The Cuthbert House is a historical bed & breakfast nestled between the oak lined streets of downtown Beaufort with picturesque views of the Beaufort River. Prior to this weekend getaway, I’d only taken a day trip from Charleston to explore Beaufort, but staying at Cuthbert helped me see this charming SC town in a brand new light. This luxurious, ten room B&B is housed in a Federal-style mansion that dates back to the early 19th century, and once belonged to – you guessed it – the Cuthberts.
Both the Cuthbert House and its hospitable team is full of southern charm and an idyllic spot for a South Carolina weekend getaway or stop off on a coastal road trip.
History of Cuthbert House & Recent Updates
As South Carolina’s second oldest city following Charleston, Beaufort still maintains much of its historic, small town charm to this day, and the Cuthbert House is steeped in that same history. Built in 1790, it stands as one of Beaufort’s oldest and most storied homes. The house was built by James Cuthbert, a prominent local planter, and has witnessed over two centuries of Southern history.
Historical Significance
Over the years, the Cuthbert House has played a significant role in Beaufort’s development and history. During the Civil War, Beaufort was occupied by Union troops, and many of the town’s grand homes, including the Cuthbert House, were used as hospitals and headquarters. If you stay in the Eastlake Suite, you can see some of the soldiers’ names still etched into the fireplace. The house’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved architectural details, like original hardwood floors, fireplaces, and intricate moldings.
Recent Updates
At the start of 2024, the current owners of Cuthbert House, Suzanne and Chris, spent 4 months doing extensive updates to their historic B&B. With a background in historic home renovations, you can see the intentional pairing of modern, luxury amenities with preservation of original house character and historic integrity. The updates include things like large modernized bathrooms, a full-fledged bar in the library, and upgraded suites with amenities like Smart TVs, Nespresso machines, and keyless entry.
The results are stunning, and I felt like I got a glimpse into the past and feel for a bygone era, all the while sipping beer and coffee from current local Beaufort spots.
Why Cuthbert House is Perfect Place to Stay in Beaufort, SC
Prime Location & Stunning Surroundings
The Cuthbert House is ideally located in the heart of Beaufort, making it the perfect base for exploring the charming town by foot or bike during your stay. It is nestled right at the edge of the historic downtown area, where you can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries (view my complete Beaufort guide here).
But since you are at the edge of town, the entire block feels incredibly peaceful, and you catch the fresh sea breeze coming off the Beaufort River – a view I couldn’t get enough of during my entire stay. Most rooms offer views of the river or gardens (I stayed in the Ballroom and highly recommend it for water views). The Marina and Henry Chambers Waterfront Park are almost directly across the street and a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic at sunrise or sunset.
Personalized Experience & Amenities
One of the standout features of the Cuthbert House is the personalized experience it offers. The Cuthbert House team goes above and beyond to ensure that you feel at home and have a memorable stay. I was contacted prior to my arrival to prepare for any dietary restrictions or allergies and then from the moment I arrived, received a warm friendly welcome and personalized services with recommendations for local dining and activities.
And that is just the start – when I initially checked out my room I was greeted with a handwritten welcome note and complimentary bottle of champagne, and later returned to find local chocolates make an appearance during turndown service (game changer).
The common areas, including a beautiful veranda facing the river and cozy library invite guests to unwind and socialize in a relaxed setting, especially during the daily reception hour from 5-6 pm. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes guests feel like part of the family – most of us chose to sit together on the porch and stayed well beyond the designated hour. Trust me, your glass will not reach empty, southern hospitality doesn’t allow for that!
A gourmet breakfast is served each morning, featuring local and seasonal ingredients, and french press coffee that comes with a local story. Lingering over a second cup of coffee and taking in views of the Beaufort River through the bay view windows was one of my favorite moments at Cuthbert House.
For those looking to explore the area, bicycles are available for guest use, making it easy to discover the charm of Beaufort. I did this following my larger than normal breakfast for some welcome exercise, and riding around town on a cruiser with a cute little basket felt like the perfect way to round out my small town visit.
Conclusion
Plan to stay at Cuthbert House when visiting Beaufort, South Carolina for a truly lovely, personalized experience filled with Southern charm and modern comfort. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, staycation, historical road trip, or some sweet solo travel, the staff and amenities of Cuthbert House will win you over like it did me.
You can use this link to book the best price directly on the Cuthbert House website, and check out my full Beaufort travel guide to plan the perfect future visit!
This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me, Emma Cregg. All opinions and reviews are my own. As the owner of this blog, I may accept forms of cash advertising, or sponsorship.
