Daufuskie Island Real Estate
A short sail away from the shores of Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island is a residential barrier island rich in Gullah history with just over four hundred permanent, full time residents. The Island is 5 miles long by 2.5 miles wide and enjoys 3 miles of pristine beaches. Surrounded by Calibogue Sound and Intracoastal waterway, Daufuskie is accessible only by boat (or ferry). Comprised of natural marshlands and five developed communities, it is home to an interesting array of architecture and history.
Many Lowcountry residents and visitors enjoy day trips to Daufuskie’s waterfront restaurants/outdoor bars, live bands and golf courses. The island also has many short-term rental opportunities available for relaxing island getaways where the only mode of transportation is by golf cart.
Daufuskie Island was made famous by late author Pat Conroy, in his memoir, The Water is Wide. The book recalls his time spent as a teacher in the little school house on the Island, (called Yamacraw Island at that time) and his experience with the local islanders, their culture and history.
Area Attractions
Places to Visit Haig Point Club, on the northern end of the Island (Haig Point) is a private club where members can partake in swimming in the resort pool, horseback riding, tennis and golf and more! Explore the two historic lighthouses – the Bloody Point Lighthouse, built in 1883 and Haig Point Lighthouse, built in 1873.
Schools Daufuskie has one public school, serving students Kindergarten through 5th grade. Older students ride the ferry to Hilton Head to attend Hilton Head Middle School and Hilton Head High School. Private schools in the area are another option for preschool thru high school education. Visit our Lowcountry Insiders Guide for more information on school options, including private schools and the Beaufort County School District.
Community Farm Established in 2010 by a resident. Volunteers care for livestock, plant and harvest produce, and share with other residents so that no one is dependent on outside help.
Golf Two golf clubs, considered among the best in the world, can be enjoyed on the Island. Haig Point Golf Club is a private club with two courses, and Bloody Point Golf Club and Beach Resort is open to the public To learn more, read our in-depth guide: Daufuskie Island Real Estate.
Real Estate
With only 450 year-round residents, the architecture is as varied as the families living there. Many homes are custom-built with anywhere between 2 and 6 bedrooms and baths. The ceilings are high, which helps keep a home slightly cooler in the warmer summer months. Verandas and balconies are a common theme in the Island architecture. Moss hangs off hundred year old trees overlooking the water. Gables accompany many homes as well as wings dedicated to bedrooms or libraries. Hardwood floors and intricate millwork are among the upgrades found in upscale Daufuskie estates. Enjoy features like oversized windows, spacious kitchens, living areas and bedrooms. Some larger estates will feature generous sized libraries, sitting areas and office spaces.
Making Headlines
Haig Point was featured in the Wall Street Journal, July 2017. Here’s a small portion of the article. You can read the full article on their website
By Nancy Keates
There’s no grocery store, hospital or police station on Daufuskie, a small island off the coast of South Carolina where the total full-time population is about 400. People wave to each other as they zip around on golf carts, some on their way to get free eggs at the community farm. Eagles fly overhead, and dolphins arch from the water as if on cue. The social epicenter is a honky-tonk bar and restaurant called Marshside Mama’s, where residents come to drink and dance.
On the edges of this near-wilderness are three luxury golf communities—one prospering, one deteriorating and one hanging on. Moving from area to area is like entering different planets, populated by homeowners like musician John Mellencamp and former NHL star Mark Messier. The divergent fates of these communities reflect the ups and downs of the market for high-end golf communities in the South.
At one end of the spectrum is a gated, member-owned community called Haig Point, home to wealthy retired business executives and professionals. Its meticulously manicured grounds set it apart from other developments and neighborhoods on the island.
“When you go out our back gate, you enter a different world,” says John Tietjen, a 75-year-old former executive at Colgate-Palmolive who lives in a 3,600-square-foot Haig Point home there that he has filled with ancient American Indian artifacts and fossils he has found on the shores. Within the gates, there’s a rare combination of warm camaraderie and privacy, says Rick Wagoner, former chairman and CEO of General Motors, who has a second home there.” …Read more