Photograph in Kiawah Island by Ben Ham titled "Eight Foot Tide"
Every place has its time. Sure, the Hamptons may have been the chic hot spot five years ago, but it is no longer the getaway du jour. So where is everyone flocking to invest in their next summer home? A little slice of magic called Kiawah Island.
The budding island in South Carolina is only in its 40th year of development. Kiawah’s beginnings, however, were much ahead of its time. It was one of the first places in the United States to have been developed with a central focus on natural and environmental factors. The master plan for the island was only realized once an extensive environmental inventory was conducted. The infrastructure on the island was created with nature in mind. From the preservation of trees, to the irrigation systems, Kiawah Island was one of the first true green developments.
This is vital to the sustainability of the island and to those who invest here. These factors ensure longevity and the preservation of the pristine natural elements that make Kiawah so valuable. Even the structural aesthetics are curated to ensure that the surrounding nature shines. All of these factors have not been integral to the development of many other communities in the past decade. Investors are now realizing the cost of converting their current infrastructure to reflect a more eco-friendly and sustainable system––something those who invest in Kiawah would not have to worry about.
Beyond being an incredible testament to the environment, the entire Kiawah community is bursting with luxury amenities.
The Marsh House:
Found on the peacefully untouched Eastern tip of Kiawah Island, "The Marsh House" will be a modern marvel for food and fun. There are few things grander than an infinity pool that leads out to views reminiscent of an African savannah and ends in the Atlantic Ocean. It is something you can only comprehend by physically experiencing it. Part of The Marsh House experience will be the gourmet grill and sun-soaking situations. It is set to be somewhere for everyone of every age to enjoy.
This project is adjacent to the new Marsh Walk development. The new and intimate community will feature four different pre-designed homes for owners to customize. This will essentially streamline the building process to make moving in a seamless task. These designs, by renowned local architects, feature three to four bedrooms and a swing space in up to 3,200 heated square feet.
The River Course Clubhouse is one of the many reasons to get your Kiawah Island Social Membership. Found at the final hole of the Tom Fazio-designed River Course, the clubhouse presents the perfect place to unwind with peers. While it may be a post-golf hangout, the River Course setting is no casual affair. The upscale venue is where all of Kiawah’s elite members gather to socialize.
Overlooking the Kiawah River, the River Course Clubhouse boasts a grille room and bar, dining room, men’s and women’s lounges with locker areas, a fitness center, a veranda, and a golf shop––all situated in a dark cedar-shingled interior with Old World charm. There is simply no need that can’t be serviced here.
Sasanqua Spa:
Lose track of time in the soothing serenity that is Sasanqua Spa. This tranquil retreat provides a total escape from the outside world. The connection to nature in Kiawah Island is also an essential element at this spa. The world-class treatments and facilities are built with a clear purpose to rejuvenate and ground you. All ingredients found in the products they use are sourced directly from the nature of the surrounding low country. Bring yourself back to nature, and see how far forward it will take you. It’s time to treat yourself!
Transport yourself to 19th century England right here in Kiawah. The Cassique Clubhouse is an exact replica of esteemed architect Charles Voysey’s English countryside home. Inside this noble manor you will find slate roofing, copper guttering, stone-surrounded windows, and all the makings of the quintessential English experience, which wouldn’t be complete of course without a restaurant and pub. Cassique elevates the pub dining experience at the Voysey's restaurant with consulting by James Beard award winning chef Tom Colicchio and dishes from executive chef Doug Bailey.
The Ocean Course:
If you’re up for a challenge, you’ll want to get yourself a round at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The oceanfront golf course has already been the host of the 2007 Senior PGA and the 2012 PGA Championships. And in 2021, it will have another PGA Championship under its belt. The course has more seaside holes than any other course in the entire Western Hemisphere––no big deal. Due to strong wind exposure, it has been named one of the most difficult courses in the country, a feat worth tackling once you’ve settled into Kiawah.
While there are countless other amenities and clubs, the last on our list is the Beach Club. This incredible option is fun for the whole family. With beach access, separate adult and kid pools, and a restaurant and bar, there is something for everyone here. It is certainly the most casual of the clubhouses and attracts large crowds during the summer months with its community event programming.
If you haven’t fallen in love with Kiawah quite yet, just wait until you see the incredible homes they have to offer. Here are five abodes on the market that could be yours right now.
90 Jackstay Court: 8 bed, 8 bath, $24,000,000
Property description: A magnificent oceanfront estate on Kiawah Island, this classic shingle-style seaside home with a guesthouse celebrates unbridled family fun amid nature’s unspoiled wonders.
Get an extra look at this magnificent property with a virtual reality tour courtesy of Kiawah Island Real Estate right here!
5 Summer Islands Lane: 5 bed, 5 bath, $3,999,999
Property description: Located within Summer Islands, this secluded home is surrounded by acres of green and golden marsh savannas and can be reached solely by way of a charming wooden bridge. 5 Summer Islands Lane offers privacy, relaxation, and easy access to the Beach Club, Kiawah’s 10-mile shore, The Ocean Course, Osprey Point golf course, and all of Kiawah’s world-class amenities.
15 Avocet Lane: 5 bed, 5 bath, $3,195,000
Property Description: Nestled on a secluded corner lot on a quiet cul de sac street behind Kiawah Island’s second security gate, 15 Avocet Lane celebrates gorgeous natural foliage, flowering plants, and palmettos. Within a short bike ride to Kiawah’s celebrated 10-mile beach, the home is set in a happy neighborhood that enjoys enviable proximity to The Beach Club, many of Kiawah Island’s most coveted world-class amenities, and a front row seat from which you can savor the island’s beautiful wildlife.
11 Little Rabbit Lane: 4 bed, 4 ½ bath, $2,220,000
Property Description: Situated in The Pointe on Kiawah’s western edge, this home enjoys stunning marsh and river views, easy access to Kiawah’s 10-mile beach, and close proximity to all of the Island’s world-class amenities. A private gated neighborhood, The Pointe stretches along 5.3 riverfront acres and offers residents a community dock with kayak launch and endless adventures on the Kiawah River.
511 Claret Way: 3 Bed, 3 Bath, $1,895,000
Property Description: Masterfully designed, the cottages of Clubhouse Village marry Cassique’s acclaimed aesthetic with coastal casual style and viewing corridors that bestow exceptional views of the low country landscape. Currently under construction, completion is estimated for the spring of 2016.
Get an extra look at this magnificent property with a virtual reality tour courtesy of Kiawah Island Real Estate right here!
