Casual congeniality greets residents and visitors of Callawasie Island, a place where the slow pace and friendly charm of a small town blend perfectly with the luxurious amenities, tropic beauty, and rich history for which the Lowcountry is known.
The 800 acre island is surrounded by the waters of the Chechessee, Okatie, and Colleton Rivers, and boasts eleven miles of shoreline. “This truly is an island,” said Edwina Sanders, marketing director of Callawassie Island. “Our members make the most of it.” Some of the world’s best inshore fishing is found in the surrounding tidal creeks and rivers. Deep water fishing is readily accessible through the Port Royal Sound. On any given day, residents of the island may be found crabbing, shrimping, boating, or kayaking on the waters surrounding their home.
Located halfway between Beaufort and Hilton Head, Callawassie Island offers members seclusion and privacy without isolation. “We’re not in the midst of traffic like some areas, but we’re still close to shopping and airports,” said Tom Anderson, president of the Property Owners’ Association Board. A convenient causeway linking Callawassie to the mainland was built in the early eighties.
Only 724 home sites have been slated for the island which allows no commercial or business centers. The population density is low, only one person per acre. Panoramic vistas of serene salt marshes, tranquil lagoons, ancient forests, and award winning golf courses dominate the landscape. The custom homes of the island lay nestled between towering pines, majestic magnolias, and tropical palmettos to catch the temperate breezes blowing in from the three rivers.
The hub of the social scene on Callawassie Island is the Clubhouse, a 26,000-square-foot facility with casual and formal dining rooms serving the best of traditional, regional cuisine and a neighborhood pub. The Lowcountry- style building overlooks spectacular views of tidal marsh and the three finishing holes of the island’s noted Tom Fazio designed Callawassie Island golf course. Stylish rooms for meetings, cards, or private receptions are available to members, as is a billiards room, elegant men’s and ladies’ locker rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Outside the Clubhouse is a terrace garden, complete with a large “adults only” pool, cabana, snack bar, and six Har-Tru tennis courts. Families can enjoy the River Club on the south end of the island, a casual, cabana-style clubhouse with, meeting rooms, barbeque and picnic facilities, as well as a pool overlooking the Colleton River.
Callawassie’s members can also be found enjoying the award-winning, 27-hole Tom Fazio course, whose Southern links were once recognized as one of the “Best of the South” golf destinations for the quality of its bunkering and challenging 18th hole. The course has also been recognized by Golf Week, and was ranked as one of SC’s top five courses by Golf Digest in 1987. Golf memberships are limited to just over 500, guaranteeing residents leisurely play.
Callawassie Island is owned and governed by its property owners, who share and support the original developer’s dedication to preserving the island’s rare intrinsic beauty and unique historical heritage. Remnants of the island’s 6,000- year history of human habitation dot the landscape. The mysterious tabby and fire-brick ruins of a rare sugar mill dating from the 18th century have been preserved as part of a community park. Shell mounds and an ancient Yemasse Indian burial ground lie on the island, and archaeological digs have Indian artifacts displayed in a place of honor in the clubhouse.
“This island’s history is broad and fascinating,” said Edwina Sanders. “It’s been homes to the Yemasse Indians, trading posts, old plantations, farming, and hunting preserves. It’s been owned by notable families like the Drexels and Thomas Heyward, Jr.”
Callawassie Island was selected as one of America’s top twenty retirement communities for two years running by New Choices magazine, and was awarded one of America’s Best Master Planned Communities by the Where to Retire publication. About 75% of the island’s residents live there full-time, and about a third of those are working people.
“Our central location between the two communities is a big draw for couples who work in or between Beaufort and Hilton Head,” said John Adams, GM of Callawassie Island.
“This is not just a retirement community,” stressed Sanders. “ It’s one of the best values for your money that you’ll find in the Lowcountry.”
