Tucked away on the exclusive Brams Point Peninsula on Hilton Head Island, this striking contemporary home is a rare architectural masterpiece. Designed by homeowners Betsy Beaman and Burn Sears, this modern retreat seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, offering an unparalleled living experience with breathtaking water views on both sides. Now listed for sale, this one-of-a-kind residence presents an extraordinary opportunity for discerning buyers seeking a home that is as functional as it is stunning.
Beaman and Sears, originally from Atlanta, began construction on the home in 2003, completing it in 2006.
Architecture and Interiors by Betsy Beaman and Burn Sears, Homeowners, Landscape Design by Doug Church, Offered by Lindsay Bunting and Charlie Wilmot, Sea Pines Real Estate – The Cottage Group
The home’s design was deeply influenced by the work of mid-century modern architect Richard Neutra, who was known for his seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.
“When the house was finished at the end of 2006, up until March of 2020, we commuted back and forth from Atlanta,” Beaman said. “It was our second home during that time, but we live here full-time now.”
The property, however, has been a part of Sears’ family since 1973. “There was no other home built on the property before ours,” he said. “It was just a vacant lot.”
Brams Point Peninsula is one of the few areas on the island with both sunrise and sunset views over waterways.
As experienced architects who owned a commercial architecture firm in Atlanta from 1992 to 2016, Beaman and Sears had spent years designing healthcare, higher education, and arts-related projects, including museums and galleries. Their Hilton Head home was the first and only residence they designed. “We’ve always personally loved modern contemporary architecture, and we wanted to create a space that would showcase our beautiful art collection,” Beaman said.
The home’s design was deeply influenced by the work of mid-century modern architect Richard Neutra, who was known for his seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.
A key highlight of the outdoor space is the private dock, pier-head, and boat lift, which add tremendous value to the property.
“One of Neutra’s hallmarks was the use of immense amounts of glass to blur the lines between inside and outside,” Beaman said. “That was our goal – to maximize views of the water and natural landscape in Spanish Wells.”
The house features soaring ceilings and varied volumes, with the living room and foyer reaching an impressive 21-foot height. Expansive windows and strategically placed design angles ensure that natural light floods the space, emphasizing the surrounding beauty.
The property itself is unique, even by Hilton Head standards.
“Brams Point Peninsula is one of the few areas on the island where you have water exposures on two different sides,” Sears said. “There are 22 lots on the peninsula, and we’re right in the middle on one of the largest parcels – 1.2 acres.”
Indoor-outdoor living at its finest
The home was designed with outdoor living in mind, maximizing enjoyment of Hilton Head’s temperate climate.
“We really tried to create an outdoor area between the main living space and the stand-alone outdoor kitchen and artist studio,” Sears said. “That’s how the pools got placed, including the 75-foot lap pool, so we could enjoy the outdoor area almost year-round.”
A key highlight of the outdoor space is the private dock, pier-head, and boat lift, which add tremendous value to the property.
“Having direct water access is a huge amenity,” Sears said. “It’s not just about the views; it’s about being able to get out on the water easily. That’s a major selling point.”
Additionally, the backyard is notably larger than most on the peninsula.
“Many homes were built as close as possible to Broad Creek, with a pool right up against the water,” Beaman said. “We wanted a more expansive outdoor space, so we placed our home farther back to create a larger backyard.”
Beyond its stunning design, the home is built to endure. Given the property’s water exposure, Beaman and Sears were meticulous in selecting materials that would withstand the elements.
“One of the most unique materials we used is what we call a ‘modern tabby block,’” Beaman said. “It’s a custom-made concrete block embedded with full oyster shells, smaller shells, and hand-formed mortar joints. It’s both a nod to the historic tabby ruins on the island and a contemporary take on a traditional material.”
Other key materials include commercial-grade glazing systems, three-part stucco, and hurricane-resistant structural steel framing. “Everything was chosen with durability in mind,” Sears said. “This house was built to last – it’s ready to take on even the strongest storms.”
Inside, high-end finishes continue the theme of longevity and luxury.
“On the first floor, we used porcelain tile, which is perfect for wet feet coming in from the pool,” Beaman said. “In the kitchen, we selected a New England slate, while the bathrooms feature limestone from the Middle East.”
The kitchen is a masterpiece of modern design.
“It’s a custom-made German kitchen by Bulthaup, featuring all Miele appliances,” Beaman said. “We designed it with top-tier functionality in mind, including a steamer oven and other high-tech conveniences.”
Additionally, the home is outfitted with a sophisticated Lutron lighting control system, which operates all interior lighting and automated shades. “For 2006, that was ahead of its time,” Sears said. “We wanted to future-proof the home as much as possible.”
As lifelong collectors of contemporary art, Beaman and Sears designed their home to highlight their collection.
“Certain areas were specifically designed to showcase particular pieces,” Beaman said. “For example, there’s a niche that extends out on the second-floor corridor. It was built for a dog sculpture. That niche is visible from outside, making the piece an architectural feature in itself.”
Other works of art range from artists across the Southeast to pieces from New York, Savannah, and Atlanta. A striking angel sculpture positioned atop the cherry wood stair wall is illuminated at night, becoming a focal point both inside and out.
The home is outfitted with a sophisticated Lutron lighting control system, which operates all interior lighting and automated shades.
A rare opportunity on Hilton Head
After nearly two decades in their meticulously designed home, Beaman and Sears have decided to downsize.
“This house is just too big for two people,” Beaman said. “We don’t have children, but we have two fabulous dogs, and while we adore this home, it’s a lot to maintain. We found another modern home in Sea Pines that spoke to us. It’s about half the size, but still has floor-to-ceiling glass and incredible views.”
While excited about their next chapter, they acknowledge that certain aspects of their current home will be hard to leave behind.
“The sunrises and sunsets here are just beyond description,” Sears said. “We designed the house to take full advantage of those east-west water views, and that’s something we will definitely miss.”
For listing agents Lindsay Bunting and Charlie Wilmot, the sale of this home is an extraordinary opportunity. “I’ve been selling real estate on Hilton Head for 42 years, and this is by far one of the most unique and beautiful properties I’ve ever seen,” Bunting said.
“The fact that this home is on Brams Point Peninsula, with water on both the Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, is incredibly special,” Wilmot added. “It’s private, peaceful, and unlike anything else on the island.”
Beyond its location, the home’s design sets it apart. “This isn’t your typical ‘beach chic’ Hilton Head home,” Bunting said. “It’s a true architectural statement, and we are so proud to be representing it.”
For Wilmot, selling a property like this is about building strong and confident relationships with clients. “We’ve developed a great friendship with the owners,” he said. “That’s how we do business – we build relationships first, and the sale comes second. We can’t wait to see the next owners enjoy this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.”
For those looking for an extraordinary waterfront retreat that seamlessly blends art, architecture, and nature, this Brams Point property offers an unmatched opportunity.
For more information, visit 73bramspoint.com.
