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.

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.

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 20^th 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 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.

Another restaurant to try is The Stono Café located at St. John’s Yacht harbor.  To get there from Seabrook Island follow the Betsy Kerrison Parkway to the intersection of Bohicket and River Roads, bear right and follow River to the light at Maybank Highway, go right and at the first light go left as then follow the access road to the Yacht Club.  Owner Barry Waldrop has taken this old location, freshened it up and serve absolutely delicious sandwiches and salads along with burgers, crab cakes and shrimp and grits. There is a great outdoor area with umbrellas and tables overlooking the marina with a long sit down bar at the end.  The Stono Café is open for lunch Tues.-Thurs. 11:30am-2pm, dinner 4-9pm and Saturday and Sunday 11:30am-9pm.  Prices range from $6-&13.  Telephone number is 762-6660.

Coyotes are sighted on Seabrook Island.  Well, they are finally here!  The wiley coyote has finally decided to take up residence on Seabrook.  The first sighting was observed in the horse pasture, near the stables.  During the September, 2010 deer survey, again a lone coyote was observed in nearly the same location.  More recently there have been several coyote sightings.  In particular there was one observed on Jenkins Point Road, and another in the marsh behind Green Heron Court.  According to SCDNR, coyotes have been present in South Carolina for some time and are now present in every county in the State.  Now that we know they are here and are a part of the community, it will be interesting to see how well they adapt to us, and how well we adapt to them.

 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 2^nd hottest summer in the last 141 years.

• 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.

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 29^th.

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

• Friday, September 2^nd. 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 2^nd.  Folly 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, 4^th.  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, 4^th.  The 5^th 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.

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.

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 17^th will be Groove Train.  Don’t forget to bring a blanket and/or chairs.

 Every Monday from 4 to 8 PM through August 29^th (excluding July 4^th) 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” 4^th 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.