The Driggers House: A Preserved Lowcountry Home in Beaufort

What the Driggers House is and why it matters

The Driggers House is a historic home in Beaufort that opens to visitors and operates a small gift shop featuring local crafts, books about Lowcountry history, and items tied to the house itself. Built in the 1800s, the house represents the architecture and domestic life of Beaufort's antebellum period and stands as one of the town's preserved structures open to the public. The gift shop lets you take home something connected to the place—whether that's a book about Beaufort's past, a locally made item, or a reproduction of a historical artifact.

Beaufort's historic district draws visitors interested in Southern architecture, Civil War history, and Lowcountry culture. The Driggers House fits into that landscape as a smaller, more intimate alternative to larger museums. You can walk through the rooms, see how people lived, and then browse items in the gift shop that deepen what you've learned.

Key Takeaways

• The Driggers House is a preserved 1800s home in Beaufort's historic district that welcomes visitors and operates a gift shop on-site.
• The gift shop carries local crafts, historical books about the Lowcountry, and items related to the house and its era.
• Visiting the house and browsing the shop takes roughly one to two hours, depending on how much time you spend reading about the history.
• The house is located within walking distance of other Beaufort attractions, restaurants, and galleries in the historic downtown.

Hours, admission, and how to find it

The Driggers House is located on Beaufort's Bay Street, the main thoroughfare that runs along the Beaufort River. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots; the historic district is compact enough to walk once you've parked. Before you visit, contact the house directly or check its website for current hours, as they may vary by season or day of the week.

Admission is typically modest, and the gift shop is often accessible even during limited hours. Many visitors combine a stop at the Driggers House with lunch or dinner at nearby restaurants, a walk through the historic district, or a visit to other Beaufort landmarks like the Beaufort Arsenal or St. Helena's Episcopal Church.

What you'll find in the gift shop

The gift shop stocks items that reflect Beaufort's history and Lowcountry culture. You'll find books about the region's past—including titles on Civil War history, plantation life, and Gullah Geechee heritage. Local artisans often contribute crafts: pottery, jewelry, textiles, and home décor items made in or inspired by the Lowcountry.

Reproductions and educational items tied to the house itself are also available—postcards, prints of historical photographs, and sometimes period-appropriate household goods. Prices range from a few dollars for postcards to higher amounts for handmade crafts or comprehensive history books. The shop is small and curated rather than crowded, so browsing is unhurried.

The house itself: what to expect on a tour

Tours of the Driggers House are typically self-guided or led by a volunteer or staff member, depending on the day and time. You'll move through rooms furnished to reflect the period, with interpretive information explaining how the space was used and what daily life looked like for the household. The house shows the architecture of the era—high ceilings, period windows, and details that reveal how people adapted to Beaufort's hot, humid climate.

The tour is not lengthy or exhausting; most people spend 30 to 45 minutes inside the house itself. If you're interested in the deeper history—the people who lived there, the social context of the time, the role of the house during the Civil War—ask the staff or volunteer for stories. Local historians often have details that aren't on the plaques.

Beaufort's historic district and nearby stops

The Driggers House sits within Beaufort's National Register Historic District, an area of about 50 blocks filled with homes, churches, and civic buildings from the 1700s onward. Many are private residences, but several are open to visitors or serve as galleries, restaurants, or shops. Walking from the Driggers House, you can reach the Beaufort Arsenal (now a museum), the John Mark Verdier House, and multiple galleries and antique shops within 10 minutes.

Bay Street itself has restaurants ranging from casual to upscale, many with views of the river and Spanish moss-draped oaks. The waterfront park is a pleasant place to sit and watch boats. If you're visiting Beaufort for a day trip, the Driggers House works well as one stop in a larger itinerary that includes lunch, a walk, and perhaps a visit to one of the larger museums.

When to visit and what to bring

Beaufort's weather is mild in fall and spring, making those seasons ideal for walking the historic district. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cool but rarely cold. The Driggers House itself is air-conditioned, so a visit is comfortable year-round. Bring comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the neighborhood beyond the house.

The gift shop accepts cash and cards. If you're buying books or heavier items, consider whether you want to carry them for the rest of your visit or arrange to pick them up on your way out. Many visitors take photos inside the house (check with staff about their policy), so a phone or camera is useful if you want to document details of the architecture or furnishings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the Driggers House without buying anything from the gift shop?

Yes. The admission fee covers the house tour; the gift shop is separate. You can tour the house and leave without purchasing anything. Many people do browse the shop after the tour, but it's entirely optional.

Is the Driggers House accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Historic homes often have stairs and uneven floors. Contact the house before your visit to ask about accessibility—staff can tell you which rooms are reachable and whether accommodations are available. Some areas may not be accessible, but the staff will be honest about what you can see.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most people spend 45 minutes to an hour touring the house and browsing the gift shop. If you linger over books or chat with staff about the history, it could stretch to 90 minutes. It's not a rushed experience.

What's the difference between the Driggers House and other Beaufort museums?

The Driggers House is smaller and more intimate than larger institutions like the Beaufort Arsenal. It focuses on domestic life and the specific history of that household and era. If you want a broader overview of Beaufort's history, you might visit a larger museum; if you prefer a quieter, more personal experience, the Driggers House is a good choice.

Can I buy gift shop items online?

Most small historic house gift shops do not maintain online stores. Contact the Driggers House directly to ask whether they ship items or take phone orders. Otherwise, purchases are in-person only.