DEWEES ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Dewees Island is often referred to as "a private oceanfront island retreat dedicated to environmental preservation." This statement sums up a philosophy that this community has managed to put into practice.

Accessible only by boat, Dewees Island is located just 12 miles north of Charleston. This environmentally sensitive, 1,206-acre barrier island has attracted national attention as model of sustainable development. Although the developers installed the usual underground telephone and power lines, the similarity to other island development projects stops there. Dewees five roads are not paved instead they are surfaced with crushed limestone. The developers also installed a complete recycling and composting system, as well as a central reverse osmosis water system that supplies all the island's drinking water.

Dewees Island's environmental covenants limit the number of homes to 150, and cluster them in the most ecologically hardy areas. Builders must agree to follow a comprehensive set of design and construction guidelines that aim to ease the impact of construction on the island, as well as reduce the amount of energy and resources the island's homes use. Dewees Island Homes must remain surrounded by native vegetation, no lawns allowed and only 7,500 square feet of each lot can be disturbed by construction.

Houses are situated on lots that average about two acres. While there is no minimum size requirement, they cannot be larger than 5,000 square feet. There are currently 60 homes on the island.  All homes are elevated, and all feature some sort of water view including views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway or Lake Timacau.

Dewees Island attracts an exclusive set of home buyers who believe the goals of environmental awareness and comfort can be complementary. Residents can immerse themselves in nature, with such ecologically-friendly family activities such as canoeing, bird watching, fly-fishing, crabbing, and a day on one of the South's widest natural beaches.

Dewess Island has no gas stations, restaurants or grocery stores, and residents get around by golf cart or on foot. A ferry based at the Dewees Marina on the Isle of Palms, runs back and forth from early morning to late night. The scenic journey lasts 20 minutes.  Other island amenities include an environmental education center, a clubhouse, pool and two tennis courts, as well as a number of well-furnished guest accommodations.