Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens provides a very rare vantage point in a selection of private homes representing three centuries of Beaufort architecture normally not open to the public. The event shows off the Beaufort style. This year’s event is scheduled for October 22, 23 & 24.
Just as Charleston and Savannah developed a unique individual styles of residential architecture in the early years of the 18th Century, so did their smaller neighbor located between the two on Port Royal Island in the Old Beaufort District. South Carolina’s second oldest town, Beaufort founded in 1711, did not grow as fast as the two larger more urban towns did but was just as strategically settled on a bend in the Beaufort River.
The Beaufort style reflects the rural setting of the new town laid out following the natural
bends of the river as it wraps around Beaufort’s famous Point Neighborhood. Sometimes referred to by architectural historians as a “plantation style come to town.” Beaufort’s architectural heritage clearly reflects both topographic and climatic conditions with key design elements that ensured more comfort in the sub-tropical climate of the Lowcountry.
Historic Beaufort Foundation’s annual Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens offers the unique opportunity to visit inside private houses, gardens and country estates. The event allows attendees to experience the charm and character of our 18th Century town and explore the architecture and setting of our National Historic Landmark.
The festival offers three different tours as well as luncheons, lectures and more, on three different days.
Friday, October 22
Friday Luncheon & Lecture
Walking tour of National Historic Landmark District
More tour info
Saturday, October 23
Saturday Afternoon Country Retreat & Lowcountry Picnic
Visitors will have a truly southern experience at this country estate nestled along the banks of the Combahee River in Prince William Parish.
Sunday, October 24
Sunday in the Beaufort Style
Enjoy a unique morning tour and light southern brunch as we celebrate the Beaufort style. Nestled in formal gardens, this house exhibits the influences of Adam and the emerging Federal style of architecture. As typical of the Beaufort style, this tabby house faces south, has a T-shape, a hipped roof and a two story portico resting on a raised foundation. In depth interpretations will be provided by noted experts.
Visit this link to get your tickets, and to see Beaufort like you haven’t before.
