Long Cove Club homesites range from approximately $250,000 for wooded interior lots to $750,000+ for premium golf and marsh-view parcels. With only ~120 undeveloped lots remaining in this 570-homesite community, availability is limited. Club membership is mandatory ($50,000 initiation + $19,515 annual dues), and all construction requires ARB approval emphasizing Lowcountry architecture.
Build Your Dream Home in Long Cove Club
Long Cove Club represents one of Hilton Head Island's rarest building opportunities—a chance to create your custom estate within a private, member-owned community centered around South Carolina's #1-ranked private golf course. With approximately 450 homes already built on 570 total homesites, fewer than 120 lots remain available, and new listings are increasingly rare.
Every Long Cove homesite was thoughtfully positioned during development to preserve the community's centuries-old live oaks and magnolias. Today, this careful planning means each lot offers its own unique setting—whether overlooking the Pete Dye golf course, bordered by winding lagoons, framed by salt marsh views, or nestled within serene wooded backdrops.
Lot Types & Views
Golf Course Lots: Overlooking the fairways and greens of the legendary Pete Dye course, these homesites command premium prices and offer the most sought-after views in the community. Golf lots provide both visual drama and the daily pleasure of watching play unfold from your lanai or pool deck.
Lagoon & Marsh View Lots: Many Long Cove homesites front the community's winding freshwater lagoons or overlook the salt marshes of Broad Creek. These lots offer stunning natural vistas, abundant wildlife, and the tranquil sounds of the Lowcountry.
Broad Creek Frontage: A handful of the most prestigious homesites front directly on Broad Creek with deep-water access. These rare parcels allow for private docks and direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Wooded Interior Lots: Offering privacy and natural beauty at more accessible price points, wooded interior lots provide a peaceful setting surrounded by live oaks, magnolias, and native Lowcountry landscaping.
Architectural Review & Building Requirements
Long Cove's Architectural Review Board (ARB) maintains strict design standards that have preserved the community's beauty and property values for over 40 years. All construction plans must receive ARB approval before building begins, with guidelines governing architectural style, exterior materials, roof configurations, colors, setbacks, tree preservation, and landscaping.
The ARB emphasizes traditional Lowcountry and coastal architecture. Homes typically feature elegant stucco and cedar exteriors, many with stone, brick, or wrought iron accents. No two homes look alike—all are custom-built to complement both the lot's natural features and the community's refined aesthetic.
Current building codes require the first livable floor to be at least 14 feet above sea level (BFE). Lots that allow slab-on-grade construction are generally less expensive to build on than those requiring pier foundations. Coastal proximity also affects material requirements for long-term durability in the salt-air environment.
The Building Process
Building in Long Cove typically follows this timeline: lot selection and purchase (including club membership), architect selection and design development, ARB submission and approval (plan to allow 60–90 days), permitting with Beaufort County, construction (12–18 months for most custom homes), and final ARB inspection. Throughout construction, lot owners enjoy full access to all club amenities as members.
Architectural fees generally range from 8–12% of construction costs and cover initial design, detailed construction drawings, ARB submission support, and construction administration. Working with architects and builders experienced in Long Cove's ARB process helps ensure smoother approvals and prevents costly design revisions.
Ownership Benefits During Construction
As a Long Cove lot owner, you're immediately a full club member with access to golf, tennis, pickleball, the marina, pool, fitness facilities, and all dining and social amenities. Many lot owners enjoy the community for months or years while planning their dream home, getting to know neighbors and experiencing the Long Cove lifestyle firsthand.
Expert Guidance for Long Cove Lot Buyers
With 40+ years in construction before becoming a broker, Russ brings unique expertise to lot evaluation—assessing elevation, drainage, buildability, and potential construction costs that affect total investment. We know which Long Cove lots offer the best value, which views will endure, and which homesites present hidden challenges. As members of NAR, SCAR, Lowcountry Regional MLS, and Resides MLS, we track every Long Cove lot listing and can identify opportunities before they're widely marketed.
We also connect buyers with architects and builders experienced in Long Cove's ARB process, helping ensure your vision becomes reality without costly delays or design compromises. As Certified Buyer Agents, we represent your interests exclusively—at no additional cost to you.
Long Cove Club Lots – Frequently Asked Questions
What do Long Cove lots cost?
Long Cove homesites typically range from $250,000 for wooded interior lots to $750,000+ for premium golf course, marsh-view, or Broad Creek frontage parcels. Pricing varies significantly based on size (typically half-acre to three-quarters acre), views, privacy, and buildability factors like elevation and required foundation type.
Do I have to join the club if I buy a lot?
Yes, club membership is mandatory for all property owners in Long Cove—including lot owners. When you purchase a lot, you pay the $50,000 initiation fee and begin paying annual dues ($19,515 in 2025). You immediately gain full access to all club amenities including golf, tennis, pool, marina, and dining facilities—even before you begin building.
How does the ARB approval process work?
All construction in Long Cove requires Architectural Review Board approval. You'll submit detailed architectural plans, material samples, color palettes, and landscaping plans for review. The ARB emphasizes Lowcountry and coastal architecture, with guidelines governing style, materials, height, colors, rooflines, setbacks, and tree preservation. Plan for 60–90 days for the approval process, though working with architects experienced in Long Cove can streamline reviews.
How long does it take to build in Long Cove?
Custom home construction in Long Cove typically takes 12–18 months after ARB approval and county permitting. The total timeline from lot purchase to move-in often runs 18–24 months when including design development, ARB approval, and permitting phases. Coastal construction requirements, material selection, and builder availability all affect timelines.
What are the building code requirements?
Current building codes require the first livable floor to be at least 14 feet above sea level (Base Flood Elevation). Lots at higher natural elevations may allow slab-on-grade construction, while lower lots require elevated pier foundations—adding to construction costs. Coastal proximity also requires weather-resistant materials and construction techniques designed for salt air, humidity, and hurricane conditions.
Can I hold a lot without building immediately?
Yes, many Long Cove lot owners hold their property for years while planning their dream home. As a lot owner, you're a full club member with access to all amenities. The community does require lot owners to maintain their property (keeping it cleared of debris and underbrush), and vacant lot maintenance services are available. There are no specific timelines requiring construction.
