William Barnwell House

The William Barnwell House is a white three-story residence in Beaufort featuring a two-story veranda with classical columns on its south side. The structure displays early 19th-century American design elements with strong vertical lines and formal proportions typical of that period.

The house was built in 1816 as a wedding gift for Sarah Reeves Gibbes, whose family had deep roots in the region. The Gibbes Brothers who constructed it were skilled builders whose work reflects the craftsmanship valued in Beaufort during that era.

The house belonged to prominent local families across generations and reflects how wealthy residents lived in the 1800s. The south-facing veranda was a central place for social life, overlooking the river that shaped daily rhythms in the town.

The house sits on King Street in Beaufort where it is visible from the street, but it is private property that should be respected. Walking past allows you to observe the architectural details and features of the facade from the public way.

The building was originally constructed at a different location in Beaufort and later moved to its current spot, a rare example of architectural relocation. This shift demonstrates how urban development changed over time and how important structures from that era were sometimes transported to new sites.