From staff reports
Historic Beaufort Foundation is preparing for its annual Spring Architect’s Tour, which is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 19, and includes houses in and around downtown Beaufort and at Habersham. This year’s event features examples of modern, cottage style and traditional contemporary architecture that appeals to all generations wanting to experience Beaufort’s unique Lowcountry setting and style.
Beaufort boasts some of the best of southern architecture since building began here in the 18th century. This year’s tour features two of the Lowcountry’s most accomplished architectural firms – Montgomery Architecture & Planning and Allison Ramsey Architects – along with the work of six of our most skilled contracting and construction firms – Chandler Trask Construction, Gallant Homes Beaufort, Gooding Contractors, TD Commercial Builders, Allen Patterson Construction, and Terry Chester Construction. Throughout the tour, homeowners, architects, builders, and contractors will be onsite to provide information and answer questions.
“Interpreting Beaufort’s architectural heritage in a 21st century style, the Spring Architects’ Tour gives the rare opportunity to peek inside the newest and best of Beaufort’s residential architecture,” Historic Beaufort Foundation Executive Director Cynthia Jenkins said in a release.
The Spring Architect’s Tour will take place rain-or-shine.
Advanced reservations are strongly recommended as this popular event tends to fill up quickly. Tickets are $60 for HBF members and $65 for non-members and may be purchased by calling HBF at 843-379-3331 or going online to https://historicbeaufort.org/beauforts-architects-tour/.
HBF has prioritized tour participants’ and safety during the event. Per homeowner request, masks may be required when inside the properties.
This year’s properties are located in historic downtown Beaufort, on a bluff along the Beaufort River, Lady’s Island, Spanish Point, and Habersham. The tour features the following sites:
Historic Downtown Beaufort
Architect: Allison Ramsey Architects
Builder: Scott Dennis, TD Commercial Builders
This smaller, two-story home located in the heart of Beaufort’s historic district, features double front porches and a unique, flexible plan. This plan provides a downstairs library with a semi private screened porch overlooking the backyard, that doubles as a future master suite on the main level. The design provides for a blend of contemporary and traditional Lowcountry styles.
Lady’s Island
Architect: Allison Ramsey Architects
Builder: Gallant Homes Beaufort
This marsh-front home is close to downtown, yet secluded, with beautiful outdoor spaces onthe Beaufort River. All the day-to-day living is accessible on the main floor, with guest beds and a bunk room on the second floor. The carpenter’s attention to detail is evident on the exposed rafter tails and brackets that add depth and shadows.
“A Bluff along the Beaufort River”
Architect: Montgomery Architecture & Planning
Builder: Terry Chester
The architect was tasked with revising the property to better appreciate the high bluff overlooking the Beaufort River, intracoastal waterway, and historic downtown Beaufort. Inspired by archetypical cook houses of the historic South, the new sculptural building steps back from the bluff, blending with the garden and multiple water features, while creating a lawn under a pair of extraordinary Live Oak trees.
Spanish Point
Architect: Montgomery Architecture & Planning
Builder: Chandler Trask Construction
Located on a beautiful bluff facing the Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge, this new home was designed for long-time Beaufortonians, and soon to be empty nesters, wanting to appreciate the river. A pool and terrace are incorporated as an extended room of this modest sized contemporary home.
Habersham
Architect: Allison Ramsey Architects
Builders: Gooding Contractors, Allen Patterson Construction
The Tour features three houses within the Habersham community, including homes with simple forms and craftsman influence on the outside but showing unexpected detail on the inside. The materials, clean details, and colors shown in these houses are a refreshing take on the traditional southern home. The charm and scale are perfect for the walkable neighborhood.
