Dewees Island: A True Nature Sanctuary

by Peter Derry

If you are looking for a place where nature comes first and people come second, Dewees Island is the answer. It is a private island about 11 miles north of Charleston that feels like a different world. There are no paved roads, no cars, and no stores. It is a quiet sanctuary where only 150 homes will ever be built, ensuring the island stays wild and beautiful forever.

At PHD Properties, we think of Dewees as the ultimate escape for people who want to live in harmony with the ocean and the forest.

Building for the Forest: The Architecture

Building a home on Dewees Island is very different from building on the mainland. There are strict rules to make sure every house "blends in" rather than standing out.

Small Footprints: You can’t build a giant mansion that takes up the whole yard. Homes are kept to a modest size to leave plenty of room for trees and animals.
Natural Colors: Forget bright white or bold colors. Houses must be painted in "earth tones" like browns, greens, and greys. Most use natural cedar shingles and metal roofs that look like they belong in the forest.
No Lawns allowed: You won't find any green grass yards here. Instead, the natural bushes and trees grow right up to your front door. This protects the local plants and saves a lot of water.

Getting Around: The Ferry and Golf Carts

The most unique part of living on Dewees is how you get there. Since there is no bridge, you have to plan your day around the water.

The Private Ferry: Residents and their guests take a 20-minute ferry ride from the Isle of Palms. It usually leaves the mainland every hour and returns from the island on the half-hour.
Electric Only: Once you land, you leave your car behind. Everyone gets around using electric golf carts, bicycles, or simply by walking. The "roads" are actually soft paths made of sand and crushed shells.
Packing Light: Because there are no grocery stores, you have to bring everything with you on the boat. Residents become experts at using rolling carts and waterproof bins to move their food and supplies from the ferry to their front door.

Living with Wildlife

On Dewees, you aren't just a homeowner; you are a neighbor to some of South Carolina's most amazing animals.

The Turtle Team: The island is a major home for Loggerhead sea turtles. During the summer, everyone turns their lights off at night so the baby turtles can find their way to the ocean using the moonlight.
Alligators and Eagles: It is very common to see alligators sunning themselves by the ponds or eagles soaring overhead. Most of the island is protected land that can never be built on, so the wildlife always has a safe place to stay.

What it Costs to Stay Private

Because the island is private and provides its own ferry and water systems, the costs are higher than in a normal neighborhood.

The POA Fees: Homeowners pay annual dues (often between $15,000 and $25,000) to keep the ferry running and maintain the island's utilities.
The "Standby" Fee: Even if you just own a piece of land and haven't built a house yet, you still pay a yearly fee to help keep the island's water and sewer systems ready for you.

The PHD Properties Verdict

Dewees Island is for the person who wants to trade traffic jams for bird calls and grocery stores for quiet beaches. It takes more planning to live here, but the peace and quiet you get in return are priceless.

Interested in seeing what is currently for sale on this private island? Check out our contact page and let us know you are looking for the "nature-first" lifestyle of Dewees!