Located in the heart of the Beaufort Historic District and just a few steps from the scenic yacht harbor, the Pecan Tree Inn is known throughout the Southeast as the place to stay when visiting the Carolina coast and southern Outer Banks. The Inn provides a restful oasis for visitors to this undiscovered gem of a seaport. Relax on one of our three breezy porches, or stroll through the vast flower and herb gardens. You might cross paths with Sam, our friendly squirrel, or catch sight of a songbird peering out from one of the many birdhouses.

The Pecan Tree Inn sits on a lot deeded to the Franklin Masonic Lodge in 1866 by Rebecca Piggott. The laying of the cornerstone was celebrated by members of the lodge, and of the other lodges in town, all decked out in full regalia. The parade proceeded down Front Street to the Queen Street site. Being one of the larger buildings in Beaufort, the Franklin Lodge doubled as a schoolhouse. Subsequent years saw it used for Sunday School, a tea house, a doctor's office and an apartment house (popular with students at the Duke Marine Labs). Long-time Beaufort residents still stop by from time to time to share stories of taking music lessons in what is now our Burgundy Room, or taking afternoon tea in the dining room. Hugh Jones converted the Lodge into his private residence in 1900, adding five bedrooms and three beautiful Victorian porches. The Jones house was the first in Beaufort to have gas lighting, indoor plumbing and a telephone, according to legend. It's said that Mrs. Jones insisted that the phone be installed on a pine tree in the yard in case it were to attract a lightning strike. The Jones house was converted to an inn in 1992 by Joe and Susan Johnson.