Here's Where You Can Visit The House From The Big Chill
Looking for a big adventure? Take a trip back to the historic days of South Carolina. Known for its roles in Hollywood films such as Lawrence Kasdan's "The Big Chill" (1983) and Lewis John Carlino's "The Great Santini" (1979), Tidalholm mansion is an elegant estate with history and charm. Located in The Old Point neighborhood in Beaufort, South Carolina (about 70 miles south of Charleston), the stately manor that features sprawling oak trees and Spanish moss along the banks of Port Royal Sound has been used mostly as a private residence. According to Realtor, the 7-bedroom, 6-bathroom former plantation house is currently off the market. Tours are not offered by the owners, but it is available to rent for filming, photo shoots, and other events.
Built in 1853 by cotton mogul Edgar Fripp, the historic property has had various owners over the years. Per Bluffton Today, it last sold in 2017 for $1.76 million to Katie Cunningham-Tashjian who is a Beaufort native and John Tashjian, a developer from New York. With a little over 10,000 square feet, the 1.38-acre lot was originally used as a summer retreat by the Fripp family up until the Civil War. Because of its age and history, the three-story manor is distinguished as one of the most historic homes in Beaufort. Although you can't generally explore the inside of the mansion, you might want to visit the town and surrounding areas of Beaufort. Read on for more details about the historic Tidalholm mansion!
A look around the outside of Tidalholm mansion
Set along the bend of the Beaufort River, Tidalholm mansion, aka the Edgar Fripp House, has an elegant presence with its classic white exterior and black shutters. The gated entrance leads to a colonial style home that features two levels of breathtaking wrap-around verandas. Originally a Greek Revival structure, the Sea Islands hurricane of 1893 caused damage to the upper portion of the home resulting in a transformation of the roof from a twin-gable to a single, per Beaufort Lifestyle. A lower third level is visible above the ground with additional access. There's a terrace on the back side of the house with a curved staircase that leads down to another stone patio. The picturesque grounds include a smaller two-bedroom guest house with a captivating English garden, including a long wooden dock out to the river with boat access.
A big enough house to suit "The Big Chill's" cast, which included several popular '80s film stars like Kevin Kline, William Hurt, Glenn Close, and JoBeth Williams (among others), the exquisite structure holds many stories. Some other scenes were shot around the downtown area of Bay Street. Specifically located at 1 Laurens Street, the estate was also home to the fictional Meechum family from "The Great Santini" starring Robert Duvall and Blythe Danner. According to SCIWAY, the scene where son Ben finds his drunk father under a tree was filmed in a nearby open square known as "The Pointe."
Step inside the historic mansion
While you can't necessarily spend the night at Tidalholm, there are several exterior features to admire. According to Eat Stay Play Beaufort, the home was used as a guest house from the 1930s to the early 1970s. Various artists, authors, professors, and statesmen ventured here to either relax or find inspiration. While characters from "The Big Chill" were grieving their dearly departed friend, they also fun together in the momentous kitchen dancing scene. Since the film, the kitchen has had a full remodel. It now features a galley style design with black and white checkered marble flooring, built-in cabinetry, and an island with a sink and seating. Katie Cunningham-Tashjian has said that the kitchen is one of the family's favorite spaces with its stunning bay window view of the water. Additionally, there's a chef's kitchen and wine/bar room with brick façade and wood-beamed ceilings.
Minimalistic throughout, the interior is decorated with neutral colors of gray and white with many modern farmhouse type finishes and a multitude of lantern lights. The home has been completely updated from its more traditional style, while restoring its original hardwood floors, per Weichert Realtor. There's a formal dining room, cozy library with dark blue built-in bookshelves, a sitting room with a fireplace, and another casual living area with surrounding windows. The luxurious master bathroom showcases a large open marble shower, dual vanity, and a freestanding gray and white tub with a vintage style metal faucet.
How to visit Tidalholm mansion
Once utilized as a hospital for Union soldiers during the Civil War, "The Big Chill" house has seen many visitors come through over the years. Presently owned by the Tashjian family, the historic manse is open to rent via Giggster for film production involving cast and crew members. It could also be rented for intimate gatherings like an art exhibition, baby shower, or wedding. Giggster lists the estate for booking at $1,000 per hour with a 5-hour minimum, and says it holds up to 250 people. Per the listing, the Tidalhome mansion has been newly landscaped with 200-year-old oak trees, date palms, palmetto trees, and a vast scenic lawn. There's also private parking that holds up to twelve cars with a large stone motor court, plus additional on-site parking for trucks and motorhomes.
Historic downtown Beaufort is accessible only a few minutes away from the property, whether walking or driving. When you visit, you can reminisce about your favorite film scenes by strolling down Bay Street, stopping at any of the various local seafood restaurants and art galleries, and exploring the Revolutionary War cannons at Stephen Elliott Park. According to Explore Beaufort SC, the bluff offers gorgeous sunset views along with the river boats. However you choose to explore Beaufort, you're sure to run into some big history anywhere you go.