Walterboro’s Bedon-Lucas House
Happy 200th Birthday to this historic house!
Historic Walterboro’s Bedon-Lucas House was built for Richard Bedon in 1820 by New York architect NY Perry. Mr. Bedon was able to spend the next 20 years using this beautiful downtown home as a summer residence. During Mr. Bedon’s time, he donated the land directly in front of the house for a public park. The Library Society moved their “Little Library” there.
The Bedon-Lucas House is a key property in Walterboro. It is one of five remaining “high houses” in the historic district. “High” refers to its elevation off the ground. Houses in the Lowcountry were typically built on higher elevations and built up to avoid the damp ground and illnesses that accompanied the summers. The higher elevation of this Federal raised cottage also catches the best chance for summer breezes. The house also has a separate kitchen to avoid fire spreading to the entire structure.
The home was sold to Clarence Lucas in the 1840s. At this time renovations were made to reflect the Victorian period. The house remained in his family for several decades. Hurricane Gracie rolled through Walterboro in 1959. The house suffered extensive damage. The roof was replaced but the house remained vacant and neglected for the next 40 years.
The effects of time took its toll on the property. Wisteria and smilax vines covered the house and yard. Shutters, porcelain doorknobs and light fixtures were looted. Although interest was shown in buying and restoring the house, it was difficult to reach a deal with the Lucas heirs.
The Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society stepped in to help in the 1990s. The house was nominated for the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation’s Endangered Places Program. In 1995 it was listed as one of the “Eleven Most Endangered Structures in South Carolina”. One year later the society secured ownership of the house. They worked to rehabilitate the property and moved their offices into the house. The original heart pine floors have been beautifully restored.
Repairs were made again in 2014. The porch floors were replaced where necessary. Trees that caused damage with limbs and roots were removed. Rotting wood on the exterior of the house was replaced. The foundation was waterproofed, and the exterior was repainted. The interior is furnished to represent the mid-1800s through the early 1900’s.
The Bedon-Lucas House offers visitors a glimpse into history and culture of Walterboro. It was listed in the National Register along with the rest of the Walterboro Historic District. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
For more information on this and other Walterboro attractions visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/walterboro-colleton-county/
Bedon-Lucas House
205 Church Street
Walterboro, Sc 29488
(843)549-9633
