Heritage with Heart: Brittany Smith’s “New Old” Homes
When it comes to creating a home with soul, Chesnee native Brittany Smith has a gift for blending new construction with timeless character. As the voice behind Thorn Cove Abode, Brittany has become known for her signature “historically inspired homes”—new builds that capture the warmth, charm, and detail of the houses many of us grew up in.
“I grew up in older homes for most of my childhood,” Brittany shares. “And while I didn’t realize it then, those spaces became nostalgic to me later in life. The way they were built, the details, the character—it all just felt like home. That’s why a new build by today’s standards has never felt the same to me.”
Building a “New Old” Dream
That nostalgia led Brittany and her husband to design and build a home that looked and felt like it had been standing for generations. From beadboard walls to reclaimed wood flooring over 100 years old, Brittany was intentional about every detail.
“Some of my favorite features are the ones that instantly remind me of the old houses I grew up in,” she says. “The floors, the wall finishes, the small architectural touches—those are what truly set a timeless home apart. I love a house that is worn and welcoming, not pristine and modern. To me, it feels like a warm hug.”
It’s that “warm hug” feeling that has attracted a devoted online community to Brittany’s story. With over 200,000 Instagram followers at @thorn_cove_abode, she invites people into her home in the most genuine way—whether through DIY projects, cozy home tours, or simply a funny, relatable moment from family life.
A Coastal Chapter
Now, Brittany and her husband are extending their vision of heritage and home to the South Carolina coast. A trip to Beaufort on their anniversary sparked the idea, and years later, they found the perfect property to begin their next project.
“My husband first took me to Beaufort several years ago. He knew I’d fall in love with it,” she recalls. “It’s a small coastal town that still feels quaint and charming without being overly touristy. At first, we tried to buy an old carriage house, but that didn’t work out. So we kept an eye on the area for a few years until we found another opportunity. Now I get the chance to build a ‘new old’ home with coastal flair, and it’s been such a fun project. I can’t wait for summers there with my family.”
The Beaufort home will carry the same DNA as Brittany’s Upstate home—rooted in history, designed for gathering, and made to last.
More Than a House
At the end of the day, Brittany’s vision is about more than walls and windows—it’s about the feeling inside.
“First and foremost, I hope people feel welcomed,” she says. “I want it to be the kind of place where you can pull up a chair on the porch, slow down, and truly connect. I hope we never lose the art of pausing to appreciate the places and people around us and the life God has blessed us with. I want my homes to carry a sense of warmth and hospitality. Comfortable enough to kick off your shoes, share a meal or a drink, and settle into good conversation.”
That welcoming spirit has made Brittany not just an influencer, but also an entrepreneur, tastemaker, and inspiration for those who want their homes to feel storied, soulful, and full of life.
Connect with Brittany
Want to follow along as Brittany builds a new chapter of her “new old” dream? You can find her at thorncoveabode.com for blog posts, tips, and behind-the-scenes updates. On Instagram, she’s @thorn_cove_abode, where her mix of charm, humor, and heritage-inspired design has earned her features in Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Sampler, and more.
Whether in Chesnee or Beaufort, one thing is certain—Brittany Smith is keeping the heart of heritage alive in homes that will feel like classics for generations to come.