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Raising History

Photography Michael Blevins; Sarah Martin & courtesy of David RussellPhotos 19Issue January 2024
Built by James Cosgrove, the house has stood at the southern end of Sullivan’s Island for more than 130 years.David Russell (pictured with wife, Jamie Brownlee) was only its fourth owner when he bought the property in 1985.Raising HistoryThe most recent renovation raised the structure to prevent flooding and added two wings.Over the course of four decades an Atlanta couple carefully renovated this historical Sullivan’s Island home, turning it from a casual beach cottage into a grand space for their golden years.The mantelpiece and brick fire surround were added in the second renovation using heart of pine and brick original to the home. The painting above the fireplace is by David.The living and dining rooms and entryway comprise much of the original cottage, along with three bedrooms upstairs.The flooring, wainscoting, stairway, front door, and windows are all original.The kitchen was added as part of the 2009 renovation, creating more space and bringing in more light. Architect Steve Herlong incorporated original columns from the porch, relocated to make room for a bathroom suite. The AGA range adds an “old world” feel, says Jamie, and the island countertop is milled from beams reclaimed from the home, tying the old with the new.Raising HistoryThe spacious family room fills one of the two new wings, its soaring ceiling and textured plaster walls adding grandeur to the once humble house.A built-in cabinet in one corner incorporates an antique dresser top from the owner’s home in Atlanta.Brick archways lead into the addition through a bar area connecting the wing to the dining room.The couple’s office was formerly their primary bedroom suite; it now holds David’s antique partners desk.A sleep sofa from To The Trade on King allows it to transform back into a bedroom when necessary.Chores with a View: Previously a guest bedroom, the laundry room offers expansive views over the marsh. A stone floor complements the soapstone sink repurposed from the original kitchen, and cabinets painted in Sherwin Williams “Storm Cloud” add a pop of color.The second wing hosts the primary bedroom suite, including a walk-in closet and luxurious bathroom. The stone floor, marble wall tiles, and Sherwin Williams “Urbane Bronze” cabinet color bring sophistication to the space. An antique bed and chest from the couple’s Atlanta home sit atop a circa-1900 Persian Tabriz rug.Raising HistoryOne of the couple’s favorite spots is the front porch, where swivel chairs and teak tables from Outside Is In and a curved sectional from GDC provide plenty of space to soak up the sea breezes.

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Raising History: The story of a historic Sullivan’s Island house that has evolved with its family
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