Private gated island community with Tom Fazio golf, deep water docks, and Lowcountry luxury
Callawassie Island offers luxury Lowcountry homes from $400,000 to over $2 million in a private, gated community featuring 27 holes of Tom Fazio golf, deep water river access, two clubhouses, and South Carolina's first certified wildlife habitat designation.
Callawassie Island: Private Lowcountry Living
Callawassie Island stands apart from the Lowcountry's more densely developed communities. This 880-acre private island sits between Beaufort and Bluffton, accessible from Highway 170 yet feeling worlds away from commercial development. With only about 700 homesites surrounded by marshes, rivers, and maritime forest, Callawassie offers the kind of natural setting and privacy that drew residents to the Lowcountry decades ago—before much of the coastline became crowded with high-density development.
Golf and Outdoor Lifestyle
The centerpiece of Callawassie Island is its 27-hole Tom Fazio golf course, recently renovated to modern standards while preserving the natural Lowcountry character Fazio designed around. Three distinct nines—Dogwood, Magnolia, and Palmetto—wind through towering pines, ancient oaks, and saltwater marshes. Beyond golf, residents enjoy tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two resort-style pools, and deep water docks on the Colleton River. The island's Certified Wildlife Habitat status means nature walks, birdwatching, and encounters with deer, osprey, and other wildlife are part of daily life.
Home Styles and Settings
Callawassie homes reflect traditional Lowcountry architecture: elevated construction, wide porches, metal roofs, and natural materials that complement the island's preserved landscape. Properties range from golf course homes with fairway views to waterfront estates overlooking the marsh and Colleton River. New construction continues on remaining homesites, with custom builders creating homes that honor the island's aesthetic standards. Whether you prefer a cozy cottage or an expansive estate, Callawassie offers flexibility within its architectural guidelines.
Community and Location
The island attracts active retirees, second-home buyers, and permanent residents drawn to its combination of amenities, natural beauty, and manageable scale. Two clubhouses serve as social hubs, hosting dining, events, and community gatherings. While Callawassie feels secluded, it's conveniently positioned: Beaufort's historic downtown is 20 minutes east, Bluffton and Hilton Head are 25 minutes south, and Savannah's airport is under an hour away. This balance of privacy and accessibility makes Callawassie appealing to buyers who want resort-style amenities without resort-style crowds.
Expert Guidance for Callawassie Island Buyers
With 20+ years of Lowcountry real estate expertise, Russ and Deb understand Callawassie Island's unique community, market dynamics, and investment potential. As members of NAR, SCAR, Lowcountry Regional MLS, and Resides MLS, we provide comprehensive market data and comparable sales analysis for Callawassie Island Homes and all Lowcountry properties. Russ's 40+ years as a general contractor means he evaluates building condition, identifies maintenance considerations, and assesses renovation potential—critical insights for purchasing in a coastal environment.
As Certified Buyer Agents, we represent your interests exclusively. We review regime documents, analyze reserve studies, explain ownership structures, and guide you through every step—at no additional cost to you.
Callawassie Island Homes – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range for Callawassie Island homes?
Callawassie Island homes typically range from around $400,000 for interior homes to over $2 million for premium waterfront estates. Golf course homes and marsh view properties fall in the middle range. Vacant lots are also available for custom building. Prices reflect views, lot size, home condition, and water access.
What are the club membership requirements?
Callawassie Island operates as a private club community. Property ownership typically requires club membership with associated dues that cover access to golf, pools, fitness, tennis, and other amenities. Club dues and initiation fees vary, and we can provide current fee structures during your property search.
Can I dock a boat at Callawassie Island?
Yes, Callawassie has a community dock on the Colleton River with deep water access to Port Royal Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Some waterfront properties have private docks as well. The community dock area includes kayak storage and launch facilities. Water depth and dock availability should be verified for specific boating needs.
How far is Callawassie from Beaufort and Hilton Head?
Callawassie Island is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Beaufort and 25-30 minutes from Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. The Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport is about 45 minutes away. Highway 170 provides easy access to shopping, dining, and healthcare in both directions.
Is Callawassie good for full-time living?
Absolutely. While some residents use Callawassie as a second home, a significant portion live on the island year-round. The community has an active social calendar, multiple dining venues, and sufficient amenities to support daily life. Proximity to Beaufort and Bluffton provides access to healthcare, shopping, and services not available on the island itself.
What makes Callawassie different from Dataw or Spring Island?
Each island community has its character. Callawassie emphasizes golf and active lifestyle amenities at a more accessible price point than ultra-private Spring Island. Dataw is similar in scale but closer to Beaufort with a different golf offering. Callawassie's wildlife habitat designation and Tom Fazio golf attract buyers who prioritize natural setting alongside amenities. We help buyers compare communities to find the best fit.
Callawassie Island Homes Information Disclaimer
All property details, availability, regime fees, rental policies, pricing, and information for Callawassie Island Homes are subject to change without notice. Information updated frequently. Page last reviewed: December 2025.
Buyers should independently verify all information through professional advisors, inspections, association documents, and local experts before making any purchase decisions.
