopeless romantic – or perhaps it’s because I’m a Gamecock.

To me, they are one in the same. For now, I’m going to continue to celebrate those three points.

I invite you to view this issue as your gateway to inspiration, showcasing the beauty, sophistication, and creativity that define the Lowcountry’s most extraordinary homes.

A little aside: If you’re reading this note, and your gorgeous luxury home is on the market, but isn’t featured within the pages of this beautiful publication- please understand that your exclusion was obviously an oversight. Rest assured; this can be corrected. This is your opportunity to speak with your favorite realtor about how to reach the top 1%.

As the luxury market continues to evolve, we find timeless elegance blending with modern priorities. Economic recovery is driving renewed confidence, while younger generations are reshaping real estate with their passion for sustainability and smart design. Green technologies and bespoke craftsmanship now stand alongside architectural grandeur as hallmarks of today’s luxury homes. Anything and everything is possible, and each day invites unlimited possibilities.

Inside the pages of this February/March issue, you will find a carefully curated selection of exceptional properties that represent the pinnacle of Charleston’s real estate, the businesses that stand beside them, and an editorial that explains the upcoming trends to combine all of the above.

Each page is an opportunity to live your dreams.

I am excited as Charleston begins another vibrant year, starting with two marquee events that celebrate the city’s unparalleled lifestyle. The first is SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition), which invites us to connect with fine art and wildlife. It’s a cherished tradition marking the start of Charleston’s tourism season. Following closely in March, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival takes center stage- uniting culinary masters, wine connoisseurs, and food lovers in an unforgettable showcase of flavor and creativity.

These events embody the charm and sophistication that make the Lowcountry so remarkable. Whether you’re searching for your next dream home, exploring design possibilities, or simply seeking inspiration for how to live the best possible life of luxury- this issue is a celebration of what’s possible when beauty, innovation, and luxury converge.

Here’s to 2025-a year of elegance, optimism, and living exquisitely.

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ho ho ho: the movie edition.

Allo my lovelies! Right now I wish I was home, watching some Hugh Grant infested British holiday movie. Actually, any holiday movie works for me, but I thought it would be fun to share my personal favorites!  Since I am a romantic mush, and could go on for pages, I will keep it to 10.

Side note: Most people will give you the classics like, “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “White Christmas,” but I am nothing, if not honest.  I’d like to love those movies as much as some, but I just don’t.  Don’t judge- I know some of you watch the WHOLE “A Christmas Story” marathon! And that is nothing to brag about! 

1. The Holiday.  I just love this one. I don’t know if it’s the traveling, the cast or the music, but it all just works- kismet.  The writing on this one amazes me, and the characters are so relate-able to every woman who has gone through a break-up and then got the pleasure of a healthy, loving new relationship. I could watch this movie during a snowstorm, every time. If you haven’t seen it, I suggest you add it to the top of your list.

holidays are about falling in love, i certainly agree with my 2 year anniversary coming up on 12/23!
holidays are about falling in love. i certainly agree with my 2 year anniversary coming up on 12/23!

2. Love, Actually. Aside from a woman in my office who doesn’t watch movies, I don’t know a person who has seen this movie who doesn’t love it. It’s wonderful. So many fun story lines, so many truths, so much fun awkwardness. I feel like the truth and awkwardness makes this movie what it is. Love, actually is all around.  (watch) Cue Cards Scene, Andrew Lincoln

3. Bridget Jones Diary. I could watch Bridget every day. She’s wonderful in her imperfections.  A close friend of mine, Laura, and I have a deep relationship with this movie and will often quote lines, short of something else to say.  The usual “Ahh, Perpetua” is a favorite.  I think a common theme in my first three favorites is relate-ability.  Needless to say I love Bridget, just the way she is. Oh! And i just found this post from 2011 that Laura helped me construct about movie lines (some touching movies I mention here). 

4. Elf. Elf is silly and funny and lovely.

5. The Family Man. I love this movie. Nicholas Cage usually creeps me out, but in this one- he rocks it. Ever wonder what your life would have been like if you didn’t get on that plane, go to that school, make that move, etc? This paints a picture of “what if” that makes you think about what’s really important. There are some funny one-liners, but mostly this movie is full of great life lessons that I certainly appreciate. “I choose us.”

6. You’ve Got Mail. I’m a sucker for a good romantic comedy (obviously). This is a light-hearted, funny, sweet, romantic, typical Hollywood movie that I love.  Funny, when this came out, the words “you’ve got mail” was so new! Now it’s archaic. Still, although the plot is predictable, its very enjoyable.

7. Just Friends. In the days before we realized that Ryan Reynolds had one movie personality (that probably mimics his own), this was unique.  I laugh a lot in this movie: from the creepiness of Chris Klein, to Anna Faris knocking it out of the park, per usual. Favorite scene is when Ryan’s character is looking for his ice skates and comes across his snow globe collection.  Next time you watch it, pay attention to that scene; it’s funny and subtle.

8. While You Were Sleeping. It’s hard to imagine Bill Pullman (well, for me anyways) as anything other than Loan Star, but he works the leading man in this flick. Sandra Bullock is great. I love her. It’s a feel good movie about family, which is something I will always appreciate.  They come in all shapes and sizes!

9. Home Alone (1 and 2). Self explanatory. I like that he knew who he was, had wit and the best advice ever. Favorite scene:

Bird Lady: The man I loved fell out of love with me. That broke my heart. When the chance to be loved came along again, I ran away from it. I stopped trusting people.

Kevin McCallister: No offense, but that seems like sort of a dumb thing to do.

Bird Lady: I was afraid of getting my heart broken again. Sometimes you can trust a person, and then, when things are down, they forget about you.

Kevin McCallister: Maybe they’re just too busy. Maybe they don’t forget about you, but they forget to remember you. People don’t mean to forget. My grandfather says if my head wasn’t screwed on, I’d leave it on the school bus.

Bird Lady: I’m just afraid if I do trust someone, I’ll get my heart broken.

Kevin McCallister: I understand. I had a nice pair of rollerblades. I was afraid to wreck them, so I kept them in a box. Do you know what happened? I outgrew them. I never wore them outside. Only in my room a few times.

Bird Lady: A person’s heart and feelings are very different than skates.

Kevin McCallister: They’re kind of the same thing. If you won’t use your heart, who cares if it gets broken? If you just keep it to yourself, maybe it’ll be like my rollerblades. When you do decide to try it, it won’t be any good. You should take a chance. Got nothing to lose.

Bird Lady: Little truth in there somewhere.

Kevin McCallister: I think so. Your heart might still be broken, but it isn’t gone. If it was gone, you wouldn’t be so nice.

10. Babes in Toyland. This movie I watched a a child. My father loved Laurel and Hardy movies, and this is the one I remember most.  Barnaby scared the bejesus out of me, but Dee and Dum won in the end! I haven’t seen it in years, so I might seek it out this holiday season.

I’d love to know your favorites!  Merry Christmas!

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resolution 2013: keeping it positive.

I have a new outlook on life. I’m going to learn to let things go, look on the bright side, and most importantly: learn that other people’s problems are not my own! I will not internalize and take personal the actions of other people. I will learn to take a deep breath. I will learn the following phrase: “It’s not about me!” After all, it’s really not. Maybe my new outlook is simply just removing emotion and replacing it with logic? Whatever it is, I’m in for the long haul.

I have had a tendency to let the problems and actions of other people affect my spirit, energy level and mindset. It would encompass me. No more! I will learn to take time for myself, not internalize everything and take space when needed. Even typing this out right now feels fantastic. Here’s to a healthy mindset for 2013! Will I still be a good listener and friend, of course, but once the conversation is done- as is my thinking on the matter.

Already challenging me on this personal achievement? You’re not the first. While in a meeting this morning, I told a colleague my new outlook. His response? “$5 and you are back to your old self by Friday.” Wrong you are, my friend! The funny thing is, I didn’t even think I was that negative of a person. Most people who know me would say I am friendly and happy all the time. People who really know me might say I am sarcastic, self conscious and too damn sensitive.

Curious as to what magical straw broke this camel’s back (me being the camel)? Okay, I’ll explain. Besides the recent actions of positivity by a certain company president, teaching me that there are still GOOD people in the world, there is even more. While in the gym this weekend, a woman who had obviously never seen a gym before approached me by the stationary bikes. She was unsure how to use it and didn’t understand what this machine (obviously created for torture) was at all. After a horribly failed-effort attempt by a very young gym employee to teach her the proper usage, I decided to help her. Why the hell not? I started by giving her a little shit (aka “harm time”) for wearing jeans (lightheartedly, of course), followed by “you have to actually sit on it for it to work.” It was long, and I won’t go into detail of how disappointed I was with the gym staff – and their lack of care whether or not this lady figured it out. All in all, she got on and started pedaling. After about 1 minute I could tell she was frustrated and didn’t understand how pedaling, but going nowhere, could possibly be good for her- because it hurt and was making her sweat. I decided to help some more. “It’s all in your head. I’m not a doctor, but the human body can withstand it. You can do this.” Then she started spouting about how all she could think of was having to walk to the car, her doctors appointment the next day, her errands, etc. I found myself frustrated at HER lack of self confidence. Why on earth should I be frustrated for someone else’s troubles whom I don’t even know? And why doesn’t she believe in herself? I found myself saying out-loud, “It’s all in your head! Your only fighting with yourself! You can do this!” Who did I think was I, Tony Robbins?! Where was this coming from? Regardless of where it came from, I took the advice within myself like I was breathing fresh air for the first time.

Inside thought: Gee Katie, you should probably listen to your own damn advice.

i challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. i challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk. -tony robbins.
i challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. i challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk. -tony robbins.

And so it begins.