When Will and John Hardee began searching for their first home together in Charleston, South Carolina, they found an overlooked property that would soon become a significant renovation project. The house, located across the street from Will’s former bachelor residence, had long been concealed behind dense overgrowth and deferred maintenance. The couple referred to it as the “Grey Gardens” of the neighborhood, noting that the structure was scarcely visible from the street.
Attracted by the rare double lot the property offered, the Hardees expressed early interest and instructed their real estate agent to notify them if it ever came on the market. In 2022, the home was listed but was already under contract through a private agreement with the previous owner’s children. Despite this, the Hardees submitted a backup offer, relying partly on John’s professional background as the owner of a renovation and design firm to assure the sellers of their commitment to the project. When the initial sale fell through, the couple emerged as the new owners, ready to start with a clean slate.
The Hardees opted to completely overhaul the home, which was more recently constructed and lacked significant historic elements that might have limited their design choices. In 2023, they gutted the existing structure down to its studs, replacing essential systems including electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation, and gas lines. By 2024, they completed a roughly 2,000-square-foot addition that created an L-shaped layout, incorporating a new primary suite, mudroom, and pool house.
Financially, the renovation amounted to over $3 million. The couple also enhanced the property’s exterior with a swimming pool, brick hardscaping, professionally designed landscaping, and four fountains. Additionally, the lot includes deeded parking for three vehicles.
Looking ahead, the Hardees are preparing for the arrival of twins. While the current layout—with the primary suite somewhat separated from the main living areas—suits two adults, they anticipate seeking a new home with a more connected floor plan better suited for raising a family.
The Charleston housing market remains robust, characterized by strong buyer interest and rising prices. According to Leslie Turner, founding partner of Maison Real Estate and the listing agent for the Hardees’ property, sales volume increased by 21% and new listings by 18% from January to May compared with the same period last year. This heightened demand has driven average sale prices up 17%, reaching $3.1 million.