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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
Great opportunity to own this most desirable second floor, one bedroom villa with king bed. 4784 Tennis Club Villa was recently redecorated & refurbished with new furnit...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 23006733 MLS
- Tennis Club SubDv.
- Active Status
Stunningly renovated home on the 3rd hole of Cougar Golf Course with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, beautifully furnished, with lots of open deck space on a .33-acre lot with l...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 23006730 MLS
- Middlewoods West SubDv.
- Active Status
Exciting opportunity to own a 1/9th interest at Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences. This luxury appointed 3 bedroom/3.5 bathroom residence offers pristine views from ...
- 3 Beds
- 3.5 Baths
- 23005496 MLS
- Active Status
This beautiful home is located behind the Vanderhorst security gate of world-renowned Kiawah Island where you will enjoy 10 miles of pristine beach, first class amenities...
- 4 Beds
- 3.5 Baths
- 23004495 MLS
- Marsh Island Woods 427 SubDv.
- Active Status
Here is your rare opportunity to own a premier rated 4th floor Shipwatch villa, located steps away from the beautiful beaches of Kiawah Island, the owners' Sandcastle poo...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 23004141 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
Wonderful homesite graciously tucked behind the 2nd gate on Kiawah Island. Build your dream home and enjoy being centrally located to everything on the Island. This .43 a...
- 0 Baths
- 23004036 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
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