Understanding Charleston's Shotgun Homes

by carolinaone_marketing 24. August 2015 04:09

There are all kinds of homes for sale in Charleston, SC, from historic manors to brand new townhomes, suburban ranch houses to city bungalows. But one of the most distinctive styles of Charleston house—and one of the most misunderstood—is the "shotgun." Shotguns are by no means the most prevalent houses for sale today, but they are definitely on the market and few styles are so distinctly Southern as a shotgun.

 

Here is everything you need to know about Charleston's shotgun homes:

  • They are a classic of Southern architecture – Shotguns aren't unique to Charleston. Probably most famous in New Orleans, the shotgun style home is found as far away as Texas. These homes are so named because each room opens onto the next, all in a single line, so you could fire a shotgun from the front door to the back door. This style of home was popular for two reasons: first, because it lets you make optimum use of a long, narrow lot (which is more affordable than a home with lots of street front); secondly, because the narrow construction does not require long timbers to build—the same reason that cottage-style properties are popular. For much of Southern history, the urban middle class preferred shotguns.
  • Shotguns and privacy are compatible – To many people, the word "shotgun" conjures up the image of tip-toeing through one bedroom to get to another, or hanging sheets over the doorways for privacy. This dorm room style living is not the reality in most shotguns. In the olden days, there was some truth to this (with every room opening onto the next, it was inevitable). But these days, many shotguns have private side entrances installed, or have even been remodeled so the rooms no longer open onto each other.
  • Shotguns are not the same thing as "railroad" homes. A railroad home has the same basic layout as a shotgun, but with a single hallway running the length of the property. This makes the house wider (and potentially makes the rooms narrower) but ensures privacy for each room.
  • The kitchen is usually in the back. Originally, shotguns had outdoor back kitchens or an indoor kitchen at the rear of the house. The front of the house is typically a bedroom. Why does the front door open onto a bedroom? Explanations vary from getting the most fresh breeze on a hot night to Southern hospitality, entertaining guests in the most cherished room of the house. These days, most people use the front room as a living room.
  • They're easily modified. Because shotguns have such a simple layout, they can easily be remodeled in all sorts of creative ways. Common choices include adding bathrooms, increasing privacy between rooms, expanding with more rooms in the back, or adding a large porch on the front.

Some of Charleston's most well-preserved historic districts are full of beautiful vintage shotgun homes just waiting to be purchased. They are not the only homes for sale in Charleston, but they are great investments. Check out our listings at Carolina One Real Estate to find shotgun homes or any other home in the neighborhood of your choice. 

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homes for sale in Charleston SC

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