The OWINS-BEDFORD HOUSE circa 1730

This very early cottage, built in the then New Town Beaufort, gets much of its charm and quaintness from having been built by “rack of eye,” by a ship builder, with no use of levels or squares. The doorways and window are not level and the floors slant.

In 1730 William Owins, a tailor, and Thomas Bedford, a carpenter, built this home. They also used it for their businesses. In Colonial days there was an unobstructed view of Taylor’s Creek, except for the long-established camellias, pomegranates and tamarisks shrubs, which still grace its gardens.