Beaufort is one of those hidden gems. Located between Charleston, Hilton Head, and Savannah, it’s often bypassed for bigger destinations, but this city is packed with Southern charm. A perfect spot for family-friendly getaways and romantic weekends, the downtown area begs to be explored. When we visited we had the chance to stay at Anchorage 1770, located on Bay Street only steps away from downtown shops, restaurants, and riverfront. Beaufort’s only waterfront inn, it has been voted one of the top ten “best seaside inns” in America by Coastal Living. One step inside the door will tell you why. From the opulent guest rooms to the stunning views from the 3 porches, Anchorage 1770 is a labor of love. The owners, Frank and Amy Lesene, are originally from Atlanta. They fell in love with the William Elliot House at first sight and began the process of turning it into the inn of their dreams.
The Anchorage 1770
A Little History
Built by the Elliot family, who resided there for three generations, the home is named after William Elliot, a politician, planter, sportsman and author. Forced to flee in 1861 as the Union army marched into town, the house was used for a hospital during the War between the States. Over the years the home that once hosted diplomats like the Marquis de Lafayette, served a variety of uses including The Ribaut Club, a gentleman’s social club that soon turned rowdy. The Inn’s restaurant is now named for the Ribaut Club.
The four-story tabby mansion was restored by Admiral Lester Beardslee, reported to be a lover of Irish Whiskey. Legend has it that he sent his wife, a teetotaler, on a shopping trip to England, reportedly to purchase furnishings for the home while renovations were in progress. During this time he purportedly built hidden panels into the basement walls for his whiskey. With such a rich history, it’s hardly surprising that the Anchorage 1770 is a favorite place to stay in Beaufort.
Our Anchorage 1770 Experience
When I arrived, I was greeted by Frank, one of the owners, who offered me a complimentary glass of wine. This was the first of many experiences with a staff that went above and beyond to ensure my comfort. Although the house is beautifully appointed, the rooms are beautiful, and the food is delicious, it was the staff who made my experience one to remember.
The Breakfast
Anchorage 1770, being a bed and breakfast, offers a tempting breakfast each morning. When you arrive in the downstairs dining area, you’re given a menu with several options from which to choose. I ordered The Anchorage both days, which came with my choice of bread, grits, fresh fruit, eggs, and bacon or sausage. Each day, there is also a chef’s special. I debated over my options, but in the end, knew I couldn’t go wrong with The Anchorage and the amazing grits. This creamy concoction puts other grits to shame. Even if you never thought you liked grits, they are a must try. Obviously, they’re mentioned in almost every Yelp review for a reason!
The Rooms
The rooms are comfortably furnished, with a huge bed and soft plush mattress, a flat screen television, a spacious writing desk, and my favorite, built-in window seats. For a personal touch, the Anchorage 1770 offers turndown service each night with freshly baked homemade cookies and lemon water along with bathrobes stocked in every room. The staff went above and beyond to see to my needs and to answer any questions I had about the area. When I asked for activities available in the area, they asked my preferences and made recommendations on what I enjoyed.
The Service
The friendly experiences I encountered during my stay are an everyday occurrence at the Anchorage 1770. We have visited before, with a baby in tow. If you are wondering if you read that correctly-a baby at a bed and breakfast? That’s right. Anchorage 1770 is both kid and dog-friendly. The baby was welcomed with open arms. In fact, at one point during our former visit, Maryann, one of the former breakfast servers, gave the baby a banana from her own lunch when we mentioned the baby had food allergies. If you’d like to have your dog stay with you at Anchorage 1770, you must inform the hotel in advance and sign a dog waiver. Anchorage 1770 will provide guests a walking map of Beaufort, which includes directions to nearby dog parks.
The Accommodations
If that hasn’t convinced you to book a trip, I’ve saved the best for last: the inn’s three porches. Each story of Anchorage 1770 has a huge porch facing the river, perfect for relaxing and enjoying small plates, a cocktail, or just the company of your traveling partner. It’s also the perfect place for some “me time,” curled up with a good book or a computer. The fourth-floor porch is the highest public access point in Beaufort and boasts a spectacular view of the water. The third-floor porch is a hidden treasure, featuring locally made swings that also serve as double beds. The main porch and entrance way is used for outdoor breakfast dining and is the perfect spot for people and river watching when the weather is warm.
The Ribaut Social Club
When it’s not breakfast time and you’re feeling a little hungry or thirsty, it’s an easy walk of less than a block to a variety of restaurants.
However, you would be remiss if you didn’t try the in-house restaurant, Ribaut Social Club. Serving three-course meals Wednesday through Saturday from 5-7:30 p.m., you have to try some of Chef Bryon’s offerings. Check out the shrimp and grits. While the meal is not included in the cost of the stay, it’s worth the splurge. Reservations are highly recommended. Anchorage 1770 also offers an honor bar on the fourth floor, which is fully stocked with a variety of soft drinks, alcoholic offerings, and mixers.
The Lesenes told us that many of their guests come back for a second trip, then a third, then eventually buy property in Beaufort and stay forever. “There’s something special about Beaufort,” they said. One of those special things is the Anchorage 1770, which has me ready to come back for another stay.
View from the Fourth Floor Porch
Have you ever visited Beaufort, South Carolina? Have you stayed at the Anchorage 1770?
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I’ve never been to South Carolina but really want to visit there someday. If I ever get down there will absolutely remember to look into possibly staying here. This place looks so impressive and full of Southern charm!
Thanks for coming to experience our inn! We enjoyed having you! Just so your readers know, we have a couple of special offers they might enjoy. First is our “Mid-week Special.” If you stay 3 nights during the week, you get the 4th night free! This would be a Sundy to Thursday stay or a Monday to Friday stay. Second is out “Long Weekend Special.” If you stay on a Friday & Saturday, we will give you half off your Sunday stay to make it a long weekend!
We love all these comments and hope your readers will come experience the South Carolina Lowcountry with us! Many Thanks!
Wow, those are some gorgeous photos. The view is so amazing. I’ve never even been to South Carolina before. I’ve always wanted to go though.
The bedrooms are beautiful. I’ve always wanted to stay in a place like this one as a family get away.
That view from the porch is stunning! I didn’t know Beaufort is close to Savannah and Hilton Head. Been to Savannah and passed Hilton Head on our way home. Would love to explore Beaufort one day.
I am totally a breakfast person and the bfast you had at Anchorage looks so good! Definitely my type of jam (no pun intended).
This place is wonderful! Live me there for a month! 🙂 A must see destination for sure!
Oh that last picture just sold me out, what a beautiful place. I’d love to own a property there and enjoy retirement.
Now this looks like a gorgeous little B&B to stay in! I love the Carolinas, they are beautiful!
This looks like such a lovely place to stay! I haven’t been to Beauford, but it does seem like a wonderful place to visit.
I love South Carolina so much! This looks like a place my family would love to stay.
oooOOO! I love this place. I adore South Carolina and our favorite place is Hilton Head, but now I want to spend time here!
Wow, your stay at Anchorage 1770 looks stunning! I just adore the southern style architecture and I’m sure those grits were delicious.
What a beautiful looking building, those rooms look incredible and the sky overhead just beautiful. I would love to get to go and visit myself.
Looks like a lovely place! Usually we visit Hilton Head, but I’ll definitely add this location to my list of places to visit!
What a stunning home! I’ve never visited Beaufort, South Carolina before or stayed in the Anchorage 1770. It looks like such an amazing experience.
What a lovely place to stay and visit. We enjoy old well kept homes and this one is perfect
ok i have always wanted to visit this and i love all the porches- when i lived in Atlanta for a few years i wish i could have visited! these look so beautiful!
Those porches with those views! Looks so relaxing. I can imagine reading a book while the sun is setting.
What a beautiful area. I need to get here one day. I love the history of this place.