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!

from the publisher dec/jan 2024/2025

Welcome to the holiday issue of Luxury Home Magazine – and my very first as a publisher!

With over 20 years of experience in the luxury market, spanning New York, Chicago, Boston, Europe, and now Charleston, I’m thrilled to bring my expertise to the heart of the Lowcountry. My journey through diverse, high-caliber markets has sharpened my eye for exceptional design and refined living, and I’m excited to apply that perspective to Charleston’s thriving luxury community.

This issue is especially significant as we introduce something truly special- Charleston’s Power Players, a first for us. These titans of industry and visionary leaders are shaping the future of our city, influencing everything from where we live to where we grow. I’m honored to highlight the individuals who are not just creating homes, but cultivating the luxury lifestyle that defines our city.

Inside, you’ll discover a wealth of inspiration, celebrating the art of living the dream. From stunning design ideas to the highest standards of luxury, we’re here to elevate your space to its fullest potential.

A personal note: As Charleston continues to grow, so does the energy around my beloved Gamecocks, who are proving that anything is possible with grit and determination- just as our community does each day.

Of course, as it has to be noted, I always respect the fierce spirit of the Clemson Tigers, whose legacy in this state is undeniable.

Thank you for joining me on this exciting new chapter. I look forward to continuing to curate and celebrate the best of Charleston’s luxury living in every issue.

SMART LIVING: THE RISE OF TECHNOLOGY IN LUXURY HOMES

Article originally written by Katherine S. Von Haden, in the Dec/Jan 2025 issue of Luxury Home Magazine.

In the world of luxury homes, innovation isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a way of life. Picture this: you stroll into your marble-floored, art-deco haven after a long day. Instead of flicking switches and fumbling with remotes, you murmur, “I’m home,” and your opulent residence takes it from there. Suddenly, the lights dim to your preferred “unwind” setting, your playlist gently hums in the background, and the blinds glide closed as if auditioning for their role in a futuristic ballet. This isn’t the plot of a sci-fi movie; it’s the reality of smart luxury living, and it’s coming to a home near you sooner than you think- if it hasn’t arrived in yours already.

The Butler is Now Digital

Gone are the days when the ultimate sign of luxury was a live-in butler named Chadwick, who’d bring you a warm towel and just the right amount of sass. Today, that role has been usurped by AI-driven smart assistants with names like Alexa, Siri, and Google Home. Except these domestic servants don’t sigh judgmentally when asked to dim the lights for the third time that evening. In the ultra-luxury market, the integration of voice-activated systems now extends beyond the living room. With a simple command, homeowners can lock or unlock doors, adjust the thermostat, or start their jacuzzi, all while comfortably ensconced in your Hermès slippers and cashmere robe.

Temperature Wars, Settled

One hallmark of living with other humans is the ongoing battle over the thermostat setting. “Smart” means no more thermostat feuds or passive-aggressive sticky notes. With zoned climate control, each area of a luxury home can maintain different temperatures, creating a truce that even Goldilocks herself can appreciate. The system learns your preferences and schedules, so if your partner likes to feel like they’re in the Arctic while you prefer a subtropical vibe, everyone’s happy-without lifting a finger.

Security That Would Make James Bond Blush

Luxury homes have long been fortresses of security, but smart technology has taken it up a notch, making them feel like the set of a high-budget spy movie. Facial recognition at the front gate? Standard. Motion sensors that can tell the difference between a prowling intruder and Chauncy, your champion standard poodle? Of course. And let’s not forget about 360-degree cameras with real-time feeds that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Want to check if your Amazon delivery has arrived while on a yacht in Capri? There’s an app for that, too.

Kitchens That Know More Than You Do

In a luxury smart home, even the kitchen can outwit its owner. Smart refrigerators remind you when the organic strawberries you bought two weeks ago are about to hit their expiration date (even though you planned on eating healthier). Ovens can be preheated from your phone, ensuring that your gourmet dinner is cooked to perfection by the time you’re done enjoying your martini in the hot tub. Thank you to companies, such as De’Longhi Magnifica, that learn your 7 a.m. espresso habit, making the morning rush feellike a scene from a five-star resort, not a Monday.

The Future is Now- And It’s Gloriously Extra

The rise in smart technology has turned luxury homes into a seamless blend of elegance and cutting-edge innovation. Every moment, from a light switch to an elaborate security check, is designed to be as intuitive as it is impressive. Whether it’s waking up to windows that reveal a pre-programmed sunrise or ending the day with automated blackout blinds that set the stage for a perfect night’s sleep, smart homes ensure that luxury living doesn’t just keep up with the future-it welcomes it with open, judgement-free, sensor-activated arms.

So, if you’re wondering what the new gold standard is in luxury living, it’s not just a coveted address with water views, marble countertops and grand foyers anymore-it’s a home that knows you as well as you know yourself.