Archive for category Seabrook Island Real Estate

Seabrook Island Real Estate – Strong October Sales

October proved to be a very good month for real estate sales on Seabrook Island, especially for single family homes.  In fact one home on Ocean Forest Lane sold for $2,675,000 which was the largest sale on Seabrook since February of 2007.  Remember those days?  In addition to that sale five other homes sold, one for $1 million on Seabrook Island Road, one on Privateer Creek for $925,000, one on Royal Pine Drive for $532,000, another on Seabrook Island Road for $527,000 and a Sea Loft Villa for $350,000.  Compare that to last October when only one house sold and that was on Lobolly Lane and closed at $389,000.  One Racquet Club Villa sold last month for $350,199 and it was a 3 Bedroom/3 Bath unit.  Last year two units sold; a 2 Bedroom/   2 Bath Courtside Villa sold for $160,000, and a 2 Bedroom/2 Bath Spinnaker Beach House sold for $375,000.

At the end of October the Multiple Listing Service showed that there were twelve properties in the process of closing/under contract, most waiting for approval of financing.  Of the twelve eight were single family detached homes ranging in listing prices from $275,000 (a Tree Loft Villa) to a 3 Bedroom/3/1 Bath on Seabrook Island Road listing for $1,495,000.  The four other units were Villas, listing prices ranging from a 1 Bedroom/1 Bath Courtside for $109,000 to a 2 Bedroom/2 Bath Atrium for $329,000.

Of the twelve units under contract, two Villas and two single family detached homes are Short Sales.  The goods news here is that the more of these distressed properties move through the sales process the better for all those looking to sell.

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Rib-it on Seabrook Island

Seabrookers have a new restaurant to go to right outside the gate. Rib-it as you might imagine is a place that specializes in barbeque.  The food is good and very reasonably priced.  That’s one of the reasons owner Ben Quincy decided to open his new restaurant next to Lucy’s. 

Ben is a very personable man who has spent 20 years perfecting his BBQ sauce.  Ben says people will love his sauce and has heard some say it’s the best they’ve ever had.

Rib-it has a small, but appealing menu, including racks of Ben’s special made ribs, Nathan’s hotdogs, chicken, pork bbq, and tasty mac-n-cheese and slaw sides.   All menu items are priced for everyone’s wallet.

Another item that Rib-it will be serving is a number of different flavored Italian ice.  The Italian ice is made in New York by a family that has been doing it for 60 years.  For Ben, it’s always about the best quality at the best price.  His ribs are imported Danish baby-back ribs of the highest quality, and Nathan’s hotdogs have a reputation that speaks for itself.

Rib-it also does take-out.  For more information call 641-7600.

 The Town of Seabrook Island was represented at the recent South Carolina Municipal Association’s Advocacy Meeting.  Mayors, Town Council members, and administrators met to discuss recently adopted state-wide legislation and anticipated legislation.  Sam Reed, Seabrook Island Town Council member represented our barrier islands.  The State Municipal Association emphasizes the needs of cities and towns in our state, so that they might provide quality services to their citizens.  Town residents are best served when local leaders have the tools to satisfy local needs.  Some of the issues discussed dealt with allocation of accommodation tax revenues; business license fees; and funding for roads.  There was also a lengthy discussion of a proposed new Hazardous Properties Receivership Act, which would give Towns and other responsible parties a new tool to deal with abandoned and/or dilapidated structures.

 One of the unique events that Seabrookers and visitors to Seabrook enjoy watching is the dolphins.  What some don’t realize when they see the dolphin is that they are not just swimming but are working herding fish for what is known as strand feedings.   This occurs when the dolphin have herded a large group of fish together and onto the shore where they feast on the fish.  View Seabrook Island Real Estate listings via Akers and Ellis Real Estate and Rentals.

National Geographic Magazine, contacted the local expert on Strand Feeding Captain Chad Hayes, to help them with a large production series they were filming for an upcoming special on predators.  The National Geographic crew consider the feeding behavior of our local dolphins to be one of the most impressive among all predators worldwide.  They especially needed Captain Hayes expertise of the dolphins and their Kiawah River habitat to be able film them from multiple angels and with multiple cameras.  Captain Hayes and the crew filmed for nearly two weeks and got some amazing footage.  The crew filmed over 100 strand feeding events.  It is uncertain when the special will air but it will be a huge production.

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Turtles, Foxes, Coyotes and Cougars on Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island, SC has Equestrian winners!  On September 9-11, Aiken, SC, hosted a major horse show sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation and the South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association.  This show is the culmination for many of the major events and medals in the Southeast region.

The South Carolina Governor’s Cup is the holy grail of awards in the region for equestrian competition and is judged primarily on rider skills.  After a year of qualifying events with well over 100 riders competing from all over the US, the top 15 riders are invited to participate in the 2011 Governor’s Cup final.  Charles Hairfield, Head Trainer and Manager of Seabrook Equestrian, had three riders in the final competition and they all placed in the top ten.  It is an achievement to get one rider in the final, let alone three.

It is too soon to estimate how many coyotes are present on Seabrook.  Until now all of the sightings have been of lone individuals.  It is not know whether these individuals are part of a larger pack, or just a single animal that strayed onto the Island and has been seen in several locations. 

Coyotes travel in packs, having one male and one female and their offspring.  They establish and defend their territories, one of the benefits of this is that they are able to exclude completion from other coyotes or other species.

The fox and cougar population will most likely have to adjust to these new inhabitants as the coyotes will become the dominate species.

Typically coyotes will attempt to avoid contact with humans however residents will need to maintain close supervision of family pets, particularly small dogs and cats.  Attacks on pets will be minimized by ensuring that dog and cat food is not left outside.

Overall Seabrookers pride themselves on the emphasis that they and their community place on the protection and conservation of the natural ecosystem they have the privilege to live in.  The assimilation of coyotes into our environment is only natural, and in the end should create an ecosystem that is biologically in balance.

 The 2011 Turtle Patrol season officially comes to a close with their annual celebration.  This year’s bash will be held on Thursday October 20th at 6PM I the Live Oak Hall at the Lake House.  BBQ, beverages and other treats will be provided for the hard working patrol as they exchange stories about the 37 nests found on Seabrook’s beaches this summer.

Search Kiawah Island real estate and Seabrook Island Real Estate offered by Akers and Ellis Real Estate.

Seabrook Island – A Sense of Place Committee

Seabrook Island, SC is planning for its future having established  A Sense of Place Committee under the direction of the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association.  Chaired by the Vice Chair of the SIPOA board and comprised of individuals with  knowledge of the island’s infrastructure.  The committee is looking five to ten years to the future.  Since the committee has been recently formed no recommendations have come forth as they are still developing topics to be considered.  Suggested topics so far include: roads and traffic, bike paths, walking trails, boardwalks, equestrian trails, parking and shuttles, landscaping and lighting on POA right-of-ways, signage, rules of the road and enforcement, formalization of a road map of these key elements to move forward and formalization of a sustainable and viable financial plan for these elements.  Intangible issues include quality of life, protection and increase of property values, maximization of Seabrook’s extraordinary setting and examination of risks and obstacles.  The board is not looking to start new projects and spend new money on this initiative, but to consider how best to allocate the funds currently available. 

Seabrook and Kiawah Island real estate is offered by Akers and Ellis Real Estate and Rentals.

Due to the scope of the issues it was suggested to get the help of an objective third party that has had experience with this type of undertaking.  The American Institute of Architects’ public service group, Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team was invited to a meeting to ascertain if there was a match between Seabrook’s needs and Team’s ability to address these issues.  In summarizing what the Team can offer, they informed the Committee that they have available thirty to forty different disciplines, including architects, land-use engineers and other experts to call upon for their expertise.  Objectivity is guaranteed as their experts serve pro bono and cannot accept a job with a client they serve for two years after a project.  The Team strongly believes in and promotes public participation.  They stated they have the experience to listen to the island’s needs and to develop a process to get the island to where it wants to go.  They cited working with Vail, CO as a project which is similar to Seabrook’s.  The Committee, after some discussion, voted unanimously to apply for R/UDAT assistance.  Next steps, after the exchange of letters of commitment is the Team will return in a month or two for a two day visit to help the Committee define concerns and determine what expertise is needed to guide the planning.  The second phase is public participation.  The final step is an R/UDAT presentation of a report for an action plan which will consist of both text and imagery.  It will suggest immediate action designed to spark the interest of Seabrook, and action plans and strategy to complete short, medium and long-term goals.

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Seabrook Island To Join Audubon Sustainable Communities Program

Seabrook Island, SC recently became the first private sector community in South Carolina to join Audubon International’s Sustainable Communities Program.  The Sustainable Communities Program serves as a frame work to merge economic and social considerations with the protection and enhancement of a community’s environmental characteristics.  Audubon International serves as a catalyst for citizen driven planning and community actions.  Its programs facilitate partnerships with governmental agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and other organizations that provide local support and assistance to reach the goals envisioned by the community.  Working in this way, Seabrook Island will create a long-term plan to address growth and environmental protection.  It should be a good move for Seabrook Island Real Estate and Seabrook Island Homes For Sale.

 Lowcountry dining is something that both locals and visitors to Seabrook Island look forward to.  Stono Market and Tomato Shed Café located at 842 Main Road on John’s Island ( look for the red clap board building on the right, just before the De Mare packaging facility) serves lunches which feature real “down home cooking” , mostly straight from the farm.  Dishing up tomato pie, squash casserole, sautéed cabbage, butter beans, stewed okra and tomatoes, pimento cheese sandwiches, and that old standby She Crab soup, Burgers, salads that include shrimp and barbeque and their crab cakes which have been voted best in Charleston are all special.  The Café now also serves beer and wine with lunch.  Sides and specials change daily depending on what is in season.  They are open M-F 9am-6pm and Sat. 9am-5pm.  Lunch is served from 11am-2:30pm.  Don’t forget to try one of their delicious blueberry shakes.

 The PGA Golf Tournament is now less than a year away.  It is reported that the PGA team putting this all together plans for traffic flow not to come all the way to the Freshfield’s roundabout.  A temporary “road” will be built at the PGA’s expense that will take cars off the Betsy Kerrison Parkway about 100 yards north of the traffic circle.  PGA traffic will proceed along that road approximately halfway to the Bohicket Marina entrance and then cut across Seabrook Island Road into parking areas.  These parking areas will be situated pretty much behind and to the side of Freshfields.  From these parking areas, buses will take ticket holders out to Kiawah Island Road on the other side of the Kiawah entrance to Freshfields.

 A year ago most Seabrook residents who had experienced the entire 2010 summer felt it was extremely hot.  It turns out they were right.  Last year’s summer ranked the 2nd hottest summer in the last 141 years.

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Seabrook Island 2011 Residents Survey

Seabrook Island’s 2011 survey provides some compelling reasons for individuals to look to purchase a residence on the island who are interested in Seabrook Isand Real Estate.  Approximately one third of Seabrook property owner (847 individuals) responded to the survey.  Of that number seventy-seven percent were Club members.  Listed below are some of the more compelling positive and negative feelings revealed in the survey.

  • Seabrookers were overwhelmingly satisfied with their lives here, with Seabrook as a setting, and with the amenities now available.
  • The Lake House is a huge success and a resource valued by the entire island community.
  • On the negative side, and representing a distinct minority (no more than 15 percent of respondents) are those dissatisfied with the mandatory Club membership and the Island One Concept.
  • Eighty-seven percent rated their overall satisfaction living here as excellent, with fifty percent rating their overall satisfaction as good.  Eighty-six percent said they   would recommend Seabrook to a friend for residency.  Less than five percent (4.7) expressed dissatisfaction living here which is the lowest number since the 2007 survey.
  • Most of the respondents (83 percent) never rent their primary residence, and about ten percent own additional property they do rent.
  • Under half (44 percent) of those who responded say they are full time residents, spending between 40-52 weeks a year here.
  • Almost 200 respondents indicated that they plan to increase their time on Seabrook substantially within about four years.
  • What did residents like the best about Seabrook?  Its setting, the beach, nature, the Lake House and the Club, especially its golf and tennis programs and facilities.
  • Seabrookers enjoy keeping active and fit—below are the number of respondents who said they:
    • Participated in beach activities                              577
    • Biked                                                                          554
    • Walked                                                                       493
    • Used Lake House Fitness Equipment                 412
    • Used Lake House Indoor Pool                              353
    • Used Lake House Outdoor Pool                           351
    • Played Golf                                                               346
    • Played Tennis                                                          180

 

All in all the annual Seabrook survey reflects and active and contented community, sequestered in a beautiful setting.

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Seabrook Island Labor Day Activities

Seabrook Island was featured on local TV channel 2, WCBD-TV 2 this past Monday, August 29th.  The news clip highlighted the island’s very popular Equestrian Center and how much guests of the island appreciate the variety of rides available.  You can view this clip by going to www2.counton2.com, click the web option, and enter August 29th Seabrook Island in the search section.

Seabrook Island received minor damage from Hurricane Irene, but it had very little effect on Seabrook Island Real Estate.  The North Beach experienced some minor dune erosion near Gate 1, which is the gate that leads from the property owner’s parking lot and the Oyster Catcher pool.   In addition a tree was knocked down and came to lie across one of the small streets, plus the usual pine needles and small branches.  The tree and all debris were cleaned up by Monday, the 29th.

Things to do this Labor Day Weekend on Seabrook Island and nearby:

  • Friday, September 2nd. The final concert of the Music on the Green summer series will feature The Dave Archer Band.  They will be performing R&B, Motown and other dance music with a female vocalist.  From 6-9PM.  Admission is free—bring a blanket or chairs.

 

  • Friday, September 2ndFolly Beach Fishing Pier.  Dance the night away under the stars and in the ocean breeze at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier.  DJ Jim Bowers of 1340 The Boardwalk will play all of the hottest oldies and beach music classics.  Beverages, food and snacks will be available for purchase.  Tickets are limited, so advance purchase is recommended.  $10/$8 (for Charleston County Resident/s).  7-11PM

 

  • Sunday, September, 4th.  Shagging on the Ocean Terrace at Seabrook Island’s Beach Club.  The Ocean City Party Band is featured as well as a Lowcountry boil.  Tickets $25++pp club members, cash bar.  Starts at 6 PM.  For reservations call 768-7849.

 

  • Sunday, September, 4th.  The 5th Annual Lowcountry Wine and Beer Festival will be held from 4-7PM on The Green at Freshfields.  Sample wines, craft beers and lowcounty food for the benefit of the Barrier Free Medical Clinic.  Guests can sample more than 20 wines from around the globe, craft beers and a lowcountry buffet provided by Hege’s Restaurant.  In addition, an African safari, oceanfront condo vacation at Seabrook Island and other items will be up for bid at a silent auction while the Cobbblestone Quartet performs live jazz music.  All proceeds to benefit the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic which provides free medical care to those in need on John’s, James and Wadmalaw islands.  Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the gate.  Junior tickets (age 10 to 20) are available for $20 and children under 10 are free.  For further information contact Freshfields Village at 768-6491.

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Fleming Tennis Tournament – Seabrook Island

A reason to come and visit Seabrook this fall is the Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament or as it is known locally “The Fleming”.  The event is named after the late Alan Fleming a long-time resident and tennis player, and father of Peter Fleming who won doubles championships at Wimbleton and the US open.  The event this year runs October 6-9, beginning early in the morning and throughout most of the day. Spectators are welcome—no ticket required.  For over 20 years, “The Fleming” has raised money for the Hospice of Charleston Foundation.  Last year $37,500 went to support the invaluable work of those “angels” who provide compassionate end-of-life care to families throughout the Lowcountry.  The deadline for entering the tournament is Thursday, September 29th.  For further information call Katy Bethune at the Tennis Club:  843 768-7543.
  – $3,495,000

MLS #: 1027085
Address: 1151 OCEAN FOREST LN
City: SEABROOK ISLAND
Zip: 29455
Area: CHS-Kiawah & Seabrook Islands
Neighborhood: SEABROOK ISLAND
  Search all 308 properties for sale in SEABROOK ISLAND
Agent Name: Karen Wlodarski
Office: Akers Ellis Real Estate LLC
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5
Half Bathrooms: 2
Sq Ft.: 5,058
Stories: 2 Story
Year Built: 2006
Seabrook Island Homes For Sale

Seabrook Island Homes For Sale

1151 OCEAN FOREST LN

Seabrook Island Homes For Sale – Enjoy Seabrook Island living at its finest in this quality custom-built home with panoramic ocean views! No detail has been spared in this nearly-new home just steps from the island’s fabulous North Beach area. You are welcomed into the foyer with its circular staircase and herringbone oak flooring. Warm Southern-style heart-of-pine floors grace the living areas throughout. Ideal for entertaining, the great room features a fireplace flanked by built-in shelving, adjoining wet bar including wine cooler and icemaker, and opens onto the rear screened porch with stone flooring and Wolf outdoor grill. You’ll be taken in by breathtaking ocean views from almost every room. The fabulous gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, custom cabinetry, center island, separate food prep area with vegetable sink, and top-of-the-line appliances: Wolf, Miehle, Sub-zero, and Asko. The home boasts dual master suites with walk-in closets and full tile baths with tub and separate shower areas including deluxe rain shower heads. The lower master offers an adjoining private screened porch and an exercise room with separate half-bath and wet bar, the upper master features an adjacent upstairs deck with hot tub and spiral-staircase access to the pool area below. Houseguests will make themselves at home in any of three spacious guest suites on the upper level, each with private full bath and two include oceanfront viewing decks. Guests can relax and enjoy the views from the upstairs sitting or entertainment area with its adjacent mini-kitchen and oceanfront porch. A three-level elevator provides convenient access to all areas of the home. Storage areas abound, and there is also a finished room on the lower level. Outdoors, cool off with a dip in the infinity pool, relax on the sundecks, or simply take in the scenic marsh and ocean views from your own private paradise.

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1380 Pelican Watch Villa, Seabrook Island Villa For Sale

1380 PELICAN WATCH VILLA, Seabrook Island - For Sale

1380 PELICAN WATCH VILLA, Seabrook Island - For Sale

1380 Pelican Watch Villa
Seabrook Island, SC 

Seabrook Island Villa For Sale – PLATINUM-RATED UPPER LEVEL BEACHFRONT VILLA, BEST VALUE AVAILABLE! IMMACULATE NON-SMOKING UNIT, RENOVATED KITCHEN AND BATHS WITH GRANITE TILE COUNTERTOPS, TASTEFULLY DECORATED IN NEUTRAL COLOR SCHEME, OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED. FABULOUS PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEW! GREAT RENTAL PROPERTY OR ISLAND GETAWAY, WALK TO ALL CLUB AMENITIES.

Listing Price - $379,000 – View this Seabrook Island Home for Sale
Update on the Johns Island Museum.  It was reported that the estimate to move the museum to be approximately $58,000.  It appears there is interest on the part of the City of Charleston Parks Department to move the museum to the Angel Oak area, so the option to move it on to Seabrook Town property may be taken out of the Town Council’s hands.  There are some Town Council members who feel that this is the logical choice for the placement of the museum as it would attract that many more visitors.  The Town Council therefore is delaying any decision on the museum.

 Every Friday evening through Labor Day enjoy free live music at the Freshfields Village Green from 6 to 9 PM.  Performing this Friday, June 17th will be Groove Train.  Don’t forget to bring a blanket and/or chairs.

 Every Monday from 4 to 8 PM through August 29th (excluding July 4th) a Farmer’s Market will be available at Freshfields.  Items will include produce, packaged foods, arts and crafts and prepared food vendors.  Live music by Brad Henry and Skip Sullins will alternate each week.

 Seabrooker Cindy Willis has been selected as the 2011 Grand Marshall for the “Spirit of America” 4th of July Parade.  Cindy is responsible for the wonderful library we have at the Lake House today.  Two years ago this August, she was the one responsible for transferring all the books from the POA to their new location and is the sole person responsible today for the library’s upkeep.  Library Science isn’t Cindy’s background, prior to her and her husband Max retiring to Seabrook she spent her career as an Occupational Therapist in adult mental health. Everyone who knows Cindy is aware of her devotion to the library and to the Lake House.  Seabrook Island is very fortunate to have such a wonderful and dedicated volunteer like Cindy.  Being selected as Grand Marshall is but a small token for all the work she has done.

 The Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol eighty-five strong or “Turtlers” as they are known have been very active in identifying, protecting and marking Loggerhead Turtle nests on the island. Early every morning they set out on their trek of the beaches to detect new Loggerhead Turtle nests.  Once a nest has been located they set about the important task of protecting the eggs from predators, those being raccoons, fox and Ghost Crabs.  If all goes well and the eggs hatch, the Loggerheads make their way back to the ocean and hopefully return again to our beaches to begin the cycle all over again.

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Seabrook Island 2011 July Sales Up over Previous Year

Seabrook Island Real Estate - Sales of single family detached homes for the month of July on Seabrook Island improved greatly when measured against sales for July 2010.  In July of 2010 only two homes sold, one on Crooked Oaks Lane, SP $675,000 and one on Privateer Creek Road, SP $750,000. The average price per square foot was $212.00.  This past July seven detached homes sold, prices ranged from a low of $307,500 for a Summerwind Cottage to a high of $900,000 for a home on Seabrook Island Road near the beach and on Ocean Winds Golf Course.  One of the homes sold was Bank Owned, also on Seabrook Island Road just past Baywood.  It sold for $375,000.  Calculating the price per square foot with the Bank Owned home came to $238.13/square foot leaving it out of the calculation the price rose to $257.73/square foot.

In July of 2010, two attached (villas/condos) sold.  A two bedroom/two bath Live Oak villa sold for $250,000 and a two bedroom/two bath Spinnaker Beach House sold for $470,000.  The average price per square foot was $286.04.  This July two attached units sold, a two bedroom/two bath Marsh Walk Villa sold for $162,000 and a two bedroom/2 bath Spinnaker Beach House sold for $312,000.  The average price per square foot was $210.

With the summer months and people visiting the island on vacation has given some hope the market will perform as well or at least a bit better than last year.  A bright note is that three more lots have sold this year verses last year (8 in ’10 — 11 so far in ’11).  With the price of building a home as reasonable as it has been in a long time, the number of new homes under construction on the island has gone up dramatically this year.  These are not “spec” homes, rather they are custom built.  All of us hope this is a leading indicator.

2754 OLD OAK WALK – $339,000

Seabrook Island Homes For Sale

Seabrook Island Homes For Sale

PRICE REDUCED, PLUMBING UPDATED, READY TO CLOSE! MOTIVATED SELLER WILL CONSIDER ALL OFFERS. ENJOY EASY SINGLE-LEVEL LIVING WITH FABULOUS LAGOON VIEWS! SPACIOUS LIVING/DINING AREA FEATURING WOOD FLOORS, FIREPLACE, AND SLIDING GLASS DOORS TO SCREENED PORCH AND DECK. SEPARATE WET BAR PLUS CONVENIENT PASS-THRU FROM KITCHEN TO DINING AREA MAKES ENTERTAINING A BREEZE. MASTER BEDROOM WITH ADJOINING FULL BATH ALSO HAS ACCESS TO PRIVATE REAR DECK. IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED, LIGHT AND BRIGHT WITH SKYLIGHTS THROUGHOUT. ENCLOSED TWO-CAR CARPORT. LOCATED ON A BEAUTIFULLY WOODED LOT ON A QUIET STREET IN SEABROOK’S LAKE SECTION. BEST VALUE FOR A LAGOON-VIEW HOME!  Contact Akers and Ellis, Seabrook Island Real Estate

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