Home by the River: Coosaw Point

Relaxed front-porch living beneath live oaks, with the gentle currents of the Coosaw River just steps away – that’s Coosaw Point on northern Lady’s Island.

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!