Historic Preservation panel approves new house and carriage house at 54 Stock Farm Road with conditions

The Beaufort County Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 5 approved a certificate of appropriateness to allow construction of a one-and-a-half-story main residence of roughly 3,000 square feet and a one-story, approximately 900-square-foot carriage house at 54 Stock Farm Road in the Old Town Historic District.

Staff presented the application on behalf of architect Amanda Denwerk and the property owners and said a historic chimney remnant recorded in the state survey will remain in place. A staff representative said, "That chimney will remain," and listed required follow-ups including detailed vent drawings, material specifications for wrapped columns (pressure-treated wood), and clarification on service-yard use and refuse screening.

Commissioners and the applicant discussed railing materials (applicant sought powdered-coated aluminum), the shape and cap for the chimney, and a discrepancy in the site plans about the location of Stock Farm Road. One speaker summarized a recorded survey clause that, as transcribed, obliges the owner to move the road back to its surveyed alignment and maintain the portion on private property; the owner said neighbors had been notified and that they understood the obligation.

The commission approved the application with conditions: preserve the documented historic chimney, provide the additional vent and elevation details requested by staff, supply a tree-permit application for any trees exceeding the specified diameter threshold, demonstrate eight feet of foundation plantings along the front facade, and document the intended disposition of the driveway/road through a written confirmation (email or similar) from the owner or adjacent neighbors clarifying the road alignment. Commissioners also made a formal determination to allow the proposed railings in this case and recorded that approval in the motion.

The motion to approve carried unanimously. The commission noted staff will confirm utility-provider requirements referenced in the staff report and will require the applicant to submit the missing details before final permits are issued.

Next procedural steps: staff will collect the outstanding details (vent, railing and column materials, landscape and tree-permit documentation) and circulate them for administrative confirmation; the applicant is expected to provide written documentation about the road alignment noted in the application.