While some say it traces its name to an old English term for dense vegetation and others point to an equally old French term meaning delight, there’s no doubt that Folly Island – usually just referred to as Folly Beach for the town that encompasses virtually the entire island – is both lush and appealing. But judging by another name it was once known by, you’d certainly think neither was the case.
Once commonly referred to as Coffin Island, even appearing that way on some maps of the time, Folly Island was one of several barrier islands on which ships were required to deposit sick passengers before moving into Charleston Harbor, thereby reducing the risk of disease epidemics there. On their trip out of the harbor, ships would stop and pick up those passengers that were still alive and bury those that weren’t.
Being the closest beach to the heart of Charleston (just 10 miles away), it was only natural that Folly Beach would ultimately develop into a playground instead of a cemetery. Known by Charlestonians as “the edge of America,” the island was already a popular vacation destination when noted American composer George Gershwin and author DuBose Heyward came there in 1934 to work on the acclaimed Porgy and Bess folk opera. The island continues to be a popular vacation destination and offers a wide variety of housing for those looking to make the Carolina coast their home.
Homes, townhomes, condos and villas can be found along the island’s six miles of beaches as well as miles of miles of river and Intracoastal Waterway frontage, marshes and tidal creeks. A favorite destination for returning vacationers year after year, the island offers some of the state’s best values in coastal property and is typically a hot Charleston real estate market for those looking to invest in a vacation rental.
One of the East Coast’s more popular surfing spots, Folly Beach offers a laid back vibe with a classic beach community’s “downtown” and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. For fishermen there’s the Taylor Fishing Pier, one of the longest on the coast, as well as numerous charter fishing companies. The island also offers excellent bird watching, canoeing, beachcombing, shrimping and bike riding. Be sure to check out the Morris Island Lighthouse, which dates to 1693, as well as numerous Revolutionary War and Civil War sites.
Folly Beach is one of the finest places to live or vacation in the Charleston area. If you're wanting to see more, call us! We'll be happy to take you on a tour!
Experience the beauty of Folly Beach from this oceanfront retreat with panoramic Atlantic views and private beach access just steps from the back door. Thoughtfully desig...
Perfectly tucked away on Michigan Avenue, this centrally located townhome offers the ideal combination of island living, convenience, and Lowcountry charm. Located just a...
PENTHOUSE RIVER VIEWS | END UNIT | 3 BEDROOM FLAT CONDO | WALK TO FOLLY BEACH | SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PAIDExperience the best of Lowcountry waterfront living from this top-...
Enjoy the best of Folly Beach living at Marsh Winds, where you can leave the car behind and walk or bike to Folly's beloved restaurants, beach bars and the iconic fishing...
Welcome to Mariners Cay Marina! Located on the Folly River. Private and gated with easy access to Lighthouse inlet, Kiawah/Seabrook, Morris Island, and the Stono River. D...
Welcome to Marshview Villas, where Lowcountry living meets convenience, recreation and coastal charm. This gated waterfront community offers one of the most amenity-rich ...
High Wooded Lot in the Middle of the Block (10' walk right of way for beach access on northside). Utilities Are Available at Lot. Mature Palms near the front of the Lot...
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Mariners Cay, a Folly Beach gated waterfront communities. 3-bedroom, 2 bath condo, a short walk to the ocean and only minutes from 15 from downtown Charleston. a very u...
FULLY RENOVATED & OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED -- THE ULTIMATE TURNKEY FOLLY BEACH RETREAT!Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a beautifully updated condo in the gated com...
Rare buildable homesite on Folly Beach's sought-after east end with potential ocean, marsh, and Ravenel Bridge views, tidal creek frontage, and potential dock access. Thi...
Welcome to 81 Sandbar Lane, Unit #9, located in the Folly Beach community of Turtle Bay. This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhome offers nearly 1,600 square feet of thoughtful...
Oceanfront living in the heart of Folly Beach is hard to beat, and Charleston Oceanfront Villas remains one of the island's most desirable condo communities. Unit 302 pai...
Rare opportunity to acquire Cole Island, a privately owned barrier island gracefully positioned at the confluence of the Folly River and Stono Inlet, just minutes from Fo...
Welcome to 1019 Sea Crest Ln. This incredible property offers 5 Bedrooms & 2-1/2 Baths and is tucked away on the backside of iconic Folly Beach. The river views are just ...
Rare opportunity to acquire Cole Island, a privately owned barrier island gracefully positioned at the confluence of the Folly River and Stono Inlet, just minutes from Fo...
35 Mariners Cay is a waterfront condo with stunning Folly River views & relaxed coastal living. Located on the 2nd floor, this 2 story, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath residence feat...
Experience the pinnacle of coastal luxury at 2 Red Sunset Lane. Situated on a rare 1.22-acre homesite just one block from the beach and Sunset Cay Marina, this newly comp...
Your Folly Beach Dream Awaits! The only available small-scale Oceanfront homesite on the market in Folly Beach! What an amazing opportunity to build a cottage on this sce...
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY A HOME ON FOLLY BEACH WITH ITS OWN BOAT SLIP/LIFT! Welcome to Unit #21 at Turtle Bay, a gorgeous turnkey townhome with excellent river views and ...