Beaufort
Rhett House Inn
Thomas Smith Rhett's c. 1820 Greek Revival house with a two-story wraparound piazza, seized by Union forces for hospital use; ask for the Main House.
- Built
- c. 1820Thomas Smith Rhett House, "built circa 1820" per the inn; inn since 1987.
- Style
- Greek Revival with Adam-style details
- Type
- Inn
- Rooms
- 17
- Credentials
- Inside a National Register historic district
The story
Thomas Smith took his uncle’s surname, Rhett, to inherit his fortune, and with it built this 6,000-square-foot Greek Revival house with a two-story wraparound piazza a block from the Beaufort River. He and his wife Caroline Barnwell raised their children here until the Civil War, when Union forces seized it and used it as a hospital recovery building. The inn opened in 1987 and later expanded to neighboring properties. It says Margaret Mitchell drew Rhett Butler’s name partly from the prominent Rhetts of Beaufort and Charleston.
Good to know
- Address: 1009 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Sources (2)
Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.