Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Variety of Condominiums on Kiawah Island


 Those that vacation in Kiawah often ask the question, how much does it cost to live there? Well, that all depends on what one is looking for. The accommodation size can range from a one bedroom condominium all the way to twelve bedroom mansion with breathtaking views of the ocean and river marshes. In between these sizes are numerous smaller single family homes and tree house style cottages located all over the island. Condominiums or “Villas” will range in price anywhere from two hundred thousand upwards to over two million dollars depending upon the buyers preferences. Keep in mind these numbers are approximate of market conditions in 2014. Someone that reads this post fifteen years from now may see different numbers. Prospective condo buyers must also consider the HOA monthly assessments, taxes and insurance. This condominium guide for Kiawah is broken out between two groups or locations: East Beach and West Beach. The East Beach area includes immediate area surrounding the Sanctuary, Night Heron Park, and Turtle Point area. The West Beach is the area near the Straw Market and Cougar Point golf course. Regardless of choosing East or West beach locations, all condos are a close walk to the beach with some units having living room/bedroom views of the ocean.


Styles and Comparisons of Kiawah Villas

Tennis Club – East Beach

Every year we visit Kiawah, we rent a two bedroom villa; specifically one of the tennis club villas near the Sanctuary and Roy Barth Tennis Center. These residential buildings contain four condos: two units on first floor and two units above. Those condo units vary in size from one to three bedrooms. The floor plan is sectioned off with separate living room, dining area, kitchen, etc. A listing for a one bedroom villa could go anywhere between low 200’s to low 400’s all depending on condition and extras. The larger two or three bedroom villas go up in price but even that price will vary depending on how updated the unit is. These villas seem to be a good purchase for those looking for a second home without the maintenance headaches. The other factor to consider when shopping for a villa is the views. Most of these villas have relaxing screened in back porches that overlook lagoon, woods, or tennis courts. Expect to pay slightly higher price for lagoon views.

Mariners Watch – East Beach

These units seem lovely, though I have never stayed in one, their listing prices start in the in the low $200’s. These units have an open floor plan where the kitchen, dining, and living room are all open to one another, and only the bedroom and deck/patio are separated. The Mariner’s Watch condos are located in East Beach village.

Parkside Villas – East Beach

These condos are situated along lagoon adjacent to Night Heron Park. The location is perfect for park/pool access with the beach only a short walk away. The Parkside Villas are all two and three bedroom units with several of these units having a decks overhanging lagoon with pier access. The two bedroom units are priced around the mid $300’s.

Turtle Point Villas – East Beach

These condos also located in East beach are a style similar to Tennis club Villa in appearance and price. Most of the Turtle Point villas are situated along Green Dolphin way. Prices for Turtle Point range from $200s to 400’s.

Windswept Villas - East Beach

These condos are located off Sea Forest Drive situated dune side facing the Atlantic (water approximately 75 yards away). Five story condo/townhome style building consisting of 1 through 3 bedroom units with shingle style siding. Close proximity to Night Heron Park. These tree house style units range in prices from $300K upwards to $2 Million. Like the Sanctuary, the height of these condo buildings makes them highly visible when walking along the beach.

Courtside Villas - West Beach

Open efficiency floor plan style layout with screened in porch. Mostly one bedrooms approximately 615 sf. Units are located close proximity to West Beach pool and Straw Market. Prices for one bedroom condos average in $200’s.

Duneside Villas – West Beach

These townhome style units are closest proximity to Ocean in West Beach. Villas located off Duneside drive between boardwalk markers #1 and #2. These villas range in size from three to five bedrooms.

Fairway Oaks Villas – West Beach

Condo units located along Dunelin Court in West Beach situated along Cougar Point golf course. Villas range from two to four bedroom units; with prices ranging from $300K upwards to $700’s.

Inlet Cove - West Beach

These are 3 bedroom “raised cottages” with wide open floor plan that is approximately 1,300 sf. They are raised, meaning you park your vehicle below the unit. These units are within close proximity to beach, pools, and fishing/crabbing pier. Price range from $400 through $900K. I probably should not have included these in a post about condos, but these fun tree house style homes have a unique feature and appearance worthy of mention.

Seascape Villas – West Beach

1 to 4 bedroom condos located in West Beach are a stone’s throw to Ocean with several units having ocean views. Close proximity to West Beach pool. Price ranges are from the low 200’s upwards to over $1.5M for three bedroom units.

Shipwatch Villas – West Beach

Shipwatch includes one and two bedroom units that overlook the Ocean. Each bedroom has its own private balcony. Amenities are very close with pool and children’s playground located across from the condos. Units are currently priced in $300K to $400K range.