Also known as the Tidewater, the William Fripp House is a notable structure in Beaufort for its superb design and excellent proportions. Constructed around the 1830s for William Fripp, a very wealthy 19th century planter in the area, the house is composed of two stories and is facing the river.

The William Fripp House became home to the Fripps, one of the wealthiest families in the Beaufort area. Later on, it was acquired by W. Brantley Harvey, Sr., a well known lawyer and former state senator. The Tidewater was in the Harvey family until 1997.

The William Fripp House will be the venue for the 300th birthday celebration of the city of Beaufort in the 30th of April, 2011. The event is hosted by the Historic Beaufort Foundation.