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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
Southern charm at the ocean, best describes the home at 12 Royal Beach Drive with distinctive classic Charleston design and direct, private boardwalk access to a secluded...
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 21027951 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
Welcome to 61 Ocean Course Drive and its unmatched sophisticated style and design. Featuring a million-dollar renovation in 2018, this special property is a symphony of ...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 21027762 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
This stunning marsh front home was built by Bennett Hofford Construction and was finished using the finest materials. From the cedar shake siding to the slate roof to th...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 21027224 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
Wonderful, updatd three bedroom, two and one half bath townhouse style villa with fabulous, panoramic views of lagoons and Cougar Point Golf course. Desirable floorplan w...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 21026909 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
Rare opportunity to own a deep water home with an existing dock on Kiawah Island! With spectacular river views throughout many rooms in the home, 498 Old Dock is your isl...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 21026028 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
Welcome to 136 Governors Drive located on the corner of Governors Drive and Sawgrass Lane. This .60 acre lot is a perfect canvas to create your future home or getaway esc...
- 21025903 MLS
- Kiawah Island SubDv.
- Active Status
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