Historic Renovation
Historic Home Reimagined for Modern Life
Nestled in the heart of Beaufort’s Historic District, the Thomas Rhodes House, built circa 1790, holds deep architectural and cultural significance. Oral history places Clara Barton here during her relief efforts after the 1893 hurricane, and over the centuries, the house evolved through many hands and adaptations. When our clients discovered it, they saw beyond its worn state and choppy floorplan. Their vision: preserve its legacy while transforming it into a walkable, livable 21st-century home in the heart of the community they love.
2019 AIA South Carolina Preservation Award
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Award
2019 AIA SC Historic Preservation AwardContractor
The Renovator, Inc.Location
Historic District, Beaufort, South CarolinaStyle
Historic PreservationPhotographer
Atlantic Archives
A Legacy Preserved
Our design approach respected the home’s historic fabric while making it work for modern life. The interior was reconfigured to open up circulation and add long-needed storage. Careful detailing honored the home’s Federal-era architecture, while integrating modern systems, lighting, and functionality. A garage structure, once part of the site, as confirmed by a 1958 Sanborn map, was sensitively reintroduced to support contemporary needs without disrupting the historic character.
Every intervention was made with purpose and restraint, ensuring the spirit of the original house remained intact. The result earned enthusiastic approval from the Historic Review Board, affirming the balance of preservation and thoughtful adaptation.
Before
After
Built to Last — Again
Sustainability in this project was achieved through reuse. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the project extended the life of a home that’s stood for more than two centuries. The original siting and form, designed before air conditioning, use passive strategies for cooling and airflow. With new insulation, high-efficiency HVAC, and updated infrastructure, the house now offers energy performance on par with a newly built home,without sacrificing its soul.
Before
After
A New Chapter
