A Captivating Story Spanning Over Two Centuries
Built in 1790, Cuthbert House originally stood three blocks inland. In 1810, John Alexander Cuthbert II famously split the house in two and moved it to its waterfront location at 1203 Bay Street as a gift for his new bride. During the Civil War, the Cuthbert family fled Beaufort, and the home was seized and used as General Rufus Saxton’s headquarters. Union soldiers left their names etched into the fireplace of what is now the Eastlake Suite. In 1863, the U.S. Treasury took the property for unpaid war taxes; General Saxton purchased it at auction and later hosted General Sherman here in 1865. After the war, Saxton sold the home to Colonel Duncan Wilson, who expanded it with Victorian details, bay windows, and porches. From the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, Cuthbert House served as both a private residence and apartments. It was saved from demolition in 1972 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its legacy. Since the early 1990s, the house has welcomed guests as a grand, historic inn.
The original structure of Cuthbert House is built for James Hazard Cuthbert near Wire’s Pond in Beaufort, three blocks back from where it sits today. Legend has it that in 1810 when John Alexander Cuthbert II marries Mary Anne Williamson, he splits the house in two sections and has it moved to its waterfront home at 1203 Bay Street as a gift for his new bride, to capture the cool summer breezes. According to some records, the division of the house was at one point evident where space had to be left so that the fireplaces could be reconstructed.
The remaining Cuthbert family members flee Beaufort, South Carolina during the early days of the Civil War. Cuthbert House was confiscated, occupied and used as General Rufus Saxton’s command headquarters for the following two years. Union soldier Joel Dudley from Brighton, Massachusetts etches his name, hometown and birthdate into the black marble fireplace of what is now known as the Eastlake Suite. Additional names identified are of Isaac Kent and J.I. Cole. In 1863, the house, recorded as Block 99 Lot A, is taken by the United States Treasury Department for Nonpayment of Union War Taxes of $56.40 and valued at $7,500. General Rufus Saxton purchases Cuthbert House for $1,000 at auction.
General Rufus Saxton resides at Cuthbert House during the Civil War, receiving a visit from General Sherman in 1865. From Major Henry Hitchcock’s 1927 book “Marching With Sherman”: “The General came to Beaufort on the 23rd of January and stayed one day quartering at General Saxton’s. The latter owns the house he lives in – a large fine double house on Bay Street fronting the sea.”
General Rufus Saxton sells Cuthbert House to Colonel Duncan Wilson on March 25th, 1865 following the end of the Civil War, but the sale of the property is not recorded in the city of Beaufort until April 4, 1882. Wilson was one of Saxton’s top men, responsible for building barracks, a large hospital in Hilton Head, and was instrumental in the Port Royal railroad. Colonel Duncan Wilson expands Cuthbert House with the addition of rooms, bay windows, Victorian trim and porches on either side of central portico.
From the late 1800s to the mid 1900s, Cuthbert House changed hands several times, serving as both a private residence and partially converted into apartments. In 1972, it was thankfully spared from demolition and rightfully added to the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its place as a cherished landmark in one of the south’s most storied cities.
Since the early 90’s, Cuthbert House has been open as a historic inn, having been in the care of wonderful owners and innkeepers over the last 20+ years. Coastal Living describes this setting perfectly: “Fronting Beaufort Bay, the 1790 Cuthbert House Inn easily transports guests to the gentility and grandeur of the antebellum South. You can almost hear the rustle of a hoop skirt against a doorframe or the scuffing of Union soldier’s boots on the hardwood stairs.”
PROUD MEMBERS OF SELECT REGISTRY
AWARD-WINNING HOSPITALITY
Cuthbert House was selected as the Best Craft Lodging Property (Southeast) in the 2025 Select Registry Craft Lodging Awards. Among more than 80 independent inns in the region, this award recognizes a property that “defines excellence in craft lodging in a particular region,” celebrating thoughtful design, exceptional hospitality, and memorable guest experiences.
“Each year, the Craft Lodging Awards shine a light on properties that embody the very best in independent hospitality,” said Mark Reichle, CEO of Select Registry. “This year’s winners exemplify the essence of craft lodging, blending individuality, comfort, and hospitality to create stays that leave a lasting impression.”
MEET THE GRACIOUS HOSTS AND OWNERS OF CUTHBERT HOUSE
Chris & Suzanne Ramm
A Bayside Breakfast
Hosted each morning in our Dining Room, enjoy a delightful experience with bottomless mimosas, French Press coffee, and tea, as well as sweet and savory breakfast options.
Afternoon Reception
Concierge Service
Trust our team to curate your stay from start to finish, from pre-arrival calls for personal touches to seamless reservations, city explorations, and private transportation.
Additional complimentary amenities
- All Day Refreshments
- Hunting Island Beach Pass
- Beach Chairs & Towels
- Courtyard Firepit
- S’mores Kits
- Turndown Service
- Bicycles
A Gallery of Graceful Moments
