Patricia Altschul, the renowned matriarch of Bravo’s Southern Charm, recently revealed on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that she has sold her historic Charleston mansion to her son, Whitney Sudler-Smith. The decision, driven by estate planning and a desire to relinquish the responsibilities of managing the expansive property, keeps the iconic home within the family.
Altschul lightheartedly confessed to host Andy Cohen that she provided her son with a favorable price, adding, “He can afford it. And I’m tired of running it, quite frankly.” The agreement mandates that Sudler-Smith now assumes the managerial duties of the estate. Co-star Austen Kroll, also present on Watch What Happens Live, jokingly remarked that Sudler-Smith was likely tired of being teased about residing in his mother’s house, a sentiment Altschul playfully confirmed.
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The sale, initially discussed in Season 10, Episode 4 of Southern Charm, was strategically implemented to mitigate substantial inheritance taxes. Altschul explained that upon her passing, Sudler-Smith would have faced a significant tax burden, estimated at 46 percent, on the property’s current value of approximately $15 million. To circumvent this, the mansion was transferred to Sudler-Smith’s trust. The shift in ownership doesn’t drastically alter their living arrangements, as the mother and son already shared the residence.
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However, the transition comes with a comprehensive list of responsibilities for Sudler-Smith, encompassing the seasonal upkeep and maintenance of the historic estate. Altschul outlined various tasks, including managing gardeners, landscapers, and procuring specific lilies for the pond in the spring. The extensive to-do list underscores the significant undertaking involved in preserving the historic property.
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In a September 2024 video tour, Sudler-Smith showcased the grandeur of the Isaac Jenkins Mikell house, built in the early 1850s. The ten-bedroom mansion boasts a unique blend of “comfort and style,” reflecting an “English country aesthetic.” The sale marks a new chapter for the historic property, ensuring its preservation under the stewardship of the next generation of the Altschul family.
