Everyone who drives to Hilton Head passes through Bluffton. Located between Route 170 and the bridge to Hilton Head Island, Bluffton is a quaint, but rapidly growing, community that features the down-home feeling of a small town and combines that with the conveniences and progress which come from being one of the fastest growing areas in South Carolina. With the growing number of residential communities in the area, Bluffton has also become a business hub. Highway 278 is a popular business and shopping center area and new construction reflects the areas popularity. The following describes a few of the Bluffton neighborhoods.
Belfair Plantation: A private, 1,100 acre community along the scenic marshes of the Colleton River and just five miles from Hilton Head, Belfair features two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio. The plantation's grand clubhouse contains a 29-acre state-of-the-art practice facility. Residents enjoy a Family Activity Center featuring a tennis club, swimming pools, a fitness center, playground, picnic area and nature trails with wildlife viewing areas, and a carefully preserved wading-bird rookery.
Berkeley Hall: Berkeley Hall is an 860 acre private golf community featuring two Tom Fazio courses. This upscale private community also includes a health and fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and tennis courts.
Bluffton Park: This new neighborhood is currently being developed off of S.C. 46 near downtown Bluffton. Four hundred homes are scheduled to be built in the first phase of development. Ultimately, over 500 more homes and villas as well as retail and commercial centers are to be built. Family orientated, the development in one of the fastest growing towns in South Carolina will be within walking distance of a planned 32 acre community park in Bluffton
Bluffton Village: Currently under construction by Quality Properties Inc., this village of 32 Charlestonian-style townhouses is located on S.C. 46 in Bluffton. Purchasers can choose a 4 or 5 bedroom townhouse with detached garage and a separate lockout unit.
Colleton River: Located just two miles from the Hilton Head Island Bridge, the entrance road to this elegant plantation winds thru 2.5 miles of the South Carolina Nature Preserve. Inside lies a 1,500-acre community with over 7.5 miles of saltwater marsh and over a mile of deepwater on the Colleton River. The plantation has 2 golf courses of Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus designs, with a wonderful Charlestonian designed clubhouse overlooking the Nicklaus course and the gorgeous sunsets on the Colleton River. The Pete Dye clubhouse is patterned after an old Southern plantation and is situated on one of the Lowcounty's most pristine estuaries. Residents can enjoy the Stan Smith designed tennis facility and a fitness/activity center.
The Crescent: Stretched across the marshes of the Colleton River, this plantation offers homes along the fairways of the only Arnold Palmer designed golf course in the Hilton Head area. The Crescent Point clubhouse features a pro shop, informal grill, covered rocking chair verandas and a residents-only gathering room. Many family amenities are offered in the swim/tennis/fitness/cookout center.
Eagle's Point: With a golf course designed by Davis Love III, a clubhouse, junior-Olympic swimming complex, changing rooms, an open air cabana, fireplace, covered picnic area and a tennis center next and tennis courts, the Eagle's Pointe community offers something for everyone. Eagle's Pointe also features a 7.5 acre lake with walking trails winding throughout the neighborhood.
The Farm at Buckwalter: The Farm is a newer community with 500+ affordable homes. A community built on a foundation of family values with its parks and bridges. It is located across the street from Bluffton's new school campus. Architecture is reminiscent of Olde Bluffton.
Fern Lakes: Located on Burnt Church Road, Fern Lakes offers 90 homes in a family oriented neighborhood. It has a three-mile long lake waterway with excellent fishing and boating. Lots are generously sized averaging three-quarters of an acre and residents enjoy a community pool and playground.
Hampton Hall: Pursue the many recreational activities within Hampton Hall's 1,000-plus acres. For golfers there is a private 18-hole Pete Dye signature course and clubhouse. A 17 acre activity center is situated on a lake and offers aerobics, massage, weightlifting, indoor pool, function rooms and a café. Additionally, residents can use an outdoor pool, basketball courts, outdoor cooking pavilion, and 6.5miles of walking and biking trails. Ultimately, 1000 homes and cottages will to be built.
Heritage Lakes: This mature neighborhood is located off Hwy 278 just 2 miles from the Hilton Head Island. A total of 235 homes have been built on the development's 250 acres. Amenities include 40 acres of lakes, 40 acres of forest preserve, and a community swimming pool.
Heyward Pointe: This 615-acre gated community is located midway between Bluffton and Beaufort off S.C. 170. There are just 128 manor sized homes here and the land's natural beauty, not golf courses, is the major reason to choose to buy here. The community sits at the confluence of Checheesesee Creek and the Okatie and Colleton Rivers. Residents enjoy the 25-acre equestrian park, five miles of walking and riding trails, and a 70-acre lake system for fishing and kayaking/canoeing. The River House features a casual dining area, catering kitchen, library, large screened-in porches and decks with views of the marsh and river. Several connecting buildings house a fitness center, tennis courts, pool and hot tub. Lot sizes range from 1 to 2.7 acres.
Island West: Located at the Island West golf course on Hwy. 278 in Bluffton, you will have gated golf country club living in a traditional neighborhood setting. Preferred golf memberships are offered to residents and all can use the tennis courts, junior Olympic sized pool, shuffleboard, and a clubhouse containing a media center, card room and an aerobic facility.
Lake Linden: Located on Burnt Church Road less than one mile from Hwy 278. Homes enjoy either a lagoon or wooded view in a family-friendly neighborhood. There are lighted sidewalks throughout and a recreation center that includes swimming, tennis, volleyball and a playground for the kids.
Moss Creek: Moss Creek is located just before the bridge to Hilton Head Island. Moss Creek features an equestrian center, tennis facilities, two Tom Fazio golf courses and breathtaking marsh views, as well as a deep water marina. Residents enjoy an outdoor pavilion for cookouts and parties, swimming pool, playground and an 11-acre nature preserve. Moss Creek is convenient to business and shopping centers in Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island.
Oldfield: Oldfield is an award-winning residential community in Okatie. Recently, Oldfield was awarded Audubon International's inaugural Neighborhood for Nature Award in recognition of environmentally responsible development.
Oldfield has 550 home sites on a 860-acre site on the banks of the Okatie River. The community is being developed by Crescent Resources, a Duke Energy company. Crescent Resources is also the developer of Palmetto Bluff (see below). Oldfield's staff naturalist, Marvin Bouknight, provides homeowners and guests with educational programs and seminars geared to native flora and fauna. He also serves on the community's architectural review board.
Oldfield is a pilot member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Neighborhoods, an international program, sponsored by Audubon International to encourage environmental conservation.The community's golf course, designed by Greg Norman, was officially designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanuary in 2005. For more information about Audubon International go to www.auduboninternational.org.
Amenities at the community include eight miles of hiking and biking trails, extensive wildlife education programs for residents, golf and tennis, kyaking, fly fishing and other low impact environmental activities through the Outfitters Center, staffed by a full time naturalist and three river pros.
The Outfitters Center offers a wide range of seminars, workshops, field trips and nature interpretive programs year round. Topics explored include an array of outdoor programs involving kyaking, bird watching, fishing, fly casting, outdoor photography, beach combing and shelling, edible and medicinal plant identification, landscaping for water conservation and wildlife attraction, butterfly gardening, campfire cooking, star gazing, composting and recyclying and the environmental importance of insects and reptiles.
Palmetto Bluff: Palmetto Bluff is an upscale, 22,000 acre development located on the headwaters of the May River. The site is halfway between Savannah and Hilton Head. Here purchasers can buy and build a family estate on sites ranging from 8 to 33 acres: or they can choose a village home within walking distance of the inn; or they build their home around the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Auberge, of Napa Valley fame, has been hired to run the inn as well as the food services for the budding village. The project offers fishing, return to nature, boating, golf and of course magnificent views of the May River.
Riverbend: An upscale, active adult community with access to Sun City amenities, Located along Hwy. 170, residents of Riverbend can enjoy the beautiful biking and walking trails that wind along the Okatie River. This active adult community features a clubhouse, dock, and swimming pool.
Rose Dhu Creek Plantation: You will find large home sites of 1 to 5 acres of wooded or marsh/creek lots in this private gated community. Recreational facilities include a full-service equestrian center, community pool, and walking trails. The plantation is located on S.C 46 and is near the new Bluffton public schools.
Rose Hill: Rose Hill is a private residential community located on both sides of Hwy. 278 approximately seven miles from the bridge. Rose Hill is divided into two communities, the
equestrian estate side and the country club side. On the Country Club section amenities include, 27 holes of golf, and a private clubhouse and pool. Homes on the equestrian side are built on 2 to 3 acre sites and feature a state of the art equestrian center, polo fields and riding trails.
Sandy Pointe: This new development is located off Buckwalter Parkway, away from highway noise but near schools and shopping. Wooded or lagoon side lots are available. Residents make use of a community pool, gazebo, and playground in this family friendly development.
Sawmill Forest: Sawmill Forest is located just off Hwy 278. The neighborhood features sidewalks and streetlights and offers traditional-style homes with big front porches. Community pool and playground and exercise facility are favorite spots for residents.
Shell Hall Plantation: Shell Hall Plantation has 264 homes built on 120 acres and is part of the Buckwalter tract. Amenities include an aquatic center, tennis courts, a croquet course, bocce court, playground area and walking trails.
South Pointe: South Pointe is a collection of 54 homes located in Bluffton just 1 mile from the Hilton Head Island Bridge. Built on a breezy peninsula and surrounded by a number of holes of the Old South Golf Links, the development has privacy and security features including an electronic gate which is operational from each home. Residents can get together at the community pool or party center. Special golf rates are available to residents.
Sun City: This active retirement community located in Bluffton is like a small town. Inside the development's 5,000 acres are over 7,000 homes and recreational facilities for everyone. For golfers there are two 18-hole golf courses, driving range, putting green and clubhouse. Many activities are centered in the 45 acre Community Recreation Campus and Town Square. Included are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, exercise rooms, tennis and bocce courts, croquet, an arts and crafts center and a social hall where some 68 clubs meet.
Traditions at Old Carolina Golf Club: This private, gated community of 115 charming single family homes includes a pool, tennis facilities and special arrangement for golf privileges. Choose golf, lagoon or wooded views.
Victoria Bluff: This community is home to young professionals and retirees who like the family-oriented atmosphere found in the unique architecture - no two of the 63 homes are alike. Residents enjoy the privacy that comes with being surrounded by the 1200-acre Victoria Bluff Preserve. Enjoy wooded walking trails and wildlife here.
Westbury Park: The neo-traditional neighborhood offers homes with large front porches, sidewalks lit by streetlamps, stocked lakes and shady squares. Westbury Park is located off Rte 278, approximately 5 miles from the Hilton Head Island Bridge.
Woodbridge: Woodbridge offers large homes with lagoon or wooded views. The neighborhood features a 13-acre park, which includes lake, gazebo and lots of room to play. Residents enjoy a clubhouse with a community pool. In the Parkside section, classic homes include sidewalks and streetlights, and the natural beauty of a 100-acre nature preserve.
