Historic Homes for Sale in Beaufort & the Lowcountry, SC
Historic homes in the Beaufort Lowcountry date primarily from the antebellum period through the early 20th century, concentrated in downtown Beaufort's National Historic Landmark District and the surrounding Point neighborhood. Beaufort's historic district is one of the most intact in the American South, featuring tabby foundations, wide verandas, and architecture that spans Federal, Greek Revival, and Lowcountry vernacular styles. These homes attract buyers drawn to craftsmanship and character, and to a walkable downtown lifestyle that modern construction cannot replicate.
Active Listings
Historic Homes currently on the market
$5,250,000
$3,100,000
$2,549,000
$2,495,000
$2,495,000
$1,744,000
Listing data provided by the Lowcountry Regional MLS. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All measurements are approximate.
What to know about historic homes in the Lowcountry
Downtown Beaufort's historic district centers on Bay Street and the surrounding residential blocks, including The Point, a neighborhood of antebellum and Victorian homes on a peninsula between the Beaufort River and Battery Creek. Homes in The Point are among the most valuable in the region, with prices ranging from $600K for smaller cottages to over $3 million for large waterfront estates.
Buying a historic home in Beaufort involves additional considerations. Properties within the designated historic district are subject to review by the Beaufort Historic District Review Board, which regulates exterior changes including paint colors, roofing materials, window replacements, and additions. The goal is preservation, and owners should expect a longer approval process for exterior modifications.
Insurance for historic homes can be more complex and expensive. Replacement cost policies for homes with original materials (heart pine flooring, hand-laid brick, plaster walls) often exceed standard construction costs. Some historic homes also carry higher flood insurance premiums due to their lower elevations predating modern building codes.
The reward is a home whose character and craftsmanship cannot be duplicated, in a setting you can explore on foot. Many historic Beaufort homes are within walking distance of restaurants, the waterfront park, and the Beaufort River. For buyers who value architecture and sense of place over new-build convenience, Beaufort's historic district is one of the most compelling offerings in the Southeast.
Historic Homes FAQ
How much do historic homes cost in Beaufort, SC?
Historic homes in Beaufort's downtown district range from around $500K for smaller cottages to over $3 million for large waterfront properties on The Point. Prices depend on size, condition, water proximity, and historical significance. Homes requiring significant restoration can occasionally be found below $500K.
Are there restrictions on renovating a historic home in Beaufort?
Yes. Homes within Beaufort's Historic District are subject to review by the Historic District Review Board. Exterior changes such as paint color, roofing, windows, fencing, and additions require approval, while interior renovations are generally unrestricted. The review process ensures the district's architectural character is preserved, and owners should factor this into renovation plans and timelines.
What architectural styles are found in Beaufort's historic district?
Beaufort's historic homes span several styles: Lowcountry vernacular (raised foundations, wide porches), Federal style (symmetrical facades, fanlights), Greek Revival (columned porticos), and Victorian-era homes. Many feature tabby foundations, a Lowcountry-specific building material made from oyster shells, sand, and lime. The district includes homes from the late 1700s through the early 1900s.
Explore other home types in the Lowcountry
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