March 1, 2023
Media contact: Lise Sundrla, Historic Beaufort Foundation at 843.379.3331 or by email to info@historicbeaufort.org
Photos: Exteriors and interior samples from homes on the Spring Architects’ Tour May 18
HBF opens tickets for Spring Architects’ Tour May 18
Historic Beaufort Foundation is preparing for its annual Spring Architects’ Tour, set for Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with tours of houses in and around Beaufort.
This year’s tour features three of the Lowcountry’s most accomplished architectural firms – Frederick & Frederick Architects, Hefner Residential Architecture and Montgomery Architecture & Planning. The 2023 tour features contemporary homes that appeal to all generations wanting to experience Beaufort’s unique Lowcountry setting and style.
“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,” said Cynthia Jenkins, Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Executive Director.
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 www.historicbeaufort.org
Sponsored by Gilbert Law Firm, Beaufort Carts, J.H. Hiers Construction, Broad River
Construction, Phifer Contracting, Howell Builders, The Meridian Company and Powell Brothers Construction the tour represents the best in creative and contemporary Lowcountry residential architecture.
The Saturday tour will take visitors through five houses with examples of both modern and traditional contemporary architecture that appeals to all generations wanting to experience Beaufort’s unique Lowcountry setting and style. Throughout the tour, homeowners, architects, interior designers, builders and contractors will be on site to provide information and answer questions.
This year’s properties are located on Spanish Point, Islands of Beaufort, Cane Island, Lady’s Island and Distant Island.
2023 Architects’ Tour Properties
Distant Island
Architect: Montgomery Architecture & Planning
Builder: Chuck Ferguson, The Meridian Company
Landscape Architect: Leah Bell
Located on a beautiful south-facing property overlooking Distant Island Creek, this new home was designed for clients who have a love for the water. A central vaulted living area overlooks the creek and allows southern light to fill the home throughout the day.
Although a primary goal for the owners was to downsize, a baby-grand piano is none the less a central feature of the home, nestled into the entry stair hall where it can be enjoyed. A detached garage with living quarters and home gym above flanks a central motor court.
Spanish Point
Architect: Montgomery Architecture & Planning
Builder: Owner built
Interior Designer: Jennifer Ferrell, Riverside Designers
Landscape Architect: Daniel Keefer, Whitmore Jones Keefer
Located on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Beaufort River, this new home was designed for owners who have a deep appreciation of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Old growth cypress is featured throughout both buildings: the Main House with porches and pool terrace that take in sweeping vistas of Historic Beaufort and the Woods Bridge; and the River House, an accessory building with workshop and guest accommodations.
On this north facing property, a grand Stair Hall allows southern light to flood the core of the home throughout the day. All the primary living spaces are closely tied to the grounds and waterfront with a series of porches, terraces, and a covered pavilion which anchors the pool under two grand live oaks.
Cane Island
Architect: Frederick + Frederick Architects
Builder: Broad River Construction and Phifer Contracting Services
Interiors: Frederick + Frederick Architects
Included on our 2021 Spring Architects’ Tour while still under construction, this newly completed house sits on a bank above the Intracoastal waterway with a view to the southwest. The concept was to design a sustainable, resilient building that is a contemporary interpretation of the local vernacular houses. It serves as an example of how an environmentally focused design connects people to places in a hot, humid climate.
The family connects to the rhythms of nature by watching the sunset move sixty degrees between the summer solstice and winter solstice, seeing the twice daily tide change of seven to eight feet and hearing the sound of the water lapping on the beach.
This is a gathering place, a place to share time, to relax. A home-base from which to enjoy the pleasures of the Lowcountry: sailing, boating, fishing, golf. It’s luxurious and stylish; and it’s resilient and energy efficient. It’s a home built for hosting the whole family for the holidays and for enjoying a quiet, intimate moment as the sun sets over the marsh and river.
Islands of Beaufort
Architect: Frederick + Frederick Architects
Builder: Powell Brothers
A beautifully proportioned, modern interpretation of the dogtrot. The central space of the home (or dogtrot space) is the living, dining, kitchen and outdoor living spaces that have large windows and double doors to let the breeze funnel through. A big fireplace enters in the symmetrical vaulted space and has flanking glass doors that join the indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Lady’s Island
Architect: Hefner Residential Architecture
Builder: Mitchell Brothers Construction
Interiors: Elizabeth Newberry Interiors, and Elizabeth O’Herron Interiors
This 4,000 square-foot home reflects its largely wooded surroundings with its one-story expansive floor plan with pine floorboards throughout. Beautifully landscaped, the house focuses its occupants on multiple views of the property and the Coosaw River. The land and views are protected by the Beaufort County Open Land Trust.
HBF has prioritized tour participants’ and safety during the event. Per homeowner requests, masks may be required when inside the properties. Children under 13 are not allowed to tour the homes. Pets are prohibited on the tour and at tour sites.
Tickets are available online at www.historicbeaufort.org; by phone go 843.379.3331 or the day of the event at Tour Headquarters at the Arsenal, 713 Craven Street from 9AM to Noon. This is a self-driven tour. Tour sites and routes will be provided at check-in the day of the tour.
Historic Beaufort Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit education foundation created to preserve, protect, and present sites and artifacts of historic, architectural, and cultural interest throughout Beaufort County, South Carolina. For more information on the entity’s mission and history, please visit historicbeaufort.org and follow them on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.
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