Cedars Inn-by-the-sea Beaufort, NC-Historic Coastal Property

Past, Present and Future

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The WILLIAM BORDEN HOUSE circa 1768
and the
The BELCHER FULLER HOUSE circa 1858

Located in North Carolina's third oldest town, these two historic homes have been witness to centuries of Beaufort history. They have not only stood strong-weathering hundreds of hurricanes-but have also withstood all wars back to Revolution.

Both houses have been lovingly restored and revitalized in order to preserve those portions and features of the properties that are significant to their historic, architectural and cultural values. This adaptive use provides them with new life and insures that they will continue to be cared for, lived in and admired.

Welcome to this weblog and enjoy your visit. If you would like further information on the history of these homes or specific information, please note the contact information in the sidebar.

Now.....let's take a walk.......

Take a Walk Through The Belcher Fuller House

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Stroll by the Cedar Trees and Come on in.......

FIRST FLOOR of Belcher Fuller House

SHAW

Antique double four-poster bed, newly redecorated with rose velvet chaise lounge, large bath with claw-footed tub and separate shower, high speed wireless internet access.

SOUTHPORT

Elegant queen four-poster bed, fireplace, antique Welsh armoire, plantation shutters, shower bath, high speed wireless access.

SIMPSON

Queen bed, newly redecorated cottage garden theme, airy yellow and white color scheme with white wicker accents. Tub/shower combination, high speed wireless internet access.

SECOND FLOOR…..

OWENS

King or two twin beds with summery fabrics, sitting room, large bath with claw-footed tub and separate shower, high speed wireless internet access.

OAKLEY

Canopied queen four-poster bed, large sitting room, fireplace, elegant traditional decor, tub/shower combination, high speed wireless internet access. Suite newly redecorated.

DAVIS

Elegant, calming taupe and sage color scheme, queen bed, antiques, tub/shower combination, high speed wireless internet access.

Take a Walk Through The Borden House

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Walk by the beautiful indigenous hydrangeas and step into the WILLIAM BORDEN HOUSE circa 1768.........

FIRST FLOOR of William Borden House……

Large open foyer, Living Room, Dining Room and Commercial Kitchen

Living Room - Warm and inviting, the living room has a cozy fireplace, down-filled furniture and a small library.

Dining Room - Elegant and intimate……

SECOND FLOOR……

Bristol

King bed, delightful large sitting room, fireplace, rose and blue color scheme, informal decor, tub/shower combination, high speed wireless internet access, water view.

Eastlake

Lovely antique double bed and furnishings, fireplace, newly redecorated, large bath with claw-footed tub and separate shower, high speed wireless internet access, water view.

Ashford

Charming double bed, single daybed in sleeping alcove, relaxing pastel colors, newly redecorated, tub/shower combination, high speed wireless internet access.

Carolina Cottage

Romantic honeymoon cottage, private entrance attached to main house. King canopied bed, garden-like sitting room, fireplace, large bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower, high speed wireless internet access.

THIRD FLOOR……

Captain’s Quarters

Cozy nautical suite, newly redecorated. Double bed, separate twin bed built-in, in sitting room, shower bath, high speed wireless internet access….great view!

The Belcher Fuller House circa 1852

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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.

William Borden House-Structural Elements

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The William Borden House, built as a summer home, was originally only one room deep, just two stories high and seven feet narrower on the west side. It is thought that a porch ran along the westerly wall.

The interior staircase started at the rear of the house and twisted up under the attic stairs which still remain intact today.

The door going into the attic predates the house, as does its unique wooden lock. It was probably the front door of an earlier house and is called a “spirit door” because of the cross and open Bible design.

The rafters of the roof were held together with pegs of wood, or trunnels (which derived from the words—tree-nail. The use of the trunnels, which allowed for structural flexing and movement, has made this home and many others in Beaufort able to withstand the winds of hurricanes for over two hundred years.

During the Federal period, perhaps as the result of profits made in the War of 1812, the house was enlarged with two more rooms downstairs and upstairs. One will note the difference in the floor and ceiling levels. It was at this time that the house was also made wider on the west side. During the 1985 restoration termite-damaged parts of the classic Beaufort mantles and woodwork were replaced with hand-carved and hand-planed pieces made from 200 year old heart pine. The craftsmen who worked on the restoration were local carpenters and boat builders.

In the 1880’s the building was again enlarge—this time with the addition of the first floor wind that now houses The Cedars restaurant kitchen. At that time the two story Greek revival-style porch on the front of the building was added and the weather-boarding was completely replaced. Also during the renovation the original plaster ceilings were replaced with the present wainscoting.

Early in the twentieth century the second story and the upper back porch were added and later still—a four-room apartment at the north side of the building was built.

During World War II the Cherry Point Marine Base came into being. Since there was no housing for the many men moving into the area, many houses in Beaufort were turned into apartments, as was the Borden House. At this time the house had two front doors and two narrow hallways. An upstairs room was turned into a kitchen. It remained that way until its renovation in the early 1980’s.

In more recent renovations, the grounds and gardens were completely redone. Brick paths and walkways were laid using antique brick from the old jail house in New Bern. Shrubs and trees indigenous to the North Carolina seacoast were also planted, as well as flowers and herbs. The front steps on both 301 and 305 Front Street were redesigned to match existing porches. The newel posts, balusters and balustrades were hand carved.

As one walks around the grounds, one will notice the ballast-stone foundation on the main portion of the Borden structure. There is little or no rock in Carteret County—stones used in early construction were brought from all parts of the world as ballast in the ships trading here at that time. Some of the stones in the foundation and chimney bases of The Cedars have fossils or coral—indicating that they may have come from the West Indies or Africa.

History of The William Borden House circa 1768

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The Borden House was built by William Borden, Jr. His father, William Borden, Sr., was a ship builder from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, who arrived in North Carolina in 1732 aboard his schooner with his wife Alice Hull. The younger Borden was born in 1731 and also became a skilled shipwright.

The senior Bordens also had three daughters—Alice, Catherine Hope and Hannah. William Borden, Sr. is thought to be the son of John Borden, one of two progenitors of the Borden family in America.

William Borden, Sr. was a Quaker who settled his family in Mill Creek where they built a shipyard and sawmill. He was a prominent citizen in Carteret County, eventually becoming the largest land and slave owner in the county. He became very active in public affairs and bought a great deal of property including land on Bogue Banks—which was known as “Borden’s Banks” in the late 1700’s. William Borden, Sr. died in 1747, leaving his properties to his son and daughters.

William Borden, Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and became very prominent in town, county and colonial affairs. In 1765 records show that “a good Quaker” near Beaufort distilled turpentine and made other naval stores. He also continued the family shipbuilding business—becoming a leader in the Carteret County shipbuilding industry.

Following the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the Fifth Provincial Congress met in Halifax, North Carolina on November 12, 1776. William Borden, Jr. was selected as a delegate from Carteret County. During that season the Bill of Rights was adopted—December 15, 1776.

Records show that William Borden purchased the property and built a home at 301 Front Street in 1768. During the Revolutionary War the British captured Beaufort. Borden’s Mill Creek plantation was plundered, his mill and storehouses burned, and his papers and slaves were taken. Nevertheless, his Beaufort home survived and remains today for all to enjoy.