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!
Rare Opportunity in Little Oak Island! This 4 bd, 3 bth waterfront home offers panoramic marsh, tidal creek, and Folly River views, along with spectacular sunsets. Featu...
1568 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439 -- Marsh-front and ocean-view property on Folly Beach's east end, steps from the Washout surf break. Views include the Atlantic, ...
Welcome to 313 West Ashley on Folly Beach. This iconic ocean-front home is on the market for only the third time since it's construction in 1981. The house is built to ...
EXCLUSIVE - WATERFRONT - GATED COMMUNITY - WITH MARINA DOCKS, RESORT-STYLE AMENITIES, INCLUDING POOL, TENNIS COURTS AND CLUBHOUSE. ** EXPANSIVE VIEWS OF THE FOLLY RIVER...
''The Sand Bar'' is a classic 4BR/3BA oceanfront home.This turn-key property features a private boardwalk over a robust seawall. 3 expansive decks offer dedicated zones f...
Experience the best of Lowcountry coastal living in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo at Marshview Villas, located within the gated Mariners Cay community ...
1605 East Ashley presents the premier location opportunity on the Charleston, South Carolina coast. This rare property sits on an elite beachfront stretch of Folly Beach ...
Water views and a fully renovated home; offered fully furnished.This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo has been fully renovated and features a rare walk-out rear staircase for ea...
Rare chance to own one of the largest waterfront properties on the island. Less than 2 block walk -- straight shot to the beach. Don't let this opportunity pass.
Slip C-12 has a 30' dock and accommodates a 33' boat. The marina has electrical, water, a full time dock master, showers, restrooms and private parking. Private, gated co...
Welcome to 518 W Ashley Ave at beautiful & iconic Folly Beach. This classic beach cottage is ready for your immediate occupancy. Offering 4 Bedrooms - 3 Full Baths, the h...
Imagine a life where the ocean breeze is part of every morning, the marsh becomes your backdrop at sunset, and the best days end gathered with the people you love. This r...
Folly Beach living under $500,000! Discover the laid back coastal lifestyle at Marsh Winds with this spacious 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo offering 1,392 square feet of co...
Located on a prime Folly Beach corner lot just steps from the beach, 720 W Ashley Ave is a newly completed coastal retreat that blends timeless Lowcountry architecture wi...
Newly completed on approximately 1.22 acres, this private Folly Beach retreat offers ocean, marsh, and river views just one block from the beach and near Sunset Cay Marin...
This might be the best Back Bay condo. It's situated on the marsh and has an awesome top floor deck in the tower that is unique/private to this unit. Three large bedroom...
1A - Pearl A rare opportunity to own a luxury private oceanfront retreat on Folly Beach, perfectly positioned directly on the Atlantic with extraordinary views of the Fol...
A true Folly Beach gem! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath Mariners Cay villa is one of the finest you will encounter, offering amazing views, thoughtful design, ...
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 ...