Welcome to Aiken's most beloved address. Whenever you're asked, ''Where do you live?'', simply reply, ''Number 10'', and it's more than likely you'll be answered with, ''Oh, I love that house!''
A flagship of character, Number 10 has a deep history suffused with an unparalleled local affection that has been born out of nearly two centuries of art, literature, leadership, Southern comfort and gentility.
Enter and be welcomed by the warmth of the original heart pine floors, twelve foot ceilings, seven fireplaces, hints of original plaster, a cathedral ceilinged kitchen with rough timbers and the added charm of a cozy loft. There are large and elegant rooms for entertaining as well as private hideaways out of the public view.
The Grandest feature is the study, which was also James LeGare's workshop, where he wrote poetry acclaimed by Longfellow, painted his masterpieces, and invented his patented ''plastic cotton'', used in furniture and objects d'art. A prime example of this is the fireplace surround in the study. He also painted three murals, still on the walls. The 18 inch solid pine panels are a stimulating sight in daylight and soothing in evening candlelight with a friend and a glass.
Zoned commercial/residential and with over forty nearby parking spaces, your possible uses are limited only by imagination. The back room once housed a commercial kitchen when the home was the famous ''10 Downing Street'' restaurant, a source of thousands of happy memories. There is also a handicap ramp, a full ceiling sprinkler system and a whole house sound system. The current owners, Rob and Lynda Bloch had opened the property as an event center, but due to Lynda's rapidly debilitating and fatal illness their plans were shelved.
The parlor chandelier has four tiers of Turkish hand-painted porcelain and lamps, illuminating the room with grandeur. Pass through the massive pocket doors to the dining room and you will find a magnificent three-tier glass chandelier from Murano, Italy. Bronze chandeliers and sconces charm with spacious living room with masterful style. Privacy fencing, a butler's pantry, a utility/mud room, five porches, a spacious wine cellar round out the main home.
Then, come see the Carriage House, which is possibly older than the main house. With two fireplaces, heart pine floors and furnished with elegant antiques, equestrian paintings and prints, it can be your guest house. Morning coffee on the brick-walled rear terrace, lush with roses and azaleas, is a pleasant start to a day. It is currently leased as two apartments, grossing $30,000 plus or minus a year.
So, come. Create your new tradition here at #10. You need not travel to the exotic reaches of the world to experience Old World charm, craftsmanship and a sense of place. It's just a two minute walk from downtown!