Floor to ceiling windows allow a seamless interface with the stunning island habitat.
A legendary Lowcountry enclave, Spring Island was never on the radar for Jill and Andy Pedersen. In fact, they knew nothing about the destination until Andy overheard some colleagues discussing their flight plans in the coat room following a business meeting in New York. “They were concerned about returning in time to take care of their horses on Spring Island, South Carolina, and I couldn’t help asking about the intriguing spot,” he said. Enamored by research, Andy and Jill decided to visit the lush barrier island. Then fast forward, they found themselves purchasing an island home site within the year.
Both high-powered publishing executives, the Pedersens met while commuting to and from Manhattan, another somewhat random encounter or maybe more of their signature serendipity. Andy most recently worked with The New York Times and New Republic while Jill has held various roles at publications including Rolling Stone, GQ, Atlantic Monthly and The Week. The pandemic has eased their respective paces and allowed more time on the Carolina coast, where they’ve now made pastimes like horseback riding and entertaining bigger priorities.
“We had a second home in Palm Beach but were in search of a new community that had lots of activity—arts, equestrian facilities, golf course, trails for dogs.” Jill explained. Unquestionably a serendipitous alignment, the Spring Island backdrop and amenities seem ideal for the Pedersens for numerous reasons, beginning with their six children. Jill and Andy each had three children from previous marriages when they wed in Rumson, New Jersey, so they kid about their “Brady Bunch,” which consists of four girls and two boys, Grace, Rachel, Sarah, Allie, Will and Nick. Scattered across the country, in their mid-twenties and early thirties, the siblings make regular stops for reunions at their parents’ new South Carolina address and have evolved into an eclectically talented and tight-knit group.
Add to the family gatherings one poodle, Hadley, and two rescue pups, Bert and Marco, plus his and hers horses, Winnie and Daisy, and the coastal compound is complete. Though the horses board in stables, Jill rides Winnie daily now on Spring Island trails. The home’s front entrance actually features a traditional hitching post and watering trough. Meandering gardens, lemon, lime and orange trees and naturalized landscaping surround the island abode and blend with the pristine neighboring wildlife.
An open concept design inspires the casual flow throughout the great room, kitchen and dining areas. Note the images of the Pedersens’ horses, Daisy and Winnie, by the dining room table.
“By all means this is a retreat designed for family, a more unique take on the modern farmhouse concept with an open floor plan and casual vibe,” architect William Court said. He added that the island habitat provided inspiration too. “The design featured techniques like xeriscaping to embrace the more agrarian and natural aesthetic of Spring Island.”
One of the most unique elements of the home is the guest wing. It’s strategically connected to the house by way of the screened porch, allowing plenty of privacy for guests. This arrangement still permits common outdoor gathering to happen on the living porch. The back-to-back fireplace creates an extended great room experience. Living, dining, cooking and outdoor activities all blend together seamlessly.
Another less conventional touch, the master suite is the only bedroom in the main house, a truly hidden oasis, flanked by the rear porch and ensconced in dramatic nature views. “We like the intimacy of a smaller footprint and the convenience of single-story living,” Jill shared. “It’s carefree and comfortable.” She added that she and Andy enjoyed choosing the interior color palette, finishes and fixtures with their interior designer Nancy Mignon of Prim Designs and builder Mike Rollins with PR Homes. “I stayed very involved in selections even though I was in New Jersey. We had a great team including design architect Jen Foster to help execute our plans and add value,” she said. “Our priorities were low-maintenance living, bringing the outside in … basically a feeling of minimalism.”
Master suite savvy entails layered fabrics and finishes within a refreshingly bright palette.
Among the home’s signature highlights are vertical board and batten siding, sweeping curved roof forms, surface mounted exterior doors, full-height floor-to-ceiling fixed glass throughout the first level and generous vaulted spaces.
Foster noted the home’s spectacular entry. “The significant front gable statement begs your entry into the foyer and great room,” she said, adding that the exterior palette enhances the impact of the dramatic entrance and provides unexpected, eye-catching contrasts throughout the home’s elevations.
During an impromptu conversation over coffee in the Pedersen’s great room, Andy and Jill dwelled on the intangible highlights of their new life on Spring Island. “Since I’ve been working remotely the past year (as an adjunct professor), I’ve had more free time to get outside. I’ll take the dogs on long walks, sometimes a couple miles,” Andy said. “The island nature is so beautiful and calming. It’s such a magical departure from the urban rush. You can’t help feeling more relaxed and focused.”
Jill agrees and has grown accustomed to her daily rides on Winnie, yoga sessions, regular golf games, bridge, and painting. “One of the greatest caveats of our new home and life on Spring Island is the amazing neighbors who have become dear friends. We’ve shared many wonderful times together, whether on the golf course or around our dining room table,” she said, “and no doubt there will be more to come.”
For the Pedersens, that may be the best kind of serendipity.
