The river has its own way of welcoming you to your new home. It draws you to its banks with a mysterious pull. The air is warm and surrounds you with the sweet perfumes of primeval growth. Each lap against the shore, beckons you to play. The awakening sun spreads ever-changing colors across the wild horizon of the Waccamaw Neck. Giant Osprey rise from their homes and wave a wing or two. Birds of every description emerge from the fields of sun-bleached marsh grass.
This is your sanctuary with its own quiet serenity. You can drift off and let the current reveal passing shores of undisturbed nature. Let it take you back in time, past ancient rice fields and grand plantation homes. You feel as though you're part of this rich history in its most beautiful, natural form. This is reserved for you. On these grounds, once restricted to the wealthiest of plantation owners, The Reserve will continue a legacy of exclusivity. Only a select few will be able to experience this refined community, with all of its offerings, in comfort and privacy.
Just as nature mustn't be disturbed, there is an equal regard for the sanctity of the individual. Bordered by the river, protected land and wetlands, The Reserve is private by nature. And what nature couldn't provide, we have. Reflective of the plantation era, the entrance gate is a stalwart reminder of the importance placed on you as an individual and your need for privacy. So important is it that we provide 24 hour security.
This is a quiet retreat free of intrusion. Walk these grounds in peace, to reflect, to contemplate and to create. In this place blessed by nature, you are among a fortunate few. You live in an area surrounded by thousands of acres of protected land, state parks, national parks and wetlands.
From the North, you are greeted by the dense forest corridor of Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park. The entrance to the South is equally sheltered by Winyah Bay and the Hobcaw Barony. Of the land in the Waccamaw Neck, 60% cannot be developed.
In this tradition, we have opted for density of trees as opposed to people. The Reserve is a place where man and nature have learned to live in harmony. Enjoy the freedom of an uninterrupted hike in a dramatic expanse of flora and fauna. Witness the graceful dive of a Peregrine Falcon less than a half-hour's drive from the Ballet. Let the unspoiled spoil you.
The Reserve is at the very heart of the Waccamaw Neck. This elegant finger of land is so pleasingly situated between the ocean and the inland waterway, know as the Waccamaw River. Its tidal activity made it ideal for rice, planted here since the 1600's. By 1840, this area grew nearly half the rice produced in the United States. The Reserve is the site of two of the wealthiest plantations in South Carolina's history. Their rice became known as "Carolina Gold". Appropriately named, considering its role in supporting the planters' lavish lifestyles, reflected in their renowned Southern hospitality.
You can still taste it in the exotic Low Country culinary experience with early influences from France, Africa, the West Indies and New Orleans. You can hear it in the remnants of the Gullah language, and witness it in the elegance of classical sculpture, lush gardens and glorious architecture. You are the beneficiary to the preservation of this way of life.
Another side of life at The Reserve is the oceanside. What is now known as Litchfield By The Sea was, at one time, the exclusive preserve of wealthy plantation owners. They, too, felt the mysterious allure of this beach. They came to cool off in its clean waters and fresh breezes. It was a place to be revitalized, to fish, swim or just relax. Nowadays, nothing much has changed. Except that what was once their playground is now yours...one of the widest, cleanest and best preserved beaches on the Carolina coast. It's a place of bright, high, sunlit dunes, of brilliantly colored sunrises and soft sunsets in the nearby marsh.
Feel free to gather your trophies; sand dollars, shells, starfish and angel wings. Wade in the surf and contemplate life. Or simply meet people who, like our climate, are warm with sunny dispositions. It's your private beach, where life is a breeze. The dolphins at play in the surf are not the only signs of intelligent life. Look around you. You'll notice one of the most thoughtfully planned beach communities found anywhere.
The attractive clubhouse was designed to be used as your own beach house. Book it for a romantic evening of black tie and fox trot. A game of chess. Maybe just an informal meeting of friends. Whatever the reason, you're at home on the beach. If you're feeling active, you have your choice of seven lighted tennis courts. If not, simply take a deck chair and relax. If you like biking, hiking, walking or jogging, you don't even need to drive. Groomed trails provide a more charming mode of transportation, connecting The Reserve directly to the beach. Everything you've ever dreamed of for times at the beach is here. At your home.
In this ecologically balanced environment you have a quality of life few will ever experience. You can feel secluded, embraced by nature, yet be minutes away from a brand new 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art fitness center. You can muse through a renaissance of classical sculpture or take in an explosion of flowers on the grounds of Brookgreen Gardens. Bordering on The Reserve, America's largest sculpture garden is your backyard. If you're a nature or bird-watcher, just point your binoculars in any direction, or take a hike through Huntington Beach State Park, just across the road. For biking, walking or jogging, enjoy the idealic natural settings of The Reserve trails. Recently expanded, they now join the Bike the Neck trails which will soon go from Murrells Inlet all the way to Georgetown. On the whole, you'll find the area a healthy, stress free environment away from noise and hustle.
This stretch of Intracoastal Waterway is an undisturbed haven, not only for wildlife, for people as well. Only a short distance down river, a full one-quarter of South Carolina's fresh water drain into an awaiting ocean. Tour the great river of tannin-colored water against cliffs of white sand. Lose yourself in the intriguing tangle of others that flow into it, or go to the ocean for a day of fishing. There's always a safe harbor to return to.
A primary focus was placed on the design of a small, intimate marina. A charming canal will direct you into a beautifully accommodating port for boats of all lifestyles. The marina provides a launch area, 60 wet slips and 240 dry dock spaces. Located in the exclusive "Island" portion of the Reserve, it is also a place just to admire a spectacle of nature.