Beaufort (pronounced “BYU-furt” unlike its counterpart in North Carolina) is located on Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Low Country.

Beaufort and the surrounding area is rich in history. Parris Island was the location of France’s first colony in the New World, founded by Jean Ribaut in 1562 shortly after the Spanish colonized St. Augustine, Florida The colony was abandoned in 1564. The first Scottish settlement in what is now the United States, known as Stuart Town, was founded on Port Royal Island in 1682, only to be destroyed by Spanish forces in 1684.

Beaufort was chartered in 1711 and is known as the second-oldest city in South Carolina.

Today Beaufort is an increasingly popular place for second homes.  The town has a very quaint downtown area with shops, dining and sight-seeing.  The harbor area is very picturesque, as are the historic buildings and homes.  New condos, award-winning developments like Habersham, and single family homes are available to choose from in the area.