Your Guide to Shipyard Plantation Homes

One thing we always tell buyers considering Shipyard: it's the best-kept secret on Hilton Head's South End. While Sea Pines gets most of the attention, Shipyard offers the same beach access, championship golf, and resort lifestyle—often at more accessible price points. After helping dozens of buyers find homes here, we've found that Shipyard attracts those who want convenience without compromise.

Shipyard Plantation spans over 800 acres of prime South End real estate, developed in 1957 as the second plantation on Hilton Head Island. The community blends residential neighborhoods with resort amenities, including the Sonesta Resort, Hilton Head Health spa, and world-famous Van Der Meer Tennis Center. With gated entries off both Pope Avenue and Highway 278, Shipyard offers unmatched convenience to Coligny Plaza shopping, dining, and the island's most popular public beach.

What Types of Homes Are Available in Shipyard?

Shipyard's single-family homes are concentrated in several distinct neighborhoods, including Kingston Cove, Gloucester Road, Bridgeport, and areas along the golf courses. Here's what many buyers overlook: Shipyard homes tend to offer larger lots and more privacy than comparable properties in neighboring Sea Pines, with prices typically 15-25% lower for similar square footage and amenities.

Home styles range from classic Lowcountry designs with wide porches and traditional architecture to contemporary coastal homes with open floor plans. Most properties feature views of the Clipper, Galleon, or Brigantine golf courses, lagoons, or wooded preserves. Lot sizes generally range from 0.25 to 0.75 acres, providing space for private pools, outdoor entertaining areas, and mature landscaping.

Single-family homes in Shipyard typically range from $900,000 for well-maintained 3-bedroom properties to $2.5 million+ for larger custom estates with premium golf course or lagoon views. The key difference between Shipyard homes and the community's extensive villa inventory is ownership structure—homes offer fee-simple ownership with no regime fees beyond the POA.

What Makes Shipyard Different from Other Plantations?

Location & Convenience: Shipyard's South End location places residents within walking or biking distance of Coligny Plaza, the island's main shopping and dining hub. From our experience, buyers who prioritize walkability and easy beach access without the higher prices of Forest Beach often find Shipyard to be the perfect fit.

Golf & Tennis: The Shipyard Golf Club features three distinct 9-hole courses that can be played in any combination, offering variety that most single-course communities can't match. The Van Der Meer Tennis Center, consistently ranked among the top tennis facilities in the United States, provides professional instruction and 23 championship courts.

Beach Club: Unlike some North End communities where beach access requires a drive, Shipyard's private Beach Club sits directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Residents enjoy dedicated beach access, restrooms, outdoor showers, and a true oceanfront community feel.

What Should You Know About Shipyard Home Ownership?

The Shipyard Property Owners Association manages the community's common areas, security, and amenities. Annual POA fees for single-family homes typically range from $3,000 to $4,500, covering gate security, road maintenance, common area landscaping, and Beach Club access. Golf and tennis memberships are available separately through their respective clubs.

Most buyers don't realize that Shipyard homes offer strong rental potential due to the community's resort character and proximity to Coligny Beach. While short-term rentals are more common in the villa complexes, single-family homes can generate significant rental income for owners interested in offsetting ownership costs.