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!
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...
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...
Welcome to the Folly Beach lifestyle with this beautifully renovated coastal cottage, perfectly located just steps from the beach access path. Every detail has been thoug...
An extraordinary deepwater retreat on the coveted west end of Folly Beach - where river, marsh, and ocean views converge in a setting that is simply unmatched. Positioned...
Charming Folly Beach Cottage-Steps from the Ocean & Center Street restaurants, shops, bars. Minutes from Downtown Charleston,and the Chas. International Airport. Welcom...
Price Reduced! The seller is also offering an additional $75,000 in engineering consulting, construction and property improvements... A classic Folly Beach 1950 beachfron...
Located on a corner lot just steps from the beach and Center Street, this unique Folly Beach property offers a rare opportunity with two separate structures totaling 11 b...
UNIT D3 is 20x40ft and can accommodate a 55ft boat. Sunset Cay Marina in Folly Beach, features a mix of concrete pier infrastructure and wood decking. Its location is pra...
Have you been dreaming of owning the ultimate in lavish, luxurious, and elegant Folly Beach oceanfront living? Are you the discerning buyer looking for a deluxe 4 bedroom...
Looking for the ultimate in peaceful waterfront view living? There are over 1150 sq ft of wrap-around covered porches and 180 sq ft of open deck to provide views of the m...
Welcome to All Seasons, a stunning vacation home on beautiful Folly Beach, SC. This offering is for one interval / 4 weeks per year of ownership and vacation time in a go...
Best beachfront lot!! Oversized with room for a pool!! &extra decks. Large beachfront lot means you can build a larger home .36 acre then on the typical folly lot. Watch ...
Driftwood on the RiverThis is a rare opportunity to own an exceptional home on a quiet street along the Folly River--just a short walk to the beach and only 51/2 blocks f...
Welcome to 134 Marsh View Villas! Enjoy Spectacular views from every room in this fully renovated 2 Bedroom - 2 Bathroom condominium at iconic Folly Beach. This property ...
Welcome to 120 W Hudson Avenue--an iconic Folly Beach cottage tucked in the perfect location. Just one block from Center Street and only steps to the sand, this home stri...
Tucked away in a sheltered section of the private, gated marina at Mariners Cay, this 25-foot boat slip (B-12) offers peace of mind and convenience for any boating enthus...
New price! What a deal! Call your builder.... Check out this vacant lot on public sewer. No need to deal with septic system approvals or its maintenance. Also, no restric...
Own a rare 30-foot boat slip in the sought-after Mariners Cay Marina, just minutes from open water and a short walk to the heart of Folly Beach. Located on the Folly Rive...