Historic Civil War–era home for sale in Beaufort for $3.3M. Take a look inside
Looking to live in a piece of the Lowcountry’s history?
The John Joyner Smith House, located at 400 Wilmington Street in downtown Beaufort, is now for sale, listed at $3,349,000.
Originally built in 1811 by planter John Joyner Smith, the home reflects the wealth Smith accumulated during the cotton boom of the 1810s and 1820s. The residence occupies a full city block and stands as one of the area’s most distinguished historic homes.
In the 1850s, the home underwent renovations, moving the main entrance to Wilmington Street, creating the stately front façade and commanding street presence facing Bay Street seen today.
Features of the home
Located just steps from downtown Beaufort, the John Joyner Smith House blends historic significance with an ideal Lowcountry location.
Lowcountry Real Estate says the main residence encompasses 4,450 square feet and includes four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.
Unique architectural aspects include double parlors with elaborate crown molding, multiple fireplaces and expansive wood floors throughout. Jib windows are also featured on both deep porches to allow for indoor-outdoor living.
Two-story piazzas supported by eight full-height round columns offer sweeping views and a strong connection to the surrounding streetscape.
While grand in scale and detail, the residence maintains a sense of warmth and livability suitable for both entertaining and daily life.
A 1,394-square-foot guest house adds additional living space and includes two bedrooms, two full baths and exposed wooden beams.
History of the home
Today, the home stands as a reminder of Beaufort’s role during the Civil War.
Following the Union invasion, Brigadier General Isaac Stevens and his troops stayed in the residence for the duration of the occupation. During this period, John Joyner Smith lost both his Beaufort home and his 700-acre Smith Plantation at Old Fort on Port Royal Island.
Smith Plantation, a tabby colonial fort site known as Old Fort Plantation, was occupied by Union forces and became Camp Saxton in 1862, which housed newly formed Black military units.
This site is historically significant, as it’s the location of one of the earliest readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. Much of the site still remains Federal property and is home to the Naval Hospital Beaufort.
As of Jan. 8, the home at 400 Wilmington Street has been on the market for 45 days. For more information on this property, click here to view the listing from Lowcountry Real Estate.
