383.3 +/ Acre Magnificent Country Estate In Very Close Proximity to Downtown Charleston & Mount Pleasant. Circa 1680.
You’re welcomed into the property through a canopy of magnificent crepe myrtle trees and live oaks that wind across manicured grounds to the main house. The main house sits atop a high bluff and features almost 7000 square feet of living space with five bedrooms and five full bathrooms. It’s a solid two story construction framed by massive live oaks and gorgeous azaleas. Additional improvements include an 1800 square foot horse stable, 1300 square foot equipment shed, and a 1900 square foot workshop. Two caretaker houses are also located on the property. There’s even a professional, regulation size, polo field lined by sawtooth oaks on the East boundary of the property.
From the main house, large pastures and picturesque bass ponds offer commanding views in all directions. The fishing is quite good and the ponds have been stocked and well managed for trophy bass. There are several prime areas for a large dove field and the bird population is excellent in this area. The current owner has gone to great lengths shaping this landscape to allow the near 270 acres of high ground to properly drain, remain dry, and ensure maximum usability.
Rolling hills and towering pines make for beautiful quail woods and there’s no shortage of that here. There’s a quality road system that winds through the forested land, and Longwood is a prime candidate for an early release quail program. This is a game rich area and there are several deer stands, food plots and roosting areas for wild turkeys.
Longwood is located along the East Branch of the Cooper River in what is referred to as the historic Cooper River Corridor. There is a high percentage of protected properties in this neighborhood, including Longwood, that secure the landscape’s future for generations to come. Nearby properties include Quinby, Halidon Hill, Middleburg, Silk Hope and others and across the river is Bonneau Ferry which represents 10,000 acres of protected lands. Longwood is a quick 20 miles to Mount Pleasant and 30 miles to downtown Charleston. Both can be accessed by boat as well.
PROPERTY HISTORY
One of the earliest settlers was Pierre de St. Julien de Malacare, a French Huguenot who fled with his family to Carolina. In 1687, records show his daughter Charlotte married a fellow Huguenot, Rene Ravenel. The property became known as Pompion Hill, believed to refer the round clay hill on the property. Some believe the hill appears to be an Indian mound, and St. Julien de Malacare was known to have traded with the Native Americans who may have also camped on the property. With devout neighboring French families, Pompion Hill Chapel was erected along the river, giving the families the convenience of attending church services without traveling to Charles Towne. Eventually, St. Julian de Malicare left his land, and the chapel rector, Reverend Thomas Hassell became owner of what was then known as Pompion Hill. It remained in the Hassell family until 1750, after which the land became church property for approximately three decades. Subsequent owners were prominent Charleston families including the Manigaults and Heywards. In 1824, owner Alfred Huger, changed Pompion Hill’s name to Longwood. According to lore, Huger was honoring Napoleon Bonaparte, who died in 1821 at Longwood Home on the island of St. Helena. The property name has remained until this day.