712 W Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach SC 29439

Preservation Opportunity at the Edge of America – Folly Beach, SC. Welcome to the ”Porgy House,” a historic gem on Folly Beach, SC. Built in 1933, this summer cottage belonged to Dubose and Dorothy Heyward and was a retreat for many notable friends, including George Gershwin in 1934. It was here that Gershwin fell in love with Dubose and Dorothy’s novel and play ”Porgy,” which inspired the creation of the legendary American opera ”Porgy and Bess.”The Porgy House offers a unique, museum-like glimpse into the 1930s life of Folly Beach. The home has been meticulously preserved, with necessary repairs made in the original style. Featuring an all-wood interior with wooden ceilings, walls, and floors, the house spans approximately 1,600 square feet over two stories.Upstairs, you’ll find two bedrooms flanking a full bathroom and a spacious living area that opens onto a sleeper’s porch with a two-sided fireplace through two sets of double doors. Downstairs, there is another bedroom, a living room, a dine-in kitchen, a second bathroom, and a screened porch off the kitchen. Adding to the home’s charm is a writer’s booth at the back of the property, where both Dubose and Dorothy Heyward found inspiration. The home sits on approximately half an acre, just across the street from the ocean, surrounded by magnificent live oak and palm trees, offering plenty of privacy. This historic home will be sold with a preservation easement, seeking a dedicated “Porgy and Bess” enthusiast to become the next steward of this slice of history.