Beaufort is a city rich in history and full of stunning architectural gems.
Beaufort is a city rich in history and full of stunning architectural gems. With stately, antebellum homes, Beaufort offers an abundance of historic properties that reflect many styles. So put on your walking shoes and let’s explore!
The Historic District of Beaufort is a mix between Federal, Neoclassical and Greek Revival styles. This city also used tabby construction with oyster shells sand lime ash, which was an early form concrete to make it stand out from other cities at the time period. Many Beaufort homes in the historic district pre-date the Civil War.
The waterfront of Bay Street offers an excellent representation of the architecture of the Historic District.
These beautiful properties sit just across from the Port Royal Sound all offer amazing views to match their charm!
The Verdier House sits at 801 Bay Street.
Built in 1804 by John Mark Verdier, a French Huguenot, the house typifies Beaufort’s gracious antebellum architectural style. It was a focal point of the town, a visible statement reflecting Verdier’s significant wealth from trading indigo and growing sea island cotton.This home served as Union army headquarters and the adjutant general’s office from 1861-1865. The Verdier House is on the list of National Register of Historic Places. Today the house is open as a museum.
Built around 1810, the Cuthbert House sits at 1203 Bay Street.
It underwent significant remodeling in 1938. The Federal-style house was given Victorian elements such as gingerbread trim and a south porch expansion which gave it more of an “old world charm.” The Cuthbert House has been lovingly restored into an inn. It is on the list of National Register of Historic Places.
Stay & Play in Beaufort!
The Lewis Reeve Sams House sits on the Point at 601 Bay Street.
Built in 1852, this three-story, 7600 square-foot, Beaufort-Style house has double verandas held up beautifully with Doric and Ionic columns. It is said that the house was saved from fire thanks largely to Waterhouse cotton gin workers who formed bucket brigades and used wet blankets. This house was also used in the movie Prince of Tides.
After Bay Street, more amazing homes expand past the water.
The William Fickling House sits at 1109 Craven Street.
It is widely thought to have been built around the 1790s when William came to teach at boy’s school here. Another theory suggests its construction finished in the 1820s with additions completed before or during Civil War time. The rectory for St Helena Episcopal Church now occupies the house.
The Castle is located across the street at 411 Craven Street.
The Italian Renaissance house, made up bricks covered with plaster, covers the span of over an entire city block! Two ancient olive trees in its garden came from the Mount Olives of Holy Land. Hundreds azaleas and camellias also adorn the garden.
This house was Built for Dr. Joseph Johnson in 1861, the Castle was usurped and used as a hospital during the Civil War. After the war Dr. Johnson bought back his house for $2,000, the sum accrued from back taxes. The house remained in the Johnson family until 1981.
The Castle’s unique and storied history tells of hauntings by a 16th century French dwarf.
The small city of Beaufort offers an abundance of charming homes, filled with Spanish moss-draped oaks. It’s perfect for exploring on foot and with your camera! It’s sure to amaze any student of architecture or history.
