The Belcher Fuller House circa 1852

The Belcher Fuller House, on the corner of Front and Orange Streets, adjoins The William Borden House-comprising what has been known for years as The Cedars. The house belonged to Belcher Fuller and his wife Zilphia Guthery. Fuller was the great-great grandson of William Borden, Sr.

Fuller owned other property in Beaufort. Records show that he willed lot #75 Old Town to his daughter Mary Polly, wife of Benjamin Leecraft. That house today is known as The Arendell House circa 1847. Years before the Civil War, Fuller either built what is now known as The Hatsell House, for his daughter, Charity, for a wedding present or willed it to her at his death.

Jean Kell, who owned in the Belcher Fuller House at one time, wrote in her book, The Old Port Town—Beaufort, North Carolina, “Built in the Greek Revival style …..the house features adaptations from the works of Asher Benjamin, whose books, The Architect or Practical House Carpenter of 1847, and his Practice of Architecture, seemed to have been used frequently by builders in Beaufort shortly after their publication in New England. The plain base boards, aprons under the windows, and the mantles are all from plates in his books. During World War II, with the advent of Cherry Point and the need for housing, this and many other houses in Beaufort were made into apartments. But all the changes did not destroy the high ceilings, wide heart pine floors, and other features that indicate the age of the house. For a number of years, the first floor of the house was an antique shop.”

In 1997 Sam and Linda Dark renovated the rear of the Belcher Fuller House—enclosing the small patio area and incorporating a small bedroom in the back of the house into their private quarters. The four-room suite now includes a large bedroom, remodeled bath, new kitchen and living room. A second-floor balcony was added atop the Dark’s private quarters for their guests to enjoy the cool sea breezes, sunsets, moonlit nights and the tranquil environment of Beaufort.