Hilton Head Plantation^Featured

In the early 1970's, it became clear that Hilton Head Island needed an exclusive community that would entice residents who wanted a neighborhood style of living - a staunch contrast to developments heavily dependent on tourism. This original concept, to provide resort-style facilities and activities in a purely residential development, has continued to be the hallmark of Hilton Head Plantation.

Although development of the community began in 1973, the assets of the plantation were purchased by The Melrose Company in 1985, whose three principals had been involved with the sales and development of Hilton Head Plantation from its beginning.

Located at the north end of the island, 4,000-acre Hilton Head Plantation is one of the largest communities on Hilton Head, featuring four championship golf courses, a family-oriented country club and full-service marina on the Intracoastal Waterway with 250 deep-water docks for large and small craft. Residents also enjoy two large recreation areas, a walking beach, tennis, swimming, baseball fields, and playgrounds. An extensive system of bike and walking paths link the community's neighborhoods together. Because of the variety of activities and types of neighborhoods Hilton Head Plantation offers, it attracts a diverse and fascinating group of residents.

One resident said, "We've lived in Hilton Head Plantation for eight years and have enjoyed every minute of it. With all the activities, clubs and friends we've made, it's like starting a second career." Golfers, boaters, fishermen and fisherwomen, artists and gardeners, all can find a group of like-minded individuals within the community in one of their more than 25 clubs and organizations.

To keep abreast of the community's smorgasbord of leisure opportunities, residents can read Plantation Living, a monthly newsletter for residents of Hilton Head Plantation. Folks can join up with their neighbors at the Green Thumbers, Bridge Winners, Craft Group, Curtain Calls, 55+ Singles Group, Island Hoppers, Newcomers Club, Out-To-Lunch Bunch, or the TGIF Grillers. The Plantation House is centrally located within the community and hosts numerous special events including distinguished guest speakers, concerts, Write Your Life seminars, and Trash and Treasure sales, their recycled name for a large-scale garage sale. With its broad verandas overlooking Spring Lake, the Plantation House is always busy with weddings, receptions, bridge tournaments and a variety of family-oriented events.

The portion of Hilton Head Plantation that overlooks the Port Royal Sound onto Parris Island is called Dolphin Head. Many couples mark their calendars: "full moon" so they can remember to take advantage of Dolphin Head's mile-long beach and go for a leisurely walk in romantic moon shadows. For families with young children, the playground and picnic area can be a powerful drawing card.

Some people might be surprised to know that there is a Civil War fort of some historical interest located within Hilton Head Plantation. Fort Mitchel is actually a small area nestled on the banks of Skull Creek. A short, self-guided walking tour leads you through selected battles fought on and around Hilton Head. Fort Mitchel is conveniently located adjacent to the Old Fort Pub, an award-winning, four-star restaurant that residents and guests enjoy year-round.

Another self-guided trail and place of distinction is Whooping Crane Conservancy, a central part of Hilton Head Plantation's "emerald necklace" of preserved forests and wetlands. This 137-acre area is one of the last remaining retreats for an enclave of rare subtropical birds, reptiles, and mammals. Paths have been carefully planned to meander from pine flatwood forests to boggy bottomlands, allowing visitors to wander through corridors of tupelo gums until they encounter green water in the bright, grassy savannahs. Visitors are reminded to "take only pictures, leave only footprints."

Within the plantation, there are approximately 3,850 homes, which translates to approximately 9,000 residents. New residents can take advantage of the handy dandy new residents checklist, complete with phone numbers of whom to call for what, posted on the plantation's Web site. The HHPPOA (the property owners' association) takes pride in handling these essential details as well as maintaining the commonly owned landscaped areas, enforcing the rules and regulations, printing the newsletter and keeping the website up to date.
 
The annual fees for improved lots are $843, and $504 for unimproved lots. Golf membership costs are always separate from the purchase of a property, which David Pautler, a real estate consultant and buyers representative for Coldwell Banker, thinks is a great advantage to this appealing community. "Although there are four golf courses here, residents don't have to be golfers to get involved in a stimulating social life," he said.

The main entrance to Hilton Head Plantation is located on William Hilton Parkway, four miles from the mainland bridge. But many residents prefer to use the back entrance located off Squire Pope Road just past the Hilton Head Boathouse, Hudson's on the Docks, and Charley's Crab. With two welcoming ways to get in and lots to do once you arrive, like they say, Hilton Head Plantation is a beautiful place to call home.