The newly reopened and reimagined Cuthbert House Inn is one of the best places to stay in Beaufort SC.
Beaufort, South Carolina is a strikingly picturesque small town in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Some of the largest live oaks I’ve ever seen and innumerable historic homes and landmarks line this quaint town. Because of its location situated between Charleston and Savannah, I have to admit that prior to my stay at Cuthbert House Inn, I hadn’t actually overnighted in Beaufort, opting instead to pass through for day trips.
What I discovered by staying the night at Cuthbert House is just what sets Beaufort apart. Moreover, I discovered exactly why you’d want to go out of your way simply to stay at this luxurious 18th-century mansion overlooking the Beaufort River.
Where History Meets Hospitality
The history behind this stay is crucial to understanding the hyper-local importance of this beautifully restored inn. John Alexander Cuthbert II constructed Cuthbert House around 1810, three blocks back from where it now sits. It eventually moved to its premium waterfront location. Built in the Antebellum style, featuring wide verandas, grand columns, and elegant interiors, it became a hub for social gatherings, hosting influential politicians and community leaders before being occupied by the Union Army. In the early 1880s, the mansion underwent an extensive expansion that transformed into a Victorian-style home.
The addition of rooms, bay windows, trim and porches on both sides of the central portico shaped Cuthbert House into the remarkable 9,300-ish square foot structure it is today. Unsurprisingly, it joined the National Register of Historic Properties in 1972.
About 30 years ago, it began operating as an inn. And then finally, after undergoing interior improvements to blend its original integrity with thoughtful modernization, Cuthbert House officially reopened in spring of 2024 under the vision of husband-and-wife team Chris and Suzanne Taylor Ramm. The fact that this is a family business is clear from their consistent presence on-site. Additionally, it’s apparent in the dedication to hospitality and care woven throughout each part of your stay.
The Best Place to Stay in Beaufort SC Is Reopened and Reimagined
When I arrived, Chris was outside with the couple’s three dogs. They ushered me up the back porch, promptly checked me in, and gave me a tour of the two-story home. My room, “The Ballroom,” is spacious at 400 square feet and features gorgeous views of the Beaufort River. There are 10 unique quarters in all, including two larger suites.
Downstairs, there are multiple gathering spaces for guests: a cozy lounge, a breakfast room, dining room, and a library. The bar serves a daily cocktail hour to guests, with hors d’oeuvres prepared by the inn’s chef. Additionally, he makes a complimentary full breakfast daily.
The inn’s staff has been carefully handpicked. As an example, their concierge services provide a curated stay for each guest. Likewise, there are thoughtful additions like complimentary bikes and e-bikes, and beach passes to nearby Hunting Island with beach chairs and towels.
The large porches facing the water offer exceptional views. Furthermore, once you step out the doors of the inn, it’s only a short walk to some of Beaufort’s most desirable restaurants and shops, as well as to Henry C. Chambers waterfront park and marina. There are many ways to explore Beaufort for yourself: on foot, bike, or by employing the expertise of one of many local tour guides who can help explain the detailed, layered history of this city steeped in story.
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