Beaufort’s Crown Jewel: The Lewis Reeve Sams House Hits the Market Again!
Beaufort, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as one of its most treasured historic mansions, the Lewis Reeve Sams House, is up for sale once again! Located at 601 Bay Street in the charming and historic neighborhood known as The Point, this stunning 172-year-old gem is not just a house; it’s a piece of history that stands out in a town known for its antebellum architecture.
Step inside this magnificent 2 ½-story white mansion, often lovingly referred to as the “wedding cake” house, and you’ll immediately understand why it has become a popular stop for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. “This is like the gateway to The Point, and this is the house that everybody sees,” shares Allison Greco from EXP Realty, who is handling the sale.
A Piece of History
The house was built in 1852 by Lewis Reeve Sams, a prominent cotton planter who once owned half of nearby Dataw Island. It elegantly showcases what’s known as the Beaufort Style of Architecture, a refined adaptation of Greek Revival design. Notable features include its raised foundation made of tabby or brick, a stunning southern orientation facing the Beaufort River, and delightful porticos and piazzas for those warm southern evenings.
This mansion doesn’t just boast beauty; it has a captivating past. It was situated on the highest point in downtown Beaufort and served as the headquarters for Brigadier General Rufus Saxton, who was a military governor during the Union Army’s occupation. Additionally, it once functioned as Hospital #14 for injured Union officers. Staying strong through history, the house survived a devastating fire that ravaged much of the town in 1907.
Hollywood Connections
And if you think it couldn’t get any more exciting, think again! The Lewis Reeve Sams House had a cameo in the 1991 film “The Prince of Tides,” directed by none other than Barbra Streisand and starring Nick Nolte. In the movie, the house is depicted as the home of Tom Wingo’s stepfather, played by Nolte. It’s a moment that has undoubtedly added a touch of Hollywood glamour to this southern charmer!
Current Listing Details
Now, the mansion is on the market for a cool $2.8 million. With six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the house offers breathtaking views of the Beaufort River and the iconic Woods Memorial Bridge. What’s more, many locals remember the house fondly as the Bay Street Inn for 16 years, before it returned to being a private residence.
Current owners Gwen and Scott Myers, who’ve called this historic house home since 2006, say the house has a life of its own. “We feel like the caretakers rather than the owners,” Gwen Myers expressed back in 2016. This sentiment rings true; the house almost feels like a character itself, with layers of history and stories waiting to be told.
The Future Awaits
As the house goes back on the market, interest is likely to surge among those enchanted by its beauty and history. Will the next owner cherish it as deeply as the Myers have? Will it continue to be a beloved part of Beaufort’s enchanting landscape? Only time will tell!
So, if a piece of Beaufort’s rich heritage is calling your name, the Lewis Reeve Sams House might just be the perfect match!
