Living in Leamington, Palmetto Dunes

Leamington holds a distinction no other Hilton Head community can claim: it's the only private oceanfront neighborhood where residents can drive their golf carts directly to a private Beach Club. This simple amenity captures something fundamental about Leamington's appeal—the combination of genuine residential living within one of the island's premier resort communities, without the transient feel that characterizes many vacation-oriented developments.

Unlike Palmetto Dunes' Mariner's or Inverness sections where vacation rentals generate constant turnover, Leamington prohibits short-term rentals entirely within its residential gates. This creates a neighborhood dynamic that appeals specifically to buyers seeking either primary residences or seasonal second homes where they'll know their neighbors and experience stability rather than the revolving door of weekly vacationers.

Community Character and Access

Once you pass through Leamington's private gatehouse, the difference becomes immediately apparent: no rental company signs, no multiple cars cycling in and out weekly—just well-maintained homes, mature landscaping, and the kind of quiet you'd expect from an established residential neighborhood. The community spans over 460 acres of wooded landscapes surrounding the Arthur Hills Golf Course, with access via a private owner's entrance on Highway 278 and Ocean Lane near the beach.

The 306 single-family homes range from gracious golf course settings to serene lagoon-front properties and beautifully wooded lots with mature live oaks, pines, and palmettos creating natural privacy screens. Home sizes vary considerably, from comfortable family residences to expansive custom estates, with prices reflecting this diversity—from the mid $600Ks for interior lots to multi-million dollar properties with premium views or oceanfront positioning.

Private Amenities and Resort Access

Leamington residents enjoy exclusive amenities beyond what's available to other Palmetto Dunes property owners. The Leamington Beach Club, accessible by car or golf cart, features BBQ facilities, an open-air shelter, sun deck, day kitchen, private beach access, and shower facilities. The Recreation Center received a complete pool renovation in 2024, adding an ADA chair lift and expanding the pool size significantly. Additional facilities include a kayak/canoe launch, watercraft storage, playground, and bocce ball court.

Beyond these private amenities, Leamington residents have full access to everything Palmetto Dunes offers: three championship golf courses (Arthur Hills, Robert Trent Jones, and George Fazio), the award-winning Tennis and Pickleball Center, the 11-mile lagoon system, Shelter Cove Marina, and miles of biking and walking trails. The combination creates an enviable lifestyle—residential neighborhood stability with resort-level recreation.

Historic Character

Leamington is home to the Leamington Lighthouse, also known as the Hilton Head Rear-Range Light, constructed during the 1870s. This historic structure is the only lighthouse on Hilton Head Island, adding a unique character to the community that connects residents to the island's maritime heritage.