How about stepping back in time to Charleston’s early days? We are standing in front of the Robert Brewton House. This historic house at 71 Church Street whispers tales of early 18th-century life.
The Robert Brewton House is not just old it is the oldest dated example of a single house. These houses are uniquely Charlestonian. They are one room wide designed to catch cool breezes. The Robert Brewton House dates back to 1730 or even earlier. Imagine Charlestonians seeking relief from the Southern heat within these very walls.
The Robert Brewton House was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. This recognizes its importance to American history and architecture.
The Robert Brewton House sits on a narrow lot. It is on the west side of Church Street. Construction happened sometime between 1701 and 1715.
Miles Brewton acquired the house in the 1730s or 1740s. He was a goldsmith and militia officer who came from Barbados. Miles gifted the house to his son Robert Brewton. Robert followed in his father’s footsteps as a goldsmith. He also became the Powder Receiver for the city in 1745. That same year, Robert sold the Robert Brewton House to his sister Rebecca and her husband Jordan Roche.
The Robert Brewton House is a three-story brick structure. Its rectangular shape and hip roof are typical of the time. Stuccoed corner add a touch of elegance. Decorative keystones sit above the windows. The main entrance faces a narrow driveway.
Originally the Robert Brewton House had a porch across the front. It was not part of the original design. It was later removed.
Robert’s son Miles Brewton became a successful merchant and slave trader. He used his family’s wealth to build another grand house. This house is the Miles Brewton House on King Street. Completed around 1769 it is a double house in the Palladian style. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1979.
The Robert Brewton House stands as a reminder of Charleston’s architectural heritage. Its single-house design reflects the city’s ingenuity. It represents Charleston’s adaptation to its climate. Though changed over time the Robert Brewton House retains its historic charm. The house may have been rebuilt after the fire of 1740. Renovations were done in the twentieth century. Late-nineteenth-century piazzas were removed. A modern masonry coating was added over the old stucco surface.
Take a moment to appreciate this unique building. Consider the lives of those who lived here centuries ago. The Robert Brewton House connects us to Charleston’s past. It allows us to understand its unique architectural identity.