208 Sumter Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483
Local realty services provided by:Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Medley
Listed by:taylor charpia843-900-4475
Office:the boulevard company
MLS#:25023465
Source:SC_CTAR
Price summary
- Price:$2,745,000
- Price per sq. ft.:$428.97
About this home
As seen in the Rob report, Wall Street Journal, and Post and Courier. The Elizabeth Arden House, a storied estate in Summerville, is a timeless symbol of elegance and grandeur. Spanning nearly 8,400 square feet, the property features a stately 6,300+ square-foot main house accompanied by three charming cottages, offering a total of nine bedrooms, eight full baths, and four half baths. With four kitchens, a luxurious pool and pool house, a multi-car garage, and 1.2 acres of beautiful gardens designed by landscape architect Robert Marvin, fully fenced with antique wrought iron fencing and electric gate, this estate is a rare blend of pedigree, history, and sophistication. Conveniently located just 25 minutes from downtown Charleston and close to nearby beaches, it offers an unmatchedlifestyle in the Lowcountry.
Arguably the most iconic residence in Summerville, this stunning Victorian home, widely known as the Elizabeth Arden House, was originally built in 1891 by A.J. Braid for Charleston attorney Samuel Lord. Later, the renowned businesswoman Elizabeth Arden acquired the property as a winter retreat, selling it in 1954 while establishing her global cosmetics empire. It is said that Arden would paint the front door a different color to match each season, though it now remains red, inspiring the signature entrances to her salons.
While Arden is the most famous resident of this estate, other notable figures have also called it home.
The property was once owned by Lillian Bostwick Phipps an Ogden Phipps of New York. Ogden, a stockbroker, hailed from a prominent family in thoroughbred horse racing, co-founding the renowned Wheatley Stable, which produced champions like Seabiscuit and Bold Ruler. Lillian, an American socialite, came from the family behind Bostwick Field, a celebrated polo venue in Old Westbury, New York. She later became a successful thoroughbred horse owner and philanthropist. Notably, Lillian's eldest daughter was iconic fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer.
The home showcases timeless elegance with soaring 12-foot ceilings, heart pine floors, double piazzas, intricate hand-carved moldings, six fireplaces, automated shades throughout, and an elevator. The estate is enclosed by elegant wrought iron fencing and boasts meticulously designed formal gardens, including a life-size chessboard and a Secret Garden swing. It features three fully appointed cottages, expansive landscaping, and towering live oak trees, complemented by brick walkways and comprehensive landscape lighting throughout the property. Additional amenities include a pool with an adjacent pool house, complete with a fully equipped kitchen and guest bathrooms, as well as a detached garage.
Main House - First Floor
The main level offers an array of exquisite living spaces, including double parlorseach with its own fireplacea formal dining room with a bay window providing breathtaking views, an office, two half baths, a bar, and a bright sunroom. The chef's kitchen is a culinary masterpiece, equipped with high-end stainless steel appliances, including a Viking range with double ovens and a large range hood. Custom cabinetry includes a built-in desk and bench seat overlooking the rear garden, along with a spacious walk-in pantry. A cozy breakfast nook, adorned with built-in shelving and cabinetry, is perfect for casual meals. The sunroom features arched windows, French doors, exposed brick, and built-in shelving, with direct access to the rear patio and pool, making it an entertainer's dream.
Second and Third Floors
The second floor houses four generously sized bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. One bedroom also includes a flexible space ideal for an office or dressing room. The third floor offers two additional spacious bedrooms that share a beautifully designed bathroom with custom tile work.
Outdoor Amenities
The outdoor spaces are equally impressive including a 321 sq. ft. heated and cooled pool house featuring a covered seating area, ideal for relaxing with family and friends. An outdoor kitchen enhances the space, complete with drink refrigerators, a seating island, custom lighting, a grill, gas cooktop, dishwasher, farmhouse sink, and separate guest bathrooms,perfect for elevating any entertainment experience. In addition to the main residence, the property features three fully-equipped cottages currently generating supplemental income through short-term rentals. These cottages offer the flexibility to be repurposed as living spaces for family members, making this an ideal setting for a multi-generational family compound.
Casino Cottage: 741 sq. ft. featuring a living area, kitchen, laundry room, full bathroom, breakfast nook, and a spacious upstairs bedroom.
Coastal Cottage: 562 sq. ft. offering a kitchen and living area, breakfast nook, full bathroom, and a bedroom.
Tuscany Cottage: 359 sq. ft., with a cozy living area, a spacious bedroom with a bay window, and a full bathroom.
Prime Location in Downtown Summerville
Nestled on one of the most desirable streets in Summerville's historic district, this exceptional property offers a private retreat within walking distance of the town square, restaurants, shops, and tennis courts. Summerville is one of the fastest growing towns in the state, come see what makes it so special!
The Elizabeth Arden House is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history while enjoying modern luxury and convenience. Each owner has made their mark on the estate and a list of upgrades is available as well as floor plans, pre inspection, rental numbers, and more.
Contact an agent
Home facts
- Year built:1891
- Listing Id #:25023465
- Added:1 day(s) ago
- Updated:August 26, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Rooms and interior
- Bedrooms:6
- Total bathrooms:11
- Full bathrooms:6
- Half bathrooms:5
- Living area:6,399 sq. ft.
Heating and cooling
- Cooling:Central Air
Structure and exterior
- Year built:1891
- Building area:6,399 sq. ft.
- Lot area:1.2 Acres
Schools
- High school:Summerville
- Middle school:Alston
- Elementary school:Summerville
Utilities
- Water:Public
- Sewer:Public Sewer
Finances and disclosures
- Price:$2,745,000
- Price per sq. ft.:$428.97
New listings near 208 Sumter Avenue
- New
$433,850Active5 beds 5 baths3,195 sq. ft.200 Maritime Way, Summerville, SC 29485
MLS# 25023471Listed by: LENNAR SALES CORP. - New
$390,975Active4 beds 3 baths2,429 sq. ft.196 Maritime Way, Summerville, SC 29485
MLS# 25023472Listed by: LENNAR SALES CORP. - New
$375,190Active4 beds 3 baths2,260 sq. ft.5320 Bending Flats Way, Summerville, SC 29485
MLS# 25023474Listed by: STARLIGHT HOMES 
$453,300Active5 beds 3 baths2,720 sq. ft.143 Airy Drive, Summerville, SC 29486
MLS# 25022113Listed by: REALTY ONE GROUP COASTAL- New
$291,220Active3 beds 3 baths1,872 sq. ft.167 Fern Bridge Drive, Summerville, SC 29483
MLS# 25023467Listed by: LENNAR SALES CORP. - New
$302,520Active3 beds 3 baths1,935 sq. ft.165 Fern Bridge Drive, Summerville, SC 29483
MLS# 25023468Listed by: LENNAR SALES CORP. - New
$496,235Active3 beds 3 baths2,518 sq. ft.1113 Darling Street, Summerville, SC 29485
MLS# 25023450Listed by: LENNAR SALES CORP. - New
$435,155Active4 beds 3 baths2,117 sq. ft.194 Maritime Way, Summerville, SC 29485
MLS# 25023451Listed by: LENNAR SALES CORP. - New
$479,175Active3 beds 2 baths1,844 sq. ft.1111 Darling Street, Summerville, SC 29485
MLS# 25023453Listed by: LENNAR SALES CORP.
Protect your home and budget with an American Home Shield© home warranty. Learn more© 2025 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. An Anywhere Real Estate company. All rights reserved. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is a registered trademark owned by Meredith Operations Corporation, licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC and used with permission. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Listing information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate.
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
Any services or products provided by third parties are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, or its affiliated companies.