Residents of Ashton Cove, a lively, family-oriented neighborhood located on Broad Creek just off the Cross Island Expressway on the south end of Hilton Head Island, affectionately describe this small community of less than 100 homes as being as good as “the neighborhood where you grew up.” It’s where neighbors know one another and joyfully celebrate life together, whether it’s Monday Night Football with a television in someone’s garage or a bike parade on the Fourth of July.
Be forewarned: if you plan to live in Ashton Cove, be sure to have a generous budget for decorating the exterior of your home. Families in Ashton Cove are famous for putting on airs when it comes time to observe traditional holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Easter or the Fourth of July. For example, Ashton Cove is Hilton Head’s neighborhood of choice when it comes to Halloween. Families from all over the island come to this spirited neighborhood to have a memorable trick- or-treating experience. Jane Janiak, one of Ashton Cove’s first residents, admits that she buys at least four “Sams’-sized” bags of candy. “No matter how much I buy, we still run out,” Janiak said.
Velinda Fisher, a Realtor for Charter One and a resident, recalled spending $40 to $60 on Halloween candy, and that’s at half off regular prices the day after Halloween. “Parking can become a problem because people are everywhere,” Fisher said. “But it’s great!”
Janiak and her husband Pete bought their marsh-front property in 1992. They moved in a year later and were one of the first three houses in the subdivision at the time. The property was so affordable and undiscovered, they couldn’t resist. “We love it here because it’s not like a private plantation. We see and know most, if not all, of our neighbors. Ashton Cove is an extremely kid-friendly place to live,” said Janiak. “Plus, it’s close to the Cross Island and Crossings Park, which includes the skating rink where our three boys skateboard and play roller hockey. It’s very convenient.”
Paul Cibaldi, the original project manager and a key player who helped to develop the “modest-priced, traditional neighborhood with street-lights” concept back in 1990, drives through the community today and is pleased to see the results. “Originally, this area was part of the Sea Pines property but not included in the master plan to develop. The property was acquired and became one of the first neighborhoods to be developed under the Town of Hilton Head’s Land Management Ordinance, which meant a great deal of groundwork and planning went into this particular community,” Cibaldi said. “We knew we wanted to do something different. What we envisioned was a mini-plantation with 88 single-family homes with traditional architecture, including a range of color choices that went beyond the unobtrusive plantation grays, greens, and browns. At the time, we felt as though we introduced the Town of Hilton Head to color.”
The developer has since moved on, and the residents control their own property regime. The quarterly fees of $200 cover the expense of maintaining common areas such as the pool, playground, tennis courts and the electronic security gate. When the gate is closed after 7 p.m., residents can punch in a code to get in, or they can request a “clicker” (remote control).
When the playground needed refurbishing, the residents donated their labor, perhaps to save some money to put towards what has become yet another annual neighborhood tradition – the oyster roast. “Most of what goes on here happens without formal organization,” Janiak said. “It’s all word-of-mouth, a few flyers and an occasional newsletter.”
At Christmas time, residents organize a group of strolling carolers. Non-participating residents who would like to be “caroled” are told to put a Christmas bow on their mailboxes, signifying that an audience will be anticipating the group’s arrival. This holiday-friendly neighborhood is one of Palmetto Electric’s favorites. Fisher admitted, “Every year, it’s a battle with the circuit breakers at my house. The question is, do I have enough lights, or where can I add this string? It’s very festival around here, and not just at Christmas.” Fisher reported that some residents like their neighborhood so well they won’t consider leaving. “They either add on or move up or down the street,” she said.
That says a whole lot about a neighborhood and may explain why this community is so popular. Currently, there are three homes under contract, two active on the market ($239,000 & $292,000), and only one lot with a deep marsh view for sale ($135,000). A home with a deep-water view recently sold for as much as $392,000 and another has been appraised for $460,000. Still, attractive homes in this neighborhood can be found for around $250,000.
Ashton Cove is a great place for families and some retired folks who welcome the frequent sight of moms, dads and kids enjoying the neighborhood, but who also have included a line item in their financial plan for house decorating and candy. If that’s not the case, they might think about investing that money toward a late October/early November cruise! Either way, it’s good living at Ashton Cove.
