Habersham boasts the “Best Neighborhood Design in America” award from the National Association of Home Builders. The community is located on the Broad River just minutes from downtown Beaufort and less than an hour from Hilton Head Island and Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA.   Habersham’s roots in traditional Deep South architecture bore fruit through the careful design work of Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company, a nationally-known firm with accolades for bringing back the joys of small town neighborhood living.

 Habersham, almost a town to itself, features elegant architecture, preserved live oaks, the commercial Town Center with its shops and restaurants, woodland and waterfront parks, nature trails, boating, fishing, swimming at the gorgeous community pool, as well as nearby golf.

 A drive through Habersham showcases the community’s commitment to preserve – to preserve coastal Southern architecture and to preserve the ‘sense of place’ by protecting trees, marshland and open space. Homes are built to proper scale and proportion, seen in the windows, doors and porches of all the homes. Front porches are both pleasing to the eye and an important piece of the community spirit, harkening back to days when people sat out front and shared the news on a daily basis.

 Homes in Habersham range from cozy cottages to larger five-bedroom homes on lots of a quarter-acre to one-acre plus. Prices typically range from $300,000 to north of $1 million, and stunning waterfront views are available.

 Schools: Children in Habersham are zoned to attend Broad River Elementary, Robert Smalls Middle School and Battery Creek High. Nearby private school options include Beaufort Academy and St. Peter Catholic School. Habersham’s parents also were instrumental in creating Riverview Charter School, temporarily housed near downtown Beaufort.

Shopping: Grocery stores are about six miles from Habersham, and numerous other retailers and restaurants are clustered at the intersection of Robert Smalls Parkway (SC 170) and US 21. Historic downtown Beaufort, which celebrates its 300^th birthday in 2011, is a short 10-minute drive away.

Beaches: Hunting Island State Park on the Atlantic Ocean, about 30 minutes from Habersham homes, features miles of sandy shore, a lighthouse to climb, trails to run and a scenic lagoon, perfect for fishing or launching a kayak.

Boating and Fishing: The Broad River is well known by locals to be a top spot for fly fishing for redfish. The run of Cobia is one of the strongest on the East Coast.

Coosaw Point is located on 400 acres including frontage on the Coosaw River, which is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Of those 400 acres, only 300 are designated for development – the other hundred acres are reserved for open space, parks and amenities.

And, talk about amenities! Residents of Coosaw Point enjoy a gorgeous riverfront swimming pool and shaded kiddie pool, topline tennis courts, community boat and crabbing dock with a well-maintained boat landing, an 8,000-square foot River Club clubhouse with sweeping view of the river, parks, a gazebo and other attractions.

Developed by the Robert Gallant family with an abiding appreciation for the Lowcountry environment, the community appeals to families and to retirees. This rich blend brings the residents together as family, much like neighborhoods of old. A typical afternoon finds children playing on the swings, moms and dads out for an after-work run, and others gathered at the community dog park with their pets. Some choose to gather for sunset cocktails at the pool, or on the second-floor veranda of the River Club, to watch the Coosaw River as it winds out to sea.

Formerly known as Laurel Hill Plantation, the property once was a hunting and fishing preserve. The property sported a small landing strip for private planes which would bring in guests for weeks of fishing for redfish, speckled sea trout, flounder, or hunting for deer, duck and dove. Fishing remains a popular pastime for Coosaw Point residents, but hunting isn’t allowed any more.

In designing the community, tree preservation was a priority. As you drive through this beautiful community, you’ll notice homes and garages built to blend with the natural setting, rather than being forced into the environment.  All new construction must meet approval by the community Architectural Review Board, which includes review of landscaping and tree removal.

Homes range from 1,700 square feet to more than 5,000 square feet and start around $425,000. Lots typically are one-fourth to three-fourths of an acre and start at $70,000; waterfront lots are available. Home designs are traditional Southern coastal, with wide front porches, rear screened porches and shuttered windows. Most homes are two stories, though a few ranch styles have been built and a few feature a limited third floor. For many, the detached garage includes a mother-in-law suite, which can double as a rental property, guest cottage or home office. Custom homes built over a crawlspace with Hardiplank siding are typical.

Schools: Children in Coosaw Point are zoned to attend Coosa Elementary (one of the top elementary schools in the region), Lady’s Island Intermediate/Middle School (grades 5-8), and Beaufort High. Nearby private school options include Beaufort Academy, located just three miles away, and St. Peter Catholic School, located five miles from Coosaw Point.

Shopping: Publix and Food Lion grocery stores are five miles from Coosaw Point, and numerous other retailers, restaurants and churches are clustered at the intersection of US Highway 21 and SC Highway 802, five miles from Coosaw Point. Historic downtown Beaufort, which celebrates its 300^th birthday in 2011, is six miles away.

Beaches: Hunting Island State Park on the Atlantic Ocean, about 20 minutes from Coosaw Point, features miles of sandy shore, a lighthouse to climb, trails to run and a scenic lagoon, perfect for fishing or launching a kayak. For boaters – or people who have friends with a boat – there are hundreds of islands, hummocks and sandbars within minutes of Coosaw Point. These isolated areas are perfect for picnics!

 A private gated community, Fripp attracts permanent residents, seasonal residents and tourists. The island is located halfway between Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. It is a nature-lover’s paradise: A wide marsh and estuarine system separates Fripp from the larger St. Helena’s Island to the northwest. Fripp boast beautiful white sand beaches along the Atlantic, the width of the beach varies widely based on seasonal tides and the shifting offshore sandbars.

 In addition to providing a security force and fire/rescue squad, the island developers also maintain their own bridges, roads, paths, parks, and beach access routes. Oceanfront homes typically price well above $1 million, but many are designed as rental homes with six or more bedrooms. Second row, creekfront or marshfront homes are available with stunning views for substantially less money.

 Fripp Island is a relatively new residential development. Because it’s located at the eastern terminus of U.S. Highway 21, the island was used primarily as a private hunting ground from the 1800s through mid-1900s. Then, as bridges began linking the Sea Islands of Beaufort in the 1950s, a group of investors sought to build a residential resort on Fripp. After setting in place basic legal and financial foundations, a bridge arose to connect Fripp to what is now Hunting Island State Park.

 Beaufort is about 20 minutes from Fripp. Children living on the island attend St. Helena Elementary, Lady’s Island Middle and Beaufort High Schools. Beaufort Academy, an accredited private K-12 school, is about 20 minutes from the island. The nearest grocery and other shopping is in Beaufort.

Within a decade of opening, Fripp’s developers built the Ocean Point Golf Links, a Racquet Club for tennis, a sheltered marina just minutes from the Atlantic’s open water, and a variety of homes and condominium units – usually referred to as “villas” in the local parlance. In 1994, the island underwent another major development phase on its southwestern end, where scenes had been filmed for the Hollywood movie “Forrest Gump.”  An additional golf course designed by Davis Love III was built, as well as a new amenities center.

 And speaking of amenities …

 The Fripp Racquet Club provides eight fast-dry clay courts and two hard courts, all of which are used for outdoor tennis play. The Club offers tournaments, instruction, and social events throughout the year.

As for pools … Centrally located on the island is The Beach Club, which has three pools that are primarily utilized by resort guests. The Ocean Creek Cabana Club boasts three pools and a fantastically colorful and splashy pool that appeals to young children.

The Fripp Island Marina is a full-service facility with a tackle shop and convenience store serving both permanent slips and dry-slips for smaller vessels. Fishing charter boats operate from the marina and water sports equipment is available for rent.

Two championship golf courses with pro shops and driving ranges. Instruction is available.

 Cat Island, an exclusive 432-acre community surrounded by wide swaths of ever-changing saltwater marsh and the waterways of Port Royal Sound, is only minutes from historic downtown Beaufort – but is a world away.

 Views of the marsh or water are around every corner. Amenities include a superbly-landscaped Springhouse swimming pool and cabana, a fitness center, tennis courts and the South Carolina National Golf Club. Designed by George W. Cobb, this public, 18-hole course showcases incredible play through Cat Island’s maritime forest and along Port Royal Sound.

 Cat Island is a special community, tucked away under the shade of ancient oaks and swaying palmettos. Homes generally reflect a traditional Southern coastal design. Cat Island is only a 10-minute drive from historic Beaufort, 45 minutes from Hilton Head Island, and an hour from Savannah, Charleston and international airport connections.

 Available homesites on Cat Island include lots with view of the golf course, saltwater marsh and deep water, and range in price from $100,000 to $500,000.  Homes start from 2,000 square feet and about $400,000, with waterfront and marshfront views commanding more. Many homes include garages, either attached or detached with guest suites above.

 Residents are treated to daily life amid egrets, fox squirrels, deer and Great Blue Heron. Fishing, shrimping and crabbing are popular pastimes along the numerous waterways at Cat, and oysters can be harvested in season as well. Near the center of Cat Island is the British Open Pub, which offers casual dining and, of course, fish and chips. 

 Schools: Children in Cat Island are zoned to attend Lady’s Island Elementary, Lady’s Island Intermediate/Middle School (grades 5-8), and Beaufort High. Nearby private school options include Beaufort Academy, located just four miles away, and St. Peter Catholic School, located two miles from Cat Island.

Shopping: Publix and Food Lion grocery stores are two miles from Cat Island, and numerous other retailers, restaurants and churches are clustered at the intersection of US Highway 21 and SC Highway 802, just two miles from Cat. Historic downtown Beaufort, which celebrates its 300^th birthday in 2011, is a short 10-minute drive away.

Beaches: Hunting Island State Park on the Atlantic Ocean, about 20 minutes from Cat Island, features miles of sandy shore, a lighthouse to climb, trails to run and a scenic lagoon, perfect for fishing or launching a kayak. For boaters – or people who have friends with a boat – there are hundreds of islands, hummocks and sandbars within minutes of Cat Island. These isolated areas are perfect for picnics!

The Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is the area’s most prominent and popular park. Located in downtown Beaufort along the waters of the Beaufort River, this vibrant, multi-acre park provides a breathtaking view of the Beaufort River, the Woods Memorial Bridge, the western tip of Lady’s Island, the eastern side of Port Royal Island and the northern tip of Parris Island.

On any given day, youngsters pull crabs from the rising tides of the Beaufort River, fishermen hook dinner for the night and shrimpers use centuries-old techniques to throw castnets to catch the tasty crustacean.

From a riverfront swing, you can see Parris Island, boot camp to all Marine recruits from East of the Mississippi, and home of one of the nation’s first Spanish settlements at Santa Helena. In the distance, the Beaufort River empties into Port Royal Sound, one of the East Coast’s most productive estuaries.

Shade trees swaying in the sea breeze provide a relaxing atmosphere. Other amenities include a variety of flowers, shrubs and plants, a stage for performances, a pavilion for displays, and a grassed amphitheater for picnicking, Frisbee or simple relaxing. One of the most popular features are the riverside swings, providing a simple opportunity to enjoy gentle sea breezes as a variety of water activities (fishing, boating, etc.) contribute to the relaxing atmosphere.
The park created public open space in an area where docks used to provide river access for downtown Beaufort merchants. Over the years, the docks became somewhat decrepit and, with newer and more efficient methods of delivery, the area was ripe for redevelopment. Henry C. Chambers, then mayor of Beaufort, worked with federal officials to gain financing to create the park with a series of seawalls and infill.
Today the Waterfront Park is home to many of Beaufort’s best-known festivals, including the Gullah Festival (Memorial Day week), Water Festival (a weeklong event in mid-July), and Shrimp Festival (early fall).
The park is only steps away from dozens of restaurants, shops, art galleries, churches and historic homes, and the Downtown Marina is located at the western tip of the park. There is a playground and restrooms in the park. Vehicle parking is available in several nearby lots or on the streets, and the park is handicapped accessible.
For More information contact Michael Mark of Team Beaufort.

A century later, the English stepped into development plans for the Beaufort area when, on March 24, 1663, King Charles II granted the Coastal Area to eight ‘Lord Proprietors.’ They named their territory “Carolina” in honor of King Charles I.
Beaufort, the second oldest town in South Carolina, was founded in 1711. Beaufort was named for Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort (1684-1714), one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina.
Beaufort was a colonial gem with wealthy planters and merchants. Nearby is Penn Center, the first school for freed black slaves established by Unitarians from Pennsylvania even as the Civil War waged on. In the 1980s, Beaufort saw its tourist fortunes rise with the filming of several major Hollywood films here, including “The Big Chill,” “Forrest Gump,” and “Prince of Tides” – the latter written by Pat Conroy, who calls this area his home.
Beaufort’s been named a “Best Small Southern Town” by Southern Living, “Top 25 Small City Arts Destination” by American Style, a “Top 20 Fishing Town” by Field and Stream, a “Top 50 Adventure Town” by National Geographic Adventure and a “Top 200 Outdoors Town” by Outdoor Life magazine.
A careful note of local importance that sets apart the Carolinas: In Beaufort, South Carolina, the name is pronounced BYEW-ford. In North Carolina, a coastal town of great similarity with the same spelling is pronounced BO-fort.
For information about Beaufort’s celebration of its 300th birthday and the city’s extensive history, visit http://www.beaufortthreecentury.org/.

Hunting Island State Park on the Atlantic is one of the most popular state parks and beach areas in South Carolina, attracting over a million visitors annually. The pristine sandy beach, natural setting and warm Atlantic Ocean make a perfect getaway among its 5,000 acres. Hunting Island features a campground, which has spaces for RV’s and tent campers, as well as a primitive camp site for established groups. The camping area has easy access to the beach.

The park is located at the eastern tip of U.S. Highway 21, about 15 miles from downtown Beaufort and a 20-minute drive from many popular neighborhoods in the Beaufort area. It’s the primary ocean access for northern Beaufort County and, unlike commercially developed resort beaches, is a natural setting more reminiscent of a deserted isle.

The Hunting Island historic lighthouse is the state’s only lighthouse open to the public to climb. From the top platform, you get a sweeping view of the ocean, beach and the marshland.

Fishing is popular in the lagoon, in the four miles of ocean surf and from the fishing pier which reaches 1,120 feet into Fripp Inlet. Located at the pier entrance is a Nature Center with exhibits of the local wildlife and marine life. Use of the pier is free with park admission.

Along with humans who come to the beach are an array of wildlife, ranging from loggerhead sea turtles to painted buntings, barracudas to sea horses, alligators, pelicans, dolphins and deer, raccoons, Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes and even the rare coral snake. What they all enjoy is five miles of beach, thousands of acres of marsh, tidal creeks and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet.

Hunting Island State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation.

The park’s interior has one of the state’s best examples of semi-tropical maritime forest with ancient sand dunes now dominated by such vegetation as slash pines, cabbage palmetto (the state tree) and live oak. Trails wind through the forest, perfect for hiking, running or biking.

For bird watchers, hundreds of species also are resident on or visit Hunting Island, including painted buntings, tanagers and orioles, along with pelicans, oystercatchers, skimmers and terns, herons, egrets, osprey, kingfishers and wood storks.

The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time. Admission is $4 adults, $2.50 seniors and $1.50 for children ages 6-15. Admission is free for youngsters age five and younger.

Michael Mark of Beaufort SC has enjoyed this park for 35 years, come visit, you will want to stay!

For purchases made after November 7, 2009, the income limits for eligibility have also been expanded. The credit does not start to phase out until Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples filing jointly. That wide range helps more people qualify for this credit.

Further, the credit can be claimed by homeowners buying a new principal residence if they have lived in their current home for at least five of the last eight years. For repeat purchasers, the credit is capped at $6,500.

Of course, there are limits. The right to use the credit is phased out as Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) rises from $75,000 to $95,000 on a single return, or $150,000 to $170,000 on a joint return. For example, if you show an AGI of $160,000 on your 2009 IRS return, that’s halfway up the phase-out range, qualifying you for half of the $8,000 credit — $4,000. Still not bad!
Under both the old and the new versions of the law, you can treat the purchase as having taken place on December 31 of the prior year if you want to claim the credit against that year’s taxes. You also can file an amended return for the prior year, if you’ve already filed, so that you can receive the credit immediately rather than waiting to file your 2009 tax return in 2010.
Most qualifying taxpayers will claim the credit of $8,000 for purchases through May 1, 2010 on their tax returns using Form 5405. Your Team Beaufort experts will gladly help you with this and any supporting documentation you may need.

A century later, the English stepped into development plans for the Beaufort area when, on March 24, 1663, King Charles II granted the Coastal Area to eight ‘Lord Proprietors.’ They named their territory “Carolina” in honor of King Charles I.
Beaufort, the second oldest town in South Carolina, was founded in 1711. Beaufort was named for Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort (1684-1714), one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina.
Beaufort was a colonial gem with wealthy planters and merchants. Nearby is Penn Center, the first school for freed black slaves established by Unitarians from Pennsylvania even as the Civil War waged on. In the 1980s, Beaufort saw its tourist fortunes rise with the filming of several major Hollywood films here, including “The Big Chill,” “Forrest Gump,” and “Prince of Tides” – the latter written by Pat Conroy, who calls this area his home.
Beaufort’s been named a “Best Small Southern Town” by Southern Living, “Top 25 Small City Arts Destination” by American Style, a “Top 20 Fishing Town” by Field and Stream, a “Top 50 Adventure Town” by National Geographic Adventure and a “Top 200 Outdoors Town” by Outdoor Life magazine.
A careful note of local importance that sets apart the Carolinas: In Beaufort, South Carolina, the name is pronounced BYEW-ford. In North Carolina, a coastal town of great similarity with the same spelling is pronounced BO-fort.
For information about Beaufort’s celebration of its 300th birthday and the city’s extensive history, visit http://www.beaufortthreecentury.org/.