Purchased
in 1964, the Manson House was the first building
acquired by the Beaufort Historical Association. The
house stands on its original foundation and is a classic
example of Beaufort architecture with a steeply angled
roofline that breaks over the double porches. Based on
early records the original construction date was
considered 1767 and was called the Joseph Bell House;
however, it was only while undergoing repairs for
hurricane damage that it was discovered that the house
older by 50 years.
The house was built around 1825 by John C. Manson and
wife, Mary Leecraft Bell, a descendant of Joseph Bell,
on a lot that had been in the Bell family since 1767.
Manson was originally from Norfolk, Virginia and was
stationed in Beaufort during the War of 1812. He was a
Naval Captain and after being honorably discharged in
1815 became a prominent merchant. Manson operated a
store at what is now the corner of Front and Turner
streets.
In
2001, after an in-depth architectural study and a
detailed historic paint analysis, it was revealed that
the house’s original, early 19th century, exterior was
white with green trim. Also uncovered was evidence of
intricate decorative finishes applied throughout the
home. In an effort to achieve the major goal of making
the restoration as historically accurate as possible,
the Beaufort Historical Association hired historic
decorative
painters to reproduce portions of the early 19th century
decorative faux finishes discovered both in the interior
of the house and the exterior doors. The painters
as well as the restoration specialists helped restore
the Federal-style house to its original state.
The Beaufort Historical Association recreated some of
these finishes throughout the interior hallways and
exterior doors of the house. The restoration was
complete in 2003, and the house now authentically
reflects its 1825 Federal period origins.
Purchased
in 1964, the Manson House was the first building
acquired by the Beaufort Historical Association. The
house stands on its original foundation and is a classic
example of Beaufort architecture with a steeply angled
roofline that breaks over the double porches. Based on
early records the original construction date was
considered 1767 and was called the Joseph Bell House;
however, it was only while undergoing repairs for
hurricane damage that it was discovered that the house
older by 50 years. 
In
2001, after an in-depth architectural study and a
detailed historic paint analysis, it was revealed that
the house’s original, early 19th century, exterior was
white with green trim. Also uncovered was evidence of
intricate decorative finishes applied throughout the
home. In an effort to achieve the major goal of making
the restoration as historically accurate as possible,
the Beaufort Historical Association hired historic
decorat
ive
painters to reproduce portions of the early 19th century
decorative faux finishes discovered both in the interior
of the house and the exterior doors. The painters
as well as the restoration specialists helped restore
the Federal-style house to its original state.