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 best of coastal living in this stunning top floor, corner unit condo in the heart of Folly Beach! Located in Pavilion Watch, just steps from the beach and ...
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...
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...
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...
Experience the pinnacle of coastal living with this exclusive 1/13th interval ownership opportunity on Folly Beach, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional ti...
One-of-a-Kind Oceanfront Estate OpportunityThis is one of the only homesites in the Charleston area to capture both sunrise over the Atlantic and sunset across the marsh ...
Charming Folly Beach Cottage-Steps from the Ocean & Center Street restaurants, shops, bars. Minutes from Downtown Charleston,and the Chas. International Airport. Welcom...
If you've been searching for a boat slip near Folly Beach with convenient access to Charleston's waterways, this is a great opportunity to consider.Boat Slip C12 at 2 McD...
Price Reduced! The seller is also offering an additional $75,000 in engineering consulting, construction and property improvements... A classic Folly Beach 1950 beachfron...
Rare chance to own a 4 bed, 3 bath home on a spacious 0.40-acre corner lot, one of the largest lots currently available on the island. This waterfront property has great ...
Classic Folly Beach home, 2 blocks from the beach and convenient to Center Steet's vibrant restaurants, shops, and entertainment. This 1 story home sits on a 0.24 acre st...
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...
Luxury Folly Beach Retreat Experience the ultimate in coastal living with this exceptional 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom luxury home on Folly Beach, offering direct beach access ...
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...
First level 1A - PEARL Oceanfront living with effortless beach access and front-row pier views.Set directly on the ocean at 115 E Arctic Avenue, these beachfront condos o...
First Floor - 1B- OPAL Steps from the sand with a spacious porch and constant ocean energy--easy, breezy, and connected to it all.Set directly on the ocean at 115 E Arcti...
C Scape checks all the boxes! This wonderful island home is steps from the ocean and a short walk to Center Street shops and restaurants. Sitting on East Arctic Avenue ...
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...