Peaceful seclusion on Seabrook Island
A coastal barrier island with miles of private, sandy beaches and marshes, two golf courses, an equestrian center and oceanfront pools, Seabrook Island provides an escape from the tourist-packed streets of nearby Kiawah Island and downtown Charleston. “People love to have their peaceful moments here,” says Bob Nitkewicz, luxury property consultant for Dunes Properties, who has 12 years of experience selling in the Charleston area. “Seabrook Island is not driven by a large resort like Kiawah Island, so there’s far less traffic, which makes it more attractive to some homebuyers.”
Boating, biking and private golf courses
Private, deepwater docks allow locals to take their boats or kayaks out and explore the marshes and surrounding waterways. There are also community fishing and crabbing docks along the Kiawah River. The Bohicket Marina & Market is an additional docking point where people can stop to fuel up or grab a bite. As people walk along the sandy shores of Seabrook Beach or take off on bike rides along the island’s secluded streets, many will likely spot wildlife – ranging from dolphins and alligators to bobcats and the occasional turkey. From March through October, people have to turn off any lights visible from the beach by 9 p.m. for sea turtle nests to form or hatch. The island even has its own turtle patrol to protect the sea creatures. A private club packed with amenities sits just past the guard-gated entrance to the island. “It’s mandatory to become a member for seven years unless you move out of the area,” Collins says. Depending on membership tier, locals can gain access to tennis and pickleball courts, horseback riding along the beach and two swimming pools. Golfers can also take their pick from two 18-hole courses, Ocean Winds and The Crooked Oaks. The former winds along the Atlantic, while the latter is tucked between marshes and is shaded by century-old, moss-covered oaks.
Elevated waterfront estates
Most single-family homes are elevated because of Seabrook Island’s proximity to the water. Styles range from large Queen Anne houses to Coastal-style and custom-built homes with marsh views. Spacious yards are enhanced by meticulously landscaped gardens and Palmetto palm trees. Price points fall between $1.6 and $4 million, depending on whether the houses have waterfront or golf course views. “Homes typically only stay on the market for 24 hours, especially if they’re waterfront,” says MJ Collins, a Realtor for Agent Group Realty with more than 40 years of experience selling in Seabrook Island. The area also has townhouses and villas, which Nitkewicz describes as “their own community within the community.” Prices for these options range from $350,000 to $1 million.
Clubs connect community
Along with the island’s turtle patrol, there are multiple clubs and social groups to suit the taste of residents and allow them to connect with neighbors. The Seabrook Island Natural History Group takes culinary tours through Charleston and has visited the Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary in Charleston Harbor. There is also an artist guild that hosts art classes and exhibitions, book clubs, a ping pong club called the Seabrook Smashers and group fitness classes.
Waterfront eateries and shopping at Freshfields Village
The Seabrook Island Club has multiple restaurants with their own flair. Cap’n Sam’s Grill is a casual spot between the club’s two pools. Pelican’s Nest is another low-key option for locals to watch the sunset or spot dolphins passing by on the outdoor waterfront patio. The more upscale eateries on the island include the Palmetto Room and Bohicket Lounge, each serving Southern cuisine. Just outside the island’s entry point is Freshfields Village – a shopping center on Kiawah Island where locals head to pick up groceries at Harris Teeter or peruse the racks at local boutiques like Johnny Was and TINA Stephens. The complex also houses several local restaurants, including Fuji Sushi Bar and FortyEight – Wine Bar & Kitchen. The spot lives up to its name, serving 48 wines, 48 local craft beers and 48 food options daily.
Magnet program at Haut Gap Middle School
Public school students in Seabrook Island are zoned for the Charleston County School District. They’ll attend Mount Zion Elementary School, which Niche gives a B rating. Students later filter into A-minus-rated Haut Gap Middle School, where they can apply for an advanced studies magnet program. At St. John’s High School, which has a C-plus rating from Niche, students can participate in the junior firefighters' program, founded in 2024, and get hands-on training on a fire engine donated to the school by the Charleston Fire Department.
Less than 25 miles from tourist-packed Charleston
While locals can walk or bike to many of the amenities around the island, they’ll have to hop in their car to make the trip to Charleston along State Route S-10-20 for nearly 24 miles. The roadway also links them to MUSC Health University Medical Center, which sits on the peninsula. Driving about 6 miles further will lead to the terminals at Charleston International Airport.
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
