Beaufort’s Historic Charm Shines at the Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens
Beaufort, South Carolina, is gearing up for a delightful weekend as it hosts its annual Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens on October 19th and 20th. This unique event offers locals and visitors a glimpse into some of the area’s most stunning architecture, spanning over three centuries of history. It’s a rare opportunity to wander through private homes and exquisite gardens, normally closed to the public!
A Journey Through Time
Beaufort, founded back in 1711, holds the title of South Carolina’s second oldest town. Nestled beautifully on a bend of the Beaufort River, it might be smaller than its famous neighbors Charleston and Savannah, but it certainly boasts an architectural charm that’s all its own.
“The Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens is the best time to experience Beaufort’s extraordinary setting and architecture as gracious property owners open their private homes and exquisite gardens to public view,” says Cynthia Jenkins, the executive director of the Historic Beaufort Foundation. “We are so fortunate each year to have owners of these magnificent properties offer them to us for these tours. To be invited to walk through these homes and gardens is a rare treat.”
What to Expect This Year
The festival features two different tours spread across the weekend. Kicking off on Saturday, October 19, is the Tour of the Beaufort Historic District from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This walking tour will lead enthusiasts through an impressive historic timeline, showcasing properties dating back from the late 18th century to the late 19th century. Highlights include:
- The Elizabeth Hext House (Riverview), circa 1805-1825
- The Elizabeth Barnwell Gough House, circa 1800
- The John A. Cuthbert House, circa 1810
- The James Rhett House (Rhett’s Folly), circa 1886
Other key features on the tour will be St. Helena’s Anglican Church (circa 1817-1842), and the well-restored John Mark Verdier House, which just completed an exterior renovation in 2021. This house is a true gem from the Federal Period and an integral part of Beaufort’s history.
Delightful Dining on Sunday
Next up is the Southern Brunch & Tour taking place on Sunday, October 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This special event will spotlight Historic Tombee on St. Helena Island, dating back to the late 18th century. Guests will feast on a delicious Southern brunch and explore one of the few pre-Civil War homes remaining in the area.
With its raised tabby foundation and T-shaped design, Tombee is a captivating example of the Beaufort Style of architecture. This beautifully preserved house was carefully restored by the renowned Savannah preservationist Jim Williams in the 1970s, and it continues to impress.
Historical insights about Tombee and its daily happenings are beautifully documented in Theodore Rosengarten’s book “Tombee: Portrait of a Cotton Planter.” This account draws from the plantation journal of Thomas B. Chaplin and captures life in the mid-19th century, encompassing the births, deaths, and marriages of both white and enslaved residents.
Get Your Tickets!
If you’re intrigued and want to experience the vibrant history and beauty of Beaufort on this special weekend, tickets and further information can be found through the Historic Beaufort Foundation. Whether you’re a local or from out of town, this festival invites everyone to appreciate the rich heritage and stunning architecture that Beaufort has to offer.
Mark your calendars for this cultural gem of an event, and prepare to be enchanted by the charm of Beaufort!
