Historic Bluffton Foundation says Heyward House sale will support future work

The Historic Bluffton Foundation is moving forward with the sale of the Heyward House, a landmark 1841 property in Old Town Bluffton, in a move the nonprofit says will allow it to redirect resources toward broader preservation and advocacy efforts.

The sale is pending and expected to close by the end of July, according to written responses to questions provided by the Historic Bluffton Foundation through board chair Jen Sommerville. The buyer is local to the area, though the foundation is not publicly identifying the purchaser while the transaction remains incomplete.

The foundation also declined to disclose the exact sale price, saying only that the property is under contract for “slightly above appraised value.”

The Heyward House, located at 70 Boundary St., is one of Bluffton’s most recognized historic properties. Built in 1841, the house has operated as a museum, event venue and tourism destination under the Historic Bluffton Foundation.

The foundation described the sale as part of a strategic transition.

“This decision is a step in the process to refocus on our core principles of preserving historic structures and advocating that others do the same,” it said.

After years of restoration work, the foundation said it believes now is the right time to transfer ownership.

“We have spent the last decade doing significant restoration and repairs to the house and grounds,” the foundation said. “Now that it is in a well-maintained state, it is a good time to pass the torch.”

According to the foundation, more than $450,000 in grants from town, county and state agencies has supported restoration and preservation work at the site in recent years.

The foundation said two preservation easements tied to grants from the Town of Bluffton will remain in place after the sale and are monitored by the town.

“We have been awarded a Historic Preservation grant by the Town of Bluffton on two occasions so there are two recorded preservation easements in place that protect the historic facade of the Heyward House property in perpetuity,” the foundation said. “The protections will transfer with the property.”

The foundation said the buyer has expressed support for preserving the site’s historic character.

“The buyer is mindful of the unique historical significance of the property and through many conversations, has displayed a commitment to maintaining the historic nature of the property and abiding by the preservation easements,” the foundation said.

It remains unclear how the property will be used after the sale. 

The foundation said it does not control future use of the site beyond the protections established by the easements.

“We are working with the buyer to honor the events that are already booked for rentals,” the foundation said.

Proceeds from the sale will be placed into a restricted trust to support the foundation’s long-term operations.

“The mission of our Foundation is to preserve Bluffton’s history, protect its historic spaces, and inspire our community through education and engagement,” the foundation said. “Proceeds from the sale of the Heyward House will be placed into a restricted trust to provide sustainable funding for our operations.”

The foundation said programs and tours will continue during the transition as it expands its work in preservation advocacy, public education and community engagement.

“The Historic Bluffton Foundation will continue programs and tours during the transition and will expand its work in preservation advocacy in Bluffton, public education and community engagement, and advocacy for historic resources at the local and regional levels,” the foundation said.