David's Blog from the Creative Coast & Carolina Low Country!

Daufuskie Island, a new begining-Early Summer 2011

It has been almost three years since we had any positive news on the status of Daufuskie Island, well about two weeks ago we received some great news. Both Melrose and Bloody Point were sold out of bankruptcy court. So what does that mean? J. T. Bramlette of the Pelorus Group of Salt Lake City bought Melrose for $13 million dollars in late May, also Brian McCarthy, a Bloody Point resident bought Bloody Point and it's golf course.

Bramlette, "We're going to revitalize this entire project," a reference to the newly acquired Melrose property. His vision includes restoring and updating the Melrose Inn, a project that could take at least a year. Once completed, he would bring in a big name hotel to manage the property; he mentioned the Ritz-Carlton or Rosewood in a recent interview conducted by the Island Packet, other projects include developing an outdoor amphitheater, a village market and move the pool from Easter Beach to closer proximity to the Inn. They also plan on repairing the sea wall on the 18th green on the Melrose golf course and re-nourishing the beach along the Atlantic Ocean. So what is happening now at Melrose? Landscapers are all over the property like ants on an ant hill trying to bring the property back to it's Low-country beauty, they also are planning to re-open Jack's restaurant at the Melrose Club House, and engineers and architects are inspecting the Inn. Bramlette recently hired a general manager with over 25 years experience to oversee his investment, moving from Myrtle Beach.

Bloody Point's new owner Brian McCarthy has suggested it his plan to re-open the Bloody Point golf course and has already started to cut the grass and make the notable repairs to the course. Other than that, he has not released any more information as of yet. My guess, he is in talks with Bramlette, it only makes sense that they both work together.

What else is happening on Daufuskie Island? Construction projects such as rehabilitation projects started a few months ago, most notably a cottage in Easter Beach that will be added to our Ocean Front Residence Club. The target date for it's completion is sometime early August. Transportation still needs to be solved, the Federal government is working on a program to subsidize the ferry system. It looks like the first leg of this will begin in at the Westin Resort in Savannah to begin a daily service to Dafuaskie Island sometime in September. Our company is currenlty providing transportation for our clients in a private boat that make the trip in about 35 minutes from Salty Fare, the other option is a ferry running out of Broad Creek Marina on Hilton Head.

Are there real estate deals? Yes, there are. Land is currently not one of them unless you pay cash or secure owner financing. The banks are just lending on vacant lots and if they do they are requiring up to 50 per cent down. If you are interested in a home, there is financing available.

I will be visiting Daufuskie, sometime in the next two weeks and I will be giving you all an updated report on the progress. If you have any questions, please contact me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daufuskie Island, a pivotal point of the Revolutionary War in the South

The Revolutionary War broke out in New England in 1775, but after four years of war, the British focused their strategy on the Southern colonies, Georgia and South Carolina. Savannah was captured by the British on December 29, 1778, a force of 3,000; including British Regulars, German Hessians and New York Loyalists surprised an American force of 900.

With the American victory at Saratoga in October 1777, the French and Spanish governments recognized the rebelling American colonies. They pledged their support; troops, weapons, uniforms, monies and the use of their navies. It took almost a year, before the French support arrived.

It was decided by the French and American military to recapture Savannah, this operation commenced in August of 1779. The French fleet was available for operations in the area because of hurricane season in the Caribbean. The fleet took up a position between Daufuskie and Tybee Islands in effort to cut off British access to the Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, American guerrilla raids in the South Carolina Low Country, cut off of British supplies and outposts.

The British high command decided to consolidate all of their forces, for a American and French army numbering of about 7,000 landed east of Savannah on September 1, 1779. The British force in Savannah numbered around 2,500. British troops in South Carolina, numbering 800, from Johns and Edisto Islands were ordered to join the force in Savannah.

This force traveled with their equipment in long boats towards Savannah, they were caught in the high surf at Tybee Roads, located between Tybee and Daufuskie Islands, plus the French fleet that was moving up to intercept. The British force retired to Calibogue Sound while battling tides, wind and the French fleet. The British troops were forced to abandon their equipment near the present day site of the Bloody Point Cemetery on Daufuskie Island. These troops armed with their muskets made their way to Savannah by rowing and marching along the many creeks towards Screven's Ferry, on the South Carolina side of the present day Talmadge Bridge. This was regarded as the greatest forced march of the American Revolution. These troops were able to join the defenders in Savannah.

The Americans and French, surrounded Savannah on three sides and were not able to completely cut them off after 40 days of siege. The Allies attacked the British on October 9, 1779 with heavy losses and were unable to recapture Savannah. Savannah was retained by the British until 1782 and is considered to be one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution.

Daufuskie would see more action in 1781, Philip Martinangel, a Daufuskie Island loyalist, burned a plantation and ambushed a rebel force on Hilton Head Island. The site of the ambush is near my Hilton Head Real Estate office, the intersection of Matthews Drive and US 278. Loyalist and rebels had been fighting amongst each other in South Carolina since the Revolution began. The motion picture, The Patriot, scratches the surface of this civil war that tested the loyalties of the South Carolina colonists during the war.

The Patriots from Hilton Head vowed revenge, they formed the Bloody Legion. This unit soon landed on Daufuskie Island and burned loyalist plantations. They soon captured and executed Martinangel. This final action  was one the last battles of the American Revolution.

Daufuskie Island, a battleground between two Superpowers, The Yemasse War!

In the early part of the Eighteenth Century, Daufuskie Island was contested by two of the world's superpowers of the day, Great Britain and Spain. With the founding of Charleston in 1670, a British toe hold was in place in the Carolina LowCountry, eventually additional settlers would inhabit the lands north and south of Charleston. Why were the British coming? The fur trade.

They immediately began to trade pots, pans and trinkets for furs with the Cusabo Indians of Daufuskie Island, but that treaty agreement was short lived. The Cusabo were pretty much wiped out by European diseases by 1686. Ruins of a Cusabo log lodge is located in the present day Webb Tract.

The British needed to replace their help, so the enticed the Yemasse, relatives to the Seminoles, from Florida to relocate to the LowCountry and Daufuskie Island with the promise of great riches. The one major problem was that the Yemasse were allies to the Spanish in Florida.  Britain was at war with Spain, Queen Anne's War. Initially, the new relationship showed some promise, but the fur trade begin to tail spin and the Yemasse believed they would be sold into slavery.

 In 1710, a British delegation agreed to listen to the concerns of the Yemasse at Pocotaligo, now near exit 33 on Interstate 95 in South Carolina. Perception was not with the British that day, they failed to recognize that there were no women and children in the village, so they entire delegation was massacred. It is believed by historians that the Spanish provoked the Yemasse to start a war with the British, today it is known as the Yemasse War. Beaufort was soon burned and many settlers were killed in the outlying areas.

The militia in Charleston was alerted to the Yemasse raids, so they figured the Yemasse would try to escape to Florida, so they decided to cut them off at Daufuskie Island. The dispatched force waited to ambush the Yemasse near the Bloody Point Cemetery on Daufuskie. English gun boats patrolled the nearby New River. Why did the English chose Daufuskie? The rip tides and the heavy surf between Tybee and Daufuskie Islands are very dangerous and they knew that it delay the Yemasse trying to cross into present day Georgia. They Yemasse were trapped, 36 warriors were killed, but the English allowed others to escape to tell the story of the Yemasse disaster at Bloody Point, hoping it would deter future raids.

The British soon built a small fort at Bloody Point and established two additional forts on Hilton Head and Parris Islands to keep an eye out for the Yemasse and the Spanish. It was quiet in the LowCountry until the Yemasse crossed the Savannah River and overran the inattentive garrison on Daufuskie. The British retaliated by sacking St. Augustine, the Spanish capital of Florida.

In 1733, the British granted a charter to James Oglethorpe to establish the colony of Georgia, which led to the founding of Savannah. The British positioned troops at present day Darien in an effort to prevent Yemasse and Spanish raids into South Carolina. War broke out between Britain and Spain in 1739, the War of Jenkins Ear. In 1742, the British received word of a Spanish raid to destroy Savannah, so they ambushed and destroyed the Spanish at the Battle of Bloody Marsh on St. Simons' Island. Thus erasing the Spanish threat to the Creative Coast and the LowCountry.

Daufuskie Island History from 1500 - 1710, European Discovery

Yesterday, I had the unique opportunity to work with two of my colleagues as instructors for a two hour seminar on the history of Daufuskie Island through the University of South Carolina on Hilton Head. I researched and handled the history from 1500 to 1900. The other two focused on the recent history and what the future of the island will bring. We had a great turn out, 45 students.

I have decided to periodically blog about the history of the LowCountry and Creative Coast. These installments will come out about every four to six weeks.

To start with the more modern history, we need to go back over 500 years to 1492, that is when Christopher Columbus sailed westward and announced to the world that there was land and opportunity in the so called 'New World.' Almost immediately, conquistadors from Spain saw their chance for wealth and fame. These explorers were basically looking for a way to get rich quick, they were looking for gold. Their expeditions fanned out from South America to the South East of the United States and every place in between.

Locally, Hernando De Soto passed on foot, just west of Savannah in the late 1530's. A hotel in downtown Savannah is named for him, the De Soto Hilton. As some of these expeditions were successful in finding gold, Spain needed to protect her fleet of galleons carrying gold back to the Iberian Peninsula. These ships would find refuge in Port Royal Sound, between Hilton Head and Parris Islands. It is the largest natural harbor south of New York City. They used the Sound to wait for favorable westward winds, to ride out tropical storms and to escape British sanctioned pirates.

They soon established St. Augustine, just south of present day Jacksonville, Florida and claimed all the land north to Parris Island as Spanish Florida, which included Daufuskie Island. 

The French, who are also active in looking for riches had established two outposts in Spanish Florida in 1564, Fort Caroline near Jacksonville and a settlement on Parris Island. Within a year the Spanish crushed both of these French intrusions. France would later explore other areas and lay other claims out side of Spanish Florida. In 1566, the Spanish established their own base at Parris Island, but that only lasted until 1587, it was to help secure the northern frontier of Spanish Florida.

In 1588, Spain's fortunes change after the defeat of her Armada by the British, her star started to set and Britain and France would begin their rise to their zenith points.

ENGLAND COMES OF AGE

Within 20 years after the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the English established their first permanent colony in 1607 at Jamestown, Virgina. Thirteen years later, they landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Over the next fifty years, the British concentrateds on New England, the Mid-Atlantic and some of Caribbean Islands. By the middle of the century, the English had started to explore the South Carolina coast with more interest, most notably the Sea Islands and would establish Charleston in 1670. 

Why were the English coming? They were looking for furs, which were in great demand in Europe. They traded with the Cusabo, Native-Americans that inhabited Daufuskie, Hilton Head and the South Carolina coast. The English traded pots, pans and trinkets for these furs, but a problem aroused in 1686. The Cusabo were not immune to European diseases and were virtually wiped out.

The English needing help, negotiated with the Yemassee in Florida who were allied with the Spanish. In the mean time, the English had settled Beaufort and offered it's first land grant to property ownership on Daufuskie Island in 1707. These lands had been opened because there was limited pportunities in the Caribbean, so they decided to entice migration to South Carolina by offering land. The working relation ship between the English and Yemassee was strained, but held for almost thirty years, but that will be another story.

Beachfield On Daufauskie Island, Fall 2008 Update

Over the last week, I was able to tour the new model home in BeachField. They were about 90 per cent complete, with the exception of the landscaping which should be completed by early November. The release of the phase 1 home sites is nearing completion, as of today over 25 lots have been sold. In an effort to close out phase 1, there are some new incentives to put those remaining lots under contract. If you are interested in this new program, please contact me.

Sometime this winter, the boardwalks from Beachfield to the beach will be complete, they are just awaiting final approval from Beaufort County. Also this winter, they will begin the construction of the Beachfield community pool, so people will begin to enjoy this amenity sometime in the spring of 2009.

Renaissance builders, one of our preferred builders, is just begun on the second model home. I believe the completion date is sometime around the first of the year.

For folks who purchase a lot and start construction in the next year, the developers are offering a four seat GEM golf cart, two bicycles and two kayaks, a nice bonus. So if this something that interests you, please contact me, David D'Arcy @ 843-338-9087. Earlier Beachfield blogs will allow you to see the growth since it's inception.

Deep water lot, over 6 acres for a homesite.

This lot is located along the New River with long views of Savannah. This lot is over 6 acres in size with a private dock. The dock is shared with new Rock n Roll inductee, John Mellancamp, who uses the dock for his home in Bloody Point. I have taken the time to give you different views of 5 New River Bluff, this new program will give you a 360 degree and 3-D view of the most scenic sites on Daufuskie Island.

Congratulate your neighbor for his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

John Mellencamp performing in March 2008.

This 6.5 acre lot is listed at 1.5 million dollars, bring an offer. If you like to view this piece of paradise in person, contact David @ 843-338-9087 or [email protected]. I can bring you over on the ferry from either Savannah or Hilton Head. I hope you enjoyed the photos and the music.

The Marshes at Cooper River, a Daufuskie Riverside Community

For those of you that love long views of the marsh and the intra-coastal of the Carolina Low Country, I have a hidden gem for you, The Marshes at Cooper River. There are five home sites that just became available. This is new cottage community that will have new homes ranging in size from 1,400 to 2,000 square feet. They will be Low Country Style Cottages.

An added bonus is a membership in the Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa at Melrose; benefits include golf, transportation to and from Daufuskie, ground transportation around the island and discounts at the Spa, Equestrian Center, and restaurants.

There are only five of these sites available; ranging in price from $140,000 to $260,000. The higher priced lots are just around 3/4 of acre and skirt the marsh. These lots are dotted with historic oaks, even the non tree hugger will be impressed by nature's work.

Another amenity that you cannot purchase is the sunset over the Cooper River, priceless. If you would like to tour The Marshes at Cooper River, call me and I can arrange transportation. Enjoy the pictures. Call 843-338-9087 for more information.

Daufuskie Island's Best Deal on a Second home, $349,000.

Recently, I had the opportunity to view the best deal on Daufuskie Island for a second home. It is a four bedroom and three bathroom cottage, located not too far from the county boat ramp at Marshside Mama's. It is a fully furnished cottage that is now priced to sell for $349,000. Square footage is just under 1,400 square feet, with porches located in the front and the back of the house.

From the back deck, one can sit back and relax with a picturesque view of the Carolina Intra-Coastal waterway. IT'S FULLY FURNISHED, limited moving items to this cottage on your part. Another great bonus, is that there are other cottages in Maryfield that are priced anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000 higher. Can you say instant equity. A fully furnished cottage for $349,000, you cannot beat this price.

The cottage was built in 2000 and was just inspected three weeks ago, it passed with flying colors. I know I paid for the inspection, I know it is a great deal.

This cottage is ideal for a buyer who is looking for a second home on mystical Daufuskie Island, people living in a five hour radius of Daufuskie should consider this rare opportunity.

If you would like to tour this home, please contact me. I can make arrangements for ferry transportation from both Hilton Head and Savannah. DO NOT LET THIS OPPORTUNITY PASS. A four seat golf court is negotiable as part of the deal.

     A limited membership to Melrose can be purchased for those who would rather use the ferries out of Savannah and Hilton Head, instead of using their own boat. This is a great home with value to enjoy island living the way it should be.

David D'Arcy 843-338-9087

[email protected]

Beachfield On Daufauskie Island, Summer 2008 Update

It has been since late March, that I first wrote about Beachfield on Daufuskie Island. Since then there has been some great progress. First of all, it was projected that 30 home sites would be sold by the end of 2008, so far we have sold over 20. Those numbers help indicate that the Daufuskie Real Estate market is a strong buy. Daufuskie Island property is priced well below other islands along the Atlantic Ocean. To see the progress click the video below.

It late May, construction began on one of the models in Beachfield, a traditional Low Country Cottage. These cottages are the perfect second home, the square footage of these cottages will range from around 1,000 square feet to about 2,500 square feet. There are many designs to choose from, but all encompass the traditional Low Country Cottage. If you are interested in seeing the approved designs, please contact me. Two more models will start construction sometime in mid-July.

Are you wondering how to travel to Daufuskie? The developer has solved that problem, they are offering a membership to Melrose for those who purchase home sites. The Melrose ferries operates out of both Hilton Head Island and Savannah. For those who are ready to build, they are offering a $9,000 golf cart and some other extras.

Because these home sites are selling swiftly, the construction on the amenities is going to begin by late summer. The first of these will be the construction of two boardwalks from Beachfield to the beach, that faces the Atlantic Ocean. Later in the year, they will break ground on the Beachfield pool area. The amenities will be in place, so that they can be used in the near future. For more information on Beachfield, please visit;

http://www.beachfieldsouthcarolina.com

If you would like to tour Beachfield or Daufuskie Island, please contact David D'Arcy @ 843-338-9087 or [email protected].

Beachfield-Daufuskie Island's newest Beach Neighborhood

This new community is situated between Melrose, Bloody Point and Oak Ridge. The first new community on Daufuskie in over 20 years. There are going to 121 home-sites, 61 of these have now been released on the market. Beachfield has frontage along the Atlantic Ocean and will have over 7 acres of lakes throughout the new neighborhood.

There will be a private access to the beach along a boardwalk and a private swimming pool that will feature poolside cabanas, fire pits, and a outdoor bar. There will be nature trails for those who revere in absorbing all of what Daufuskie Island has to offer. For the golfer, Bloody Point Golf Course is only a stone's throw away.

Towering Live Oaks and Pines frame the Daufuskie Island coastline, from one-side you can view nearby Hilton Head Island and on the other-side is Georgia's Tybee Island.

The cottage designs will encompass Low Country architecture, featuring those famous long porches. The cottages and the community was designed by, Atlanta based, Historical Concepts. These cottages will be both affordable and consistent with the Low Country style of architecture.

This community will feature three neighborhoods; Beachfield Commons, Eagles Watch and Oceanside, By capturing the beauty of Sullivan's Island and Garden City, South Carolina, as well as, Sea Island, Georgia. Lot owner's will be able to select from a wide variety of cottage styles from approved builders.

Take advantage of this new neighborhood, home-sites start at $125,000 with limited oceanfront sites starting at $725,000. Cottages designs start at 1000 square feet up to 2900 square feet, all will compliment the beauty of the South Carolina Low Country.

Consierge service will be provided to all homeowners. If you would like for information on Beachfield, contact [email protected]