Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is unlike any other place in the world. The 5,200-acre coastal development holds the title of the first luxury resort on an island that is world-famous for luxury resorts. And while having a reputation as the oldest among a cohort of state-of-the-art developments may initially conjure up images of outdated architecture, rusty pipes, and cracked sidewalks, the Sea Pines Resort is nothing but elegant and contemporary. Sea Pines has remained one of the most popular resorts on the island for decades due to its plethora of amenities, commitment to maintaining and updating its facilities, abundance of real estate options, and an environmentally friendly attitude that seeks to blend with and enhance the area's natural landscape, rather than to conquer it.
While the Sea Pines Resort and surrounding area is a bustling hub of activity today, it was once a quiet and isolated place. In fact, for most of its history, Hilton Head Island was secluded from the rest of the world and home to only a small population that specialized in the production of Sea Island cotton. However, that all changed in 1956 when a bridge was built connecting Hilton Head Island to the mainland and the Fraser family set its sights on developing the area. In 1957, Charles E. Fraser, Joseph B. Fraser Jr., and their father, Joseph B. Fraser Sr. formed the Sea Pines Company and hired locals and visitors to execute their plans for the Sea Pines Resort. It's said that the Frasers encouraged their employees to travel, enjoy midday games of tennis, and picnic with family and friends, which seems right in line with the spirit of today's Sea Pines Resort.
The Fraser family no longer owns or oversees the Sea Pines. In fact, its ownership has been transferred many times throughout the years. So, who owns Sea Pines now? In 2005, William H. “Bill” Goodwin Jr. and his family’s company, The RiverStone Group, purchased Sea Pines for $23.4 million. Goodwin was a longtime property owner in Sea Pines. His son, Matthew Goodwin, currently chairs the company's subsidiary, Sea Pines Resort LLC.
If you’ve never been to the famed resort, are planning a trip, or happen to find yourself in the area, you may feel stuck wondering what to do in Sea Pines. However, you’ll soon find that Sea Pines offers a seemingly endless number of opportunities for family fun, relaxation, and recreation. Practice your swing at one of the four impressive golf courses, savor delicious lowcountry faire at one of the resort's restaurants, rent a bicycle and utilize the local trails to explore the area, go boating or kayaking, play a lively game of tennis or pickleball, or participate in one of the resort's many fitness classes or daily recreational activities. The Sea Pines Beach Club is also a popular choice for anyone who loves to spend sunny days under an umbrella listening to the waves crash and feeling the cool sea breeze. The Sea Pines Beach Club is private in the sense that the beach is only available to residents and guests of the Sea Pines Resort. However, anyone can dine at the club’s restaurant and bar.
With so much to do, see, savor, and enjoy, it’s no wonder people love to live in this luxurious resort atmosphere all year long. Sea Pines homes for sale offer a wide range of real estate options, catering to every lifestyle, family size, and budget. Whether you’re looking for a condo, single-family home, sprawling estate, or waterfront property, Sea Pines has it all. And that’s where Southern Coast Realty comes in – acting as your matchmaker and guide to finding the perfect Sea Pines home.
Posted by Russ Fielden on
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