Sanford puts $3.5 million family beach home up for sale

COLUMBIA --- South Carolina's governor doesn't fear the down real estate market -- he has put his beachfront home near Charleston up for sale for $3.5 million.

Mark Sanford and his wife are ready to downsize as two of their four sons near college age, Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said Saturday.

The Sanfords are looking to buy a smaller house on Sullivans Island near their six bedroom, five bathroom home they bought in 1997 and heavily renovated, Mr. Sawyer said.

The house was the family's primary residence until they moved to Columbia after Mr. Sanford was elected governor in 2002.

The family rents the home several weekends a year, but Mr. Sanford's wife, Jenny, and their four sons also stay there frequently. The Sanfords will leave the Governor's Mansion after the 2010 election.

And there might be another move in the family's future. "The ultimate goal is to build more of a dream home on the family's farm down in Beaufort County," Mr. Sawyer said.

The beach house is appraised at $1.95 million, according to online Charleston County tax records, a nice appreciation over the $461,000 appraisal value when the Sanfords bought the home.

Online records indicate the house was put up for sale on Feb. 27. Tim Reese, the real estate agent selling the home, declined to speak to The Associated Press on Saturday.

The brochure for the home touts its weekly rental license and its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

"The open floor plan is perfect for large family gatherings and the master suite has a separate study to enjoy the wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean," according to the brochure. "This is a great value for true oceanfront property."