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Kiawah Island
Despite somewhat questionable beginnings – it was purchased from the Kiawah tribe of Native Americans for some hatchets and cloth and then deeded to a pirate – Kiawah Island has gone on to become one of the world’s top resort residential communities. Bought by Anthony Ashley Cooper, one of the English Lord Proprietors of the Province of Carolina in 1675, the island was deeded in 1699 to Captain George Raynor, a man most agree was a pirate looking to go straight as a gentleman farmer. In 1717, the island was bought by John Stanyarne, whose heirs would own it for the next 233 years. But when one of those heirs, Adele Vanderhorst, died in 1911, her six children argued for more than 40 years on how to best settle the estate. Finally, a probate court judge ordered the island sold.
It was with that sale to Aiken resident and developer C.C Royal in 1950 that the island’s modern era began. Paying just $125,000 – or the equivalent of $870,000 in today’s dollars – for the island, Royal began to transform it into a destination resort, building roads, a causeway and other infrastructure. In 1974, Royal’s heirs sold the island to Kiawah Investment Corporation for $17 million and in 1988, it was sold for $105 million to its present owners, Kiawah Resort Associates.
Today, Kiawah Island offers five award-winning golf courses, stunning scenery, outstanding tennis facilities and many other recreation and lifestyle opportunities. With a variety of home types and styles, the island is home to more than 3,300 property owners from 46 states and 21 countries, although its year-round population is estimated at just 1,600. Homes range from the $300s to more than $18 million and include deep-water, golf course, lake, wetland and oceanfront settings. In addition to golfing and tennis, other recreational opportunities include bird watching, bicycling, canoeing, and a wide variety of water sports. Tennis Magazine has ranked Kiawah the top tennis resort in the country.
A private bridge is the only access to Kiawah, and in most cases, those who are not owners or guests will not be allowed to cross, so this is the equivalent of a gated community as well. Every home on the island is upscale and somewhat expensive, Contact us for an appointment to see some of the exclusive properties on Kiawah Island.
Kiawah Island Real Estate
Set on the most substantial and secluded homesite in Cypress Point, boasting .66 of an acre, 3,965 total (2,798 sf in MAIN home and 1,167 sf in GUEST house), 5BDR/ 5BA to...
- 5 Beds
- 5.5 Baths
- 24023376 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
Highly sought after, gorgeous, 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom Windswept villa just steps away from the beach! Beautiful end unit villa with a light, bright and airy floor plan mak...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 24023359 MLS
- Windswept Villas Ii SubDv.
- Active Status
Welcome home to your coastal eloquence at its finest! At 29 Grey Widgeon Lane you are embraced with absolutely every refined detail one could desire. Take advantage of th...
- 4 Beds
- 4.5 Baths
- 24022983 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
Situated in the highly sought-after Falcon Point neighborhood on Kiawah Island, this lovely 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence spans 4,548 square feet and offers breathtak...
- 4 Beds
- 4.5 Baths
- 24021998 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
This light and airy Seascape oceanfront villa offers an open floorplan that maximizes breathtaking views and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Recently renovated and turn-key...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 24021859 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
Located in the esteemed Egret Pintail enclave, 331 Governors Drive offers nearly half an acre of prime land on a desirable corner lot. With stunning views of Osprey Point...
- 0 Baths
- 24021155 MLS
- Egret/Pintail SubDv.
- Active Status
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