Nestled between the Colleton and Chechessee rivers, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, lie 3,000 acres of maritime island beauty.
Spring Island, as unpretentious and understated as its name, is one of America’s most exclusive enclaves. It’s a unique community, limited to no more than 410 families, situated just 25 minutes from Hilton Head and Beaufort and only 30 minutes by boat from Port Royal Sound and the open Atlantic Ocean.
Spring Island was born of an earlier geologic age than other nearby barrier islands, accounting for some unique geographic features and intense, intrinsic beauty. A lush tapestry of primordial oaks heavily laden with thick Spanish moss provides a canopy over snaky, winding roads bordered with tropical fauna and panoramic views over field marsh. Not a mailbox or streetlight can be seen; the only sign of man’s unassuming presence is a rare glimpse of one of the island’s custom homes peeking through the trees.
“It’s a park with a community in it, as opposed to a community with a park in it,” said James Chaffin Jr., president of Spring Island Company. That philosophy has been the cornerstone of the community’s development. In fact 1,200 acres, owned and managed by the Spring Island Trust, a non-profit, third party entity created solely for the purpose of the land’s protection, have been set aside as open nature preserve, never to be developed.
Stewardship for the island’s natural beauty and resources was clearly on the developer’s agenda in creating Spring Island as a
residential community. Developers chose to forego over 5,000 homesites permitted by the county in favor of creating less than 500, allowing for the low density and large lots that would preserve the island’s natural state. Spring Island has won the Urban Land Institute’s Sensitive Development Award and counts a naturalist as the second person hired by the development team.
Over 35 miles of hiking, biking, and bridal paths meander through the diverse habitats of wildlife. Kayaking and nature programs offered by the Mobely Nature Center, located in the hub of the community, provide further opportunities for members to interact with the wild beauty surrounding them.
“People’s demeanors change when they are in constant touch with nature,” said Chaffin. It’s a belief based on the philosophy of Charles Fraser, for whom he worked from 1968-1978 at the Sea Pines Company. Spring Island also echoes the Fraser legacy of setting aside the most pristine areas for all to enjoy. On Spring Island, these include Bonny Shore, the “point” on the Colleton, the waterfall (one of the few in the entire lowcountry), and the Edwards Plantation ruins.
Spring Island has an active membership, providing as many opportunities to interact with the neighbors as with the environment. Opportunities for chance encounters abound. For example, the River House is one of two clubhouses where members can enjoy fine dining in casual, relaxed attire, and meet and greet neighbors when picking up mail at the community post office. Located right down the road are the Mobely Nature Center and Art Barn. Both facilities host programs and visiting artists and lecturers on topics ranging from painting and pottery to ornithology and archeology, allowing members to exercise their intellectual and cultural curiosity. For those who prefer more physical exercise, the Sports Garden provides softball, horseshoes, croquet, volleyball, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a pool.
Of course no lowcountry community is complete without golf.
The Old Tabby Links Club on Spring Island, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, provides a challenging 18-hole course and practice range. “Golf Week” magazine ranked The Old Tabby Links eleventh out of the top 100 residential courses. After a round of golf, members can enjoy dining and unwinding at the Golf House, a clubhouse located on the 18th hole. However, golf membership at Spring Island is limited to only 350 members.
Outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen can enjoy salt- and freshwater fishing on the tidal creeks and rivers, as well as the inland lagoons. Sporting clays are also available on the 12-acre course designed by Don Carlyle.
The Spring Island Hunt Club at Pleasant Hills lets members partake in old-fashioned quail hunting. 25 stalls of both club and privately owned horses are on hand for rides through the moody magnificence.
“People act natural in a natural environment,” said Chaffin. Spring Island is the perfect nesting spot for anyone in search of an informal, casual lifestyle surrounded by the finest amenities both man and nature can offer.
