This home was built by Charles Edmonston in 1825. Edmonston made his fortune as a merchant and wharf owner. this house is considered one of the best examples of regency style architecture in Charleston. Charles Alston, a rice planter, bought the house in 1838. Alston added greek revival details to the house such as a piazza with corinthian columns on the third floor and a balustrade above the cornice. General P. G. T. Beauregard CSA watched the shelling of Fort Sumter in 1861 from the piazza. General Robert E. Lee CSA also was a visitor to this home.