Located just 10 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, Callawassie Island is situated at the confluence of Callawassie Creek and the Little Chechessee, Okatie, and Colleton rivers. Entirely surrounded by salt marshes and tidal creeks, and with deep-water access to Port Royal Sound via the Colleton River, there is no shortage of opportunities to get out and enjoy the Lowcountry waters and all its wonders.
This 880-acre island community currently boasts 550 families – most of whom are full-time residents – with a maximum build-out around 650 homes. Homesites range from about a half-acre to full acre and offer a variety of beautiful views, whether on the marsh, the Colleton River, or the golf course. Like many other wonderful communities in the area, amenities and natural beauty abound, so sometimes drawing distinctions can be challenging.
When you talk to Callawassie Island residents and staff, however, they strongly believe that their experience is unique in a variety of notable ways, beginning with the balance they’ve struck between their community and its surroundings. Callawassie Island holds the distinction of being the first certified Community Wildlife Habitat in South Carolina. As you travel through the community, the preservation of its natural beauty is a testament to the stewardship of people who originally developed the community to prioritize the trees and the wildlife. And now, the current members are equally dedicated to celebrating and fostering that natural environment.
“Our community is vibrant, with an amazing natural environment and a wonderful group of people dedicated to preserving it,” said Emily Kearney, an active resident and Realtor in Callawassie. “We’re grateful to those before us for their mindful stewardship. Because this is a private island with limited land, making decisions for the community’s longevity is both special and unique.”
Callawassie Island holds the distinction of being the first certified Community Wildlife Habitat in South Carolina.
“We are a true island, with some pretty serious natural beauty,” said Jeff Spencer, general manager and COO. “Gated communities are one thing, but a gated community with a quarter-mile causeway is a whole different animal and a big draw for anyone who visits, along with the security Callawassie offers, the serenity, and the peace and quiet. Also, we’re an Audubon Certified community, and everyone who lives and works here is committed to maintaining and caring for our unique environment.”
The warmth of their neighbors is something Callawassie residents value greatly, holding one another in the highest regard. Their beautiful backdrop is more illuminated by their noticeable hospitality.
Lindsey Cooler recently celebrated her 17th anniversary as Callawassie Island communications and membership director.
With more than 50 active clubs, Callawassie’s golfers, paddlers, tennis players, fishermen, gardeners, and others are encouraged to share in their interests, delve into their crafts, and socialize through island-wide events and activities.
“What makes Callawassie a standout are the people,” Cooler said. “Our members make living in this community an absolute delight. We’re in a beautiful area of the U.S. among a lot of beautiful communities, but it’s extra special here. When I park my car each morning, as soon as I get out, members are waving, ‘Good morning. How are you?’ They ask how I’ve been, what I’ve been up to, and how my family is doing.”
Spencer agrees that the one of the bigger benefits to Callawassie is that it’s a nice tight community with a lot of nice people – those who live there and those who work there.
“The people that work here are just as committed to the exceptional lifestyle as the members,” Spencer said. “We have a quality staff and provide a happy work environment for the people who are employed here. It’s helpful for all of us to maintain quality people who enjoy longevity with us. Several of our staff have worked here for quite some time, which demonstrates a commitment on both ends, and that kind of continuity is a nice thing for any community to offer.”
The security director on Callawassie has been in that post for more than 25 years; the director of tennis recently retired after 28 years; and some of the kitchen staff are at the 30-year mark. Maintaining that kind of continuity of staff lends an air of competence and trust for the membership. They know the members by name and the members feel safe and know they can rely on the team who cares for their investment.
Entirely surrounded by salt marshes and tidal creeks, and with deep-water access to Port Royal Sound via the Colleton River, there is no shortage of opportunities to get out and enjoy the Lowcountry waters and all its wonders.
Callawassie Island POA board member Pam Rape and her husband moved to the island from Charlotte after previously owning a home in Kiawah Island, where they thought they wanted to retire. After owning the Kiawah house for a few years, they realized that the community didn’t have enough full-time residents to give it the “warmth” factor that they finally found on Callawassie. They visited Callawassie in 2014 on a “Discovery Trip,” bought a lot and moved into their forever home in 2016.
“One of the things we really enjoy most about Callawassie are our neighbors – most of whom live here full-time, like we do, and there aren’t a lot of rentals,” Rape said. “My husband is a college football official, and so he’s gone on a lot of weekends. We wanted someplace where I could still feel comfortable while he’s away. The sense of community here allows me to just call up some girls and say, ‘Hey, let’s go have dinner at the club,’ or even if I walked in by myself, I could sit down with somebody and enjoy a meal. The people really are special here, which is why we chose Callawassie, and we haven’t been disappointed.”
Golfers can enjoy three impeccably maintained nine-hole courses on Callawassie Island – The Dogwood, The Palmetto, and The Magnolia.
Connection is another distinguishing factor of life on Callawassie Island. As soon as you cross the island’s causeway, you’ll feel at ease and connected with your surroundings, neighbors, and even yourself. Though they live on an island, residents value their location and its proximity to all things Lowcountry.
“Callawassie is strategically located in the heart of Beaufort County,” Kearney said. “We enjoy a distinct advantage being equal distance from Bluffton and Beaufort. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or other activities, we simply turn right or left depending on our needs. Additionally, with Hilton Head, Savannah, and Charleston nearby, it’s easy to plan a staycation. Our community was made for travel enthusiasts, as both Hilton Head and Savannah airports are nearby.”
Whether recent retirees, young professionals, or those choosing to have a second home, all residents share connections. The private, welcoming, and relaxed setting promotes strong relationships. With more than 50 active clubs, Callawassie’s golfers, paddlers, tennis players, fishermen, gardeners, and others are encouraged to share in their interests, delve into their crafts, and socialize through island-wide events and activities. Everything you might need to enjoy Lowcountry living to the fullest can be found within your reach, and the wide range of amenities and facilities were designed to help members connect with one another in a relaxed environment, all while enjoying the surrounding natural landscape.
The captivating landscape of Callawassie Island lends itself as a means for members to fully enjoy the great outdoors.
GOLF
Golfers can enjoy three impeccably maintained nine-hole courses on Callawassie Island – The Dogwood, The Palmetto, and The Magnolia – all of which loop back to the pro shop. All are designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, and while they may differ in difficulty, each offers an enjoyable game as well as stunning views. Golf professionals are onsite year-round to offer clinics and help members sharpen their games, and the pro shop is stocked with everything you might need for your round. An active golf community hosts several events to encourage people to fall in love with the game of golf.
The pro shop is stocked with everything you might need for your round.
WELCOME CENTER
The friendly local sales team at the Welcome Center will help you explore and are experts on every aspect of Callawassie Island living. Stop by to enjoy the magnificent views from the Welcome Center windows that offer a taste of the community’s natural scenery. A visit here offers your first glimpse into the relaxing, warm atmosphere cultivated on the island.
The Callawassie Island River Club, situated on the banks of the Colleton River, offers sweeping water views and year-round waterfront dining.
CLUBHOUSE
Surrounded by mossy oaks and picturesque water views, the spacious and newly renovated Callawassie Island Clubhouse exudes coastal charm and classic Lowcountry style. Designed for members to gather with friends, family, and neighbors, the Clubhouse also sets the scene for the many active island clubs to meet, socialize, and host events. Whether you’re looking to grab post-golf refreshments, Sunday brunch, or a more formal dining experience, the Clubhouse is the perfect spot. The Clubhouse is also home to many community events, including trivia nights, wine tastings, ecology presentations, and more.
RIVER CLUB
The Callawassie Island River Club, situated on the banks of the Colleton River, offers sweeping water views and year-round waterfront dining. In addition to a casual dining restaurant, this comfortable community clubhouse also includes a family swimming pool, sundeck, and fire pit outside. Built in 2019, the River Club is an ideal place to gather and spend time with loved ones while soaking in the sunshine and stunning river views.
FITNESS CENTER
The Fitness Center offers a private, personalized workout setting. State-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength training equipment, free weights, and certified trainers on-site make it easy to focus on your health and goals. The fitness director and staff are happy to help with the proper use of equipment and offer personal training and various group classes. Nutritional programs, physical therapy, and massage therapy sessions are also available. If you prefer to get your exercise in the fresh air, there are two swimming pools, as well as opportunities for scenic walking and biking throughout the island.
RACQUET SPORTS FACILITY
You can find a very active racquet sports community playing matches or practicing their skills on six Har-Tru tennis courts. Equipped with professional-grade ball machines, members can sharpen their swings with the help of an on-site pro if necessary. You’ll also find a patio and pavilion, perfect for socializing before and after a match, along with four Pickleball courts to enjoy.
The captivating landscape of Callawassie Island lends itself as a means for members to fully enjoy the great outdoors. While the stunning surroundings might be what first captures your attention, you’ll find it’s the friendly, warm way of life here that sets the community apart. They’ve struck the perfect balance of a relaxed yet active lifestyle, and they share in a deep appreciation for one another and the island they call home. On Callawassie, neighbors quickly become lifelong friends and the island quickly feels like home.
