Pre-Civil War home listed for $3.25M in downtown Beaufort was a witness to history. Look inside
More than 165 years after it was built, the Edward Means House at 604 Pinckney Street remains one of Beaufort’s most enduring symbols of the pre–Civil War era — and it is now on the market for $3.25 million.
Located in the heart of Beaufort’s historic Point neighborhood, the home was built circa 1857 by Colonel Edward Means and sits on nearly an acre of land. Lowcountry Real Estate says it is one of the city’s “finest homes.”
History of the home
Soaked in Southern history, the property served as Union Hospital No. 2 during the Civil War, bearing witness to one of the most pivotal periods in the Lowcountry’s past.
In 1861, a war correspondent wrote to the New York Daily Tribune that “the house of Colonel Edward Means would be called handsome in any town in the North.”
Features of the home
Today, the residence stands behind a pierced brick fence, surrounded by towering live oaks and overlooking The Green — a neighborhood park and focal point of the area.
A shaded, semi-circular front porch welcomes visitors into a grand entrance hall, where a floating staircase draws the eye.
The 5,758 square-foot home is defined by expansive reception rooms and classic Lowcountry design.
South-facing double porches also function as outdoor living spaces throughout the year, designed to capture cooling summer breezes and warm sunlight year-round.
Inside, the main floor features dual living rooms and a formal dining room, all with ample space for entertaining.
The entrance hall runs along the north side of the home, leading to a breakfast room and a kitchen that overlooks the private rear yard.
Each of the primary rooms is anchored by a marble mantel and fireplace. A powder room and foyer complete the first level.
The second floor includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with each bedroom featuring large windows and the same refined craftsmanship found throughout the home.
Multiple fireplaces, intricate woodwork, original heart pine floors, 12-and-a-half-foot ceilings and multiple marble mantels highlight the residence’s preserved historic character and charm.
Located within Beaufort’s Historic District, the home is just blocks from the Waterfront Park, downtown shops, galleries and fine dining options.
To view the full listing from Lowcountry Real Estate, click here.
This story was originally published January 28, 2026 at 4:30 AM.
