Restoring A Circa-1832 Charleston Single In Radcliffeborough
Charleston Magazine | September 2026
At PWD Studio, we had the privilege of partnering with Rachel and Tom Dion to restore and reimagine their circa 1832 Charleston single on Thomas Street in historic Radcliffeborough. Working alongside architect Bill Marshall of Architrave and builder Renew Urban Charleston, our team approached the nearly three year renovation with a focus on honoring the home’s history while creating a comfortable, sophisticated family home for modern life.
When Rachel and Tom first found the house, seeing its potential required some imagination. Nearly every room blazed a different color, from salmon in the entry to psychedelic hues beyond, layered over almost two centuries of history. Previous residents had left a weaving loom in the parlor and even parked a car in the yard. While Tom initially balked at the colorful interiors, Rachel could see beyond them, reminding him, “It’s just paint. Just picture the walls white.”
Originally from New York and Cape Cod, Rachel and Tom moved from Boston to Charleston in 2007, eventually settling in Mount Pleasant, where they raised their two daughters. With the girls attending school downtown and the couple missing the walkability of city life, a move to the peninsula had long been in the cards.
As the renovation unfolded, the home revealed remarkable original details, including eight brick fireplaces, hand hewn beams, heart pine floors, and historic piazza doors. These elements became the foundation for a design that balances preservation with contemporary traditional furnishings, tailored millwork, custom detailing, and a restrained palette. The renovation also introduced a reimagined kitchen centered around a blue Lacanche range, along with a new family room, mudroom, office, in law suite, and thoughtfully restored outdoor spaces.
The completed project received a 2026 Carolopolis Award for Exterior Preservation from the Preservation Society of Charleston, recognizing the care taken to preserve this special piece of Charleston history.
We are honored to see this special home featured in Charleston Magazine and grateful to have played a role in preserving its history for another generation.
