Albert Sottile House

The Albert Sottile House at 11 College Street is a Victorian residence with carved oak doors, stained glass windows in Tiffany style, and marble fireplaces throughout. The ornate interior details show typical features of wealthy late 19th-century design.

A wealthy merchant named Samuel Wilson commissioned this house in 1890 from architect S.W. Foulk of Richmond. The Sottile family purchased the property in 1912, and it eventually took on their name.

The house served as a women's residence hall that shaped student life through formal expectations about appearance and behavior. Visitors can sense the structured environment that defined daily routines for generations of residents.

The building now houses administrative offices for the College of Charleston and is accessible during business hours. Keep in mind that it is an active workplace, so interior access for visitors may be limited or require special arrangements.

Female students who lived in the house would often take small crystals from the chandeliers as souvenirs. This habit meant the lighting fixtures had to be regularly repaired and replaced over time.

GPS coordinates: 32.78400,-79.93830

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:48