Bluffton SC News | Is the Best Yet to Come at Hampton Lakes?

Published on April 7, 2015

TOP PLACES TO LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

We’ve had our eye on Hampton Lake since 2008 and are thrilled to see how the freshwater lake lifestyle has unfolded. The Bluffton SC real estate development began back in 2005 during the bullish real estate market. By January 2009, Hampton Lake was honored as the Best Community in America by the National Association of Home Builders. A proud pedestal to stand on, a benchmark in the best gated communities.

Shortly thereafter and like everyone else, Hampton Lake experienced the real estate downturn and declining property values. But in 2013, several non-secured investors threatened litigation. Though never missing a payment on debt service, Hampton Lake LLC, the development's borrowing entity, voluntarily decided to seek Chapter 11 reorganization to restructure their debt and protect the existing homeowners and community. With decades of real estate development experience behind his belt, John Reed and the Reed team regrouped, reset Hampton Lake on firm ground, and pushed ahead. By January 2014, Hampton Lake LLC had successfully emerged from bankruptcy stronger than ever. In fact, 2014 was the best sales year for Hampton Lake since 2006, a clear statement of consumer confidence.

Last month, we spent time at Hampton Lake to see it for ourselves during the Lowcountry Parade of Homes. The Bluffton SC real estate development had 15 homes to tour during the weekend event, new and resales. Things are booming at Hampton Lake. We observed 50+ new homes under construction. The gated community has all types of homes and styles to choose from or lots to build your own custom home. From maintenance free villa homes to single family estate homes. Each neighborhood has a style of its own with beautiful bicycle and walking trails connecting everything together. Home prices range from the $300k’s to over $1 million. The average home price is in the $600k’s and is what you would expect in the best gated communities. Hampton Lake is sweetly located 10 minutes from the heart of Old Town Bluffton where you'll find eclectic art galleries and seafood restaurants.

Take a peek at Hampton Lake homes

The 165 acre lake is truly a fresh water oasis and a boatable lake with 7 miles of waterways that weave throughout the community. Most of the new homes on the sparkling lake have docks or fishing piers behind them. The lake is clean and wonderfully cared for. Hampton Lake is a fisherman’s dream. We’re told the largest tiger bass caught in the lake is around 11 pounds. This year 2,200 Black Crappie were introduced to the lake. In the center of the lake is an outfitter island and community park. Birdlife is seen everywhere and includes egrets, heron, osprey and bald eagles.

The Lakeside Amenity Village built early on during development was one of the smartest things Hampton Lake has done. It’s what you except to find at a vacation resort. Amenities include a lakefront resort-style swimming pool, children’s water feature, sandy beach, rustic restaurant and outdoor tiki bar, huge fitness center, tennis courts, tackle store and boathouse. We enjoyed all of the amenities during our visit and could sense the enthusiasm and happiness from the employees.

Our biggest surprise was when we had a sneak peek at Phase 3, a 439 acre land parcel adjacent to Hampton Lake. The site work was well underway. Lakes were dug out, trees cleared and utilities were being placed. We’re told pre-sales may begin as early as the summer of 2015 and we know from experience this is the time to buy in the best gated communities. Could Phase 3 be the best of Hampton Lake? We’ll soon see.

There’s always something going on at Hampton Lake. Events include What’s Cookin’ Wednesdays, the annual Oyster Roast, Music Night, Wingfest Parties and more. The community quarterly hosts a Lakeside Village Market with homemade crafts, baked goods and art. In the fall, the Tiger Bass 5K &12K Race draws about 400-500 runners.

We were optimistically cautious about Hampton Lake in 2013. Today, we applaud Hampton Lake's accomplishments. We see the Bluffton SC real estate development as a beautiful place to live in the Lowcountry and a place you must see for yourself.

QUICK 2014 YEAR IN REVIEW