By Kellie Speed
This concrete fortress is a block from the ocean
Want to hunker down on the beach? A former concrete bunker from World War II recently landed on the market for $5.35 million on Sullivan's Island, S.C.
The historic, 7,000-square-foot structure was built in 1942 and transformed into a residence after its wartime days.
Available for the first time in more than 30 years, the place has quite the storied past.
"What makes this property so unique is that it is a historic property not listed on the historic registry, so it gives the buyer a lot of flexibility," says listing agent Jurgen Bushi, of Richter & Co.
Part of military history
The bunker was built soon after the United States entered World War II.
"At the time, General [George S.] Patton built it in eight months, and it cost the government $1.3 million then," Bushi says. "Adjusted for inflation, that would be about $26 million today. There are less than two dozen of these homes built with reinforced ceilings that were designed to withstand a kamikaze. It's incredible. I tell everyone it's a concrete fort."
In fact, military history in the area is far reaching: The bunker was built on ruins dating to the Revolutionary War.
Once part of Charleston's harbor defense, the waterfront gun battery was where the advance guard prepared for the Revolutionary War Battle of Sullivan's Island.
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Property with potential
The half-acre lot is a block from the water, at 20 feet above sea level, overlooking Charleston Harbor's Breach Inlet.
"What also makes this site unique is that the maximum height is 46 feet, but the top of the bunker is 36 feet," Bushi says of building-height restrictions. "The city is open to letting the next owner build on top of the bunker, which would become the most unique property on the island. It could then be connected to the bunker by an elevator or stairs."
He envisions the property having a tax benefit if the owner built above ground and offered tours of the bunker below. On the other hand, he thinks it would make a great primary or secondary residence.
Converted to a home in 1972, the property does have electricity, plumbing, and HVAC. However, the austere four-bedroom, three-bath structure might not be for everyone.
"It's really a move-in ready bunker," Bushi notes. "It doesn't have windows, but you could have an art room, movie theater, or home gym set up in the building. You aren't going to hear any noise emanating from the bunker if you wanted to use it as an event center."
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It also has a kitchen and dining area, along with a living room and sunken brick patio.
The dwelling's sturdy construction and location are perhaps its most impressive features.
"You don't have to worry about termite damage, and the elevation is so high up that water damage is not likely," Bushi says. "If a tree falls on the residence during a hurricane, the house is not going to get damaged."
No longer a wartime refuge, the spot has been a place for parties-and notoriety.
According to the listing, the property is rumored to have housed one of America's most wanted criminals: Trigger Burke, who, "in 1948, hid out in the bunker with a stash of stolen money that was never recovered."
Sullivan's Island also has its own fascinating history.
"Edgar Allen Poe has a library on the island and wrote two books here," Bushi notes.
He adds that "the first submarine was built off Sullivan's Island. It used to be a Navy town after World War II but is now the highest-end luxury market next to Charleston, which is only a 15-minute drive away."
This story originally ran on Realtor.com.
-Kellie Speed
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08-09-24 0501ET
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