Cottages, mansions, a plantation and a penthouse will be showcased at Historic Beaufort Foundation’s 2014 Fall Festival of Houses &amp; Gardens, October 24 to 26.

Highlights for previous tour-goers will be seven houses that have never been open to the public including a luxurious penthouse with 360-degree views of Beaufort and the river.

The penthouse, on the third floor of the 1970s Regions Bank Building at 916 Bay Street, features high-style architectural design by Jim Thomas of Denzinger &amp; Thomas. Cast-in-place concrete textured by cypress to give a wood pattern and a warm tone shapes the walls and ceilings. The owners retained the industrial character of the space to include two bedrooms, two baths and other spaces connected by a private art gallery. Wrap-around windows and large, partially covered decks on both the river and the Bay Street sides of the building integrate the interior and exterior spaces with views of the water and Beaufort’s skyline.

Open also for the first time on the tour is Chelsea Plantation in Okatie and the Flora and John Trask Sr. house on Bay Street Bluff. The long-awaited restoration of the McGrath-Scheper House at 807 North Street will be on view as well properties associated with Robert Smalls family, including the McKee Smalls House, the Samuel Bampfield House, the Smalls-Nash Cottage and the William Whipper House.

Sunday’s Kitchens &amp; Cuisines tour features five home with exquisite kitchens and local chefs including those from The Kitchen, Griffin Market, Saltus River Grill, Beaufort Bread Company, and Breakwater Restaurant &amp; Bar.

Here is a schedule of events:

• Friday, October 24: Afternoon Walking Tour

• Saturday, October 25: Ramble Around Beaufort (Driving &amp; Walking Tour)

• Saturday, October 25 (evening): Hallelujah Singers Performance at Old Fort Baptist Church, Ribaut Road

• Sunday, October 26: Kitchens &amp; Cuisine Tour

Tickets are limited; advance reservations are strongly recommended for all events. Contact Historic Beaufort Foundation at 843-379-3331.
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