Anchorage 1770- Beaufort, SC

The Anchorage 1770 is an elegant oasis of calm, situated practically on the banks of the Beaufort River. Whitewashed, with dramatic Corinthian columns, sweeping stairs, and a broad front porch, it is the absolute archetype of antebellum architecture. And while the property has not always been an inn, you would never know it- beautifully reconfigured, and expertly run, it is the absolute embodiment of Southern Hospitality.

Although there is some debate about the actual construction date of the original William Elliott House, and even which Elliott was responsible, ownership of the lot can be traced back to 1753, when it was granted to Samuel Wilson and John De Lagaye. Although an exact construction date is impossible to pinpoint, the National Register assigned 1770, which is good enough for me. Ownership remained in the Elliott family until 1861, when Union forces invaded Beaufort, causing the then owner William Elliott III to flee to North Carolina. The vacated property then was taken over by troops, and was transformed into Hospital No. 11.

Following the war, the storied old house passed to several different owners before becoming a literary club, rumored to have a bar, dancers and a roulette wheel, which sounds like my kind of place. In 1891, the property was purchased by Rear Admiral Lester Beardslee for just $4000, who then completely renovated the erstwhile party pad, transforming it into the finest house in town.

Sparing no expense, he had trim imported from New York, replaced the original circular staircase with today’s oak version, added a rear wing with elevator, and rebuilt the now iconic porch. Although largely left unaltered, the exterior tabby was covered with stucco, in an early preservation effort. Spending over $80,000 on the renovation, the home was then filled with elaborate furnishings, china and fine art. Sadly, the Admiral died shortly after completion, reportedly from drinking too many Cherry Bounces, a whiskey drink which sounds far too sweet and inelegant for a Naval Officer.

Beardslee’s wife, Evelyn, remained in the magnificent home for 20 more years, until her death in 1923. The property then passed to various family members until 1939, ultimately becoming a guest house in 1944. Ranging from $3-$10 a night, amenities at the guest house included a cafe, bar, valet, laundry, and legendary cinnamon rolls made by the proprietress Dreka Stokes. In 1969, the house was sold to two brother, who renovated the property, and opened a restaurant in the space.

Unfortunately it didn’t work out, and in 1971 new owners petitioned to have the old building demolished. Fortunately, the Beaufort Architectural Review Board denied their request, and based on historical significance, the property was placed on the National Register. With protection in place, the property then become home to a series of restaurants, before being converted to office space in the mid-1990s.

The current owners purchased the property in 2014, and immediately set about restoring the grand property. Exceptionally well executed, the elegant inn has soaring ceilings, detailed plaster work, and some of the best lounging porches in the South. For those who prefer a bit more privacy than the main house can offer, and are willing to sacrifice a water view, the new construction garden cottage couldn’t be cozier.

Although convenient to downtown Beaufort, you may well not want to leave the property after checking in, a process that includes a complementary glass of Prosecco. Fortunately, they have a fantastic onsite restaurant, which includes porch seating, and an honor bar, stocked with all the provisions you may need for a sunset happy hour. An architecturally stunning survivor from an earlier era, the Anchorage 1770 is an exceptional inn, which offers an elegant experience in an immaculate space.