Pinckney Retreat is named after local home builder B.G. Pinckney, who, with his wife Anne purchased the southern plantation in 1965. The elegant and historic nature of this low country real estate, which was a private plantation in the 1700's, renders Pinckney Retreat one of the most appealing coastal locations to call home in the Low Country. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll truly appreciate the stunning views and well-kept grounds of this cozy, private, gated seaside community on Battery Creek in Beaufort, S.C near Fripp. Beaufort is known by many as one of the top places to live in South Carolina at retirement.

Pinckney Retreat is a product of East West Communities, a company which has been around since 1973, and is known for developing over two dozen award-winning communities. They are nationally known for their innovative land planning, commitment to the environment, and creating communities that offer year-round, resort-style living. There are a total of 77 homesites in the Beaufort South Carolina real estate development of Pinckney Retreat, and prices for existing custom homes with exquisite Lowcountry architecture begin in the mid $300k’s for wooded view homes and $600k’s for waterfront properties – with a few undeveloped homesites still available from the upper $70k’s or waterfront home sites from the $200k's. At the moment, the developer is offering lot financing. Approximately 24 homes have been built to date. The Coosaw River model built by Allen Patterson Residential priced at $355k is available to tour. Allen Patterson Residential and Allison Ramsey Architect are an award winning team recognized by Southern Living Magazine for their success at Midtown Square.

PINCKNEY RETREAT AMENITIES

  • Gated Entrance
  • Authentic 1736 Retreat House plantation renovated for residents’ use
  • Swimming pool with covered outdoor grilling and dining area, and a fireplace
  • Pool house with indoor kitchen, bathrooms and storage
  • Antebellum gardens and community green spaces with a network of trails
  • Community pier with day dock, canoes, and kayaks

Green spaces have been set aside at Pinckney Retreat for nature preservation, with walking trails among the 400 year-old live oaks – which are liberally adorned with Spanish moss – as well as along the marsh. The Retreat House, which was built in 1736 by Jean de la Gaye for his young bride Catherine Gautier – and adjacent antebellum gardens – have been renovated and restored for Pinckney Retreat’s residents to use and enjoy. 

Less than an hour from both Savannah and Charleston, north of the Broad River; Pinckney Retreat is only ten minutes from historic downtown Beaufort. This quaint Beaufort South Carolina real estate development is only 20 minutes from Hunting Island State Park next to Fripp. Hunting Island is ranked #14 on the list of Top 25 Beaches in the United States. For families with young children, the closest, best schools to Pinckney Retreat are Port Royal Elementary School and Beaufort Middle School or lifelong learning courses at retirement can be found at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. 

Nearby Beaufort is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, after Charleston. Widely known for its preservation of antebellum architecture, Beaufort was featured in the New York Times. It was also named "Best Small Southern Town" by Southern Living, a "Top 25 Small City Arts Destination" by American Style, and a "Top 50 Adventure Town" by National Geographic Adventure. This top place to live in South Carolina continues to draw Baby Boomer interest. 

Near Parris Island and a U.S. naval hospital, the city is also home of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Economic downturns do not tend to hit Beaufort as hard as in other similarly-sized cities due to the military presence in and around Beaufort being the area’s largest economic sector. The military bases employ thousands of local residents in both civilian and enlisted jobs, infusing millions into the local economy. 

Considering that nearly two million visitors come to Beaufort and the Sea Islands each year, the tourism and hospitality industry is also a major economic sector. Spring and fall seasons are peak tourism times, ranging from golf and beach vacations to water sports, history tours, and local arts and crafts excursions. Beaufort has visitors and folks searching for Beaufort South Carolina real estate covered with accommodation offerings of all sorts: chic hotels, affordable motels, and romantic inns or downtown bed-and-breakfasts along the Beaufort River or at Fripp.

Beaufort hosts numerous major festivals and arts events. Among these are:

  • The annual Beaufort International Film Festival, which screens independent films - first week of March
  • A Taste of Beaufort, featuring 20 local restaurants with fine wines and live music - first Saturday in May. 
  • The Beaufort Water Festival - two weeks in July
  • The Shrimp Festival - first weekend in October

For interesting year-round educational fun, there are the Kazoo Museum or Beaufort Arsenal and Museum. The performing arts center at the University of South Carolina Beaufort brings both regional and national acts to the community. There is also ARTworks, which is a 12,000-square-foot community arts center, theater, and gallery in Beaufort Town Center. This cooperative project is supported by The Arts Council of Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Island; and includes the studios of working artists and Strings 'n Things music shop, as well as spaces for workshops, classes, and conferences – even an after-school program. The Arts Council utilizes original theater productions, community arts grants, and a busy calendar of arts events to promote the arts on a county-wide basis.

The Beaufort County Recreation Department organizes junior and intramural athletics, which are sponsored year-round. Team activities offered include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, and softball. The local area also provides ample access to watersports and boating. There is something for everyone in Beaufort, one of the top places to live in South Carolina.  

Amenities

Gated
Community Pool
Walking/Hiking/Biking Trails
Community Parks
Fishing

Pinckney Retreat Reviews

4.3 / 5 (7 reviews)
"We were given some information that was misleading in regard to the cost of using the guest house. "
-- Anonymous, Resident
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3.8 / 5
"Pinckney Retreat is evolving. East West bought it out of bankruptcy. It is now growing fast with quality homes being built. We are under construction right now. "
-- Anonymous, Resident
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4.2 / 5
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-- David, Resident
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4 / 5
"We own a lot and have not built. "
-- Anonymous, Resident
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3.8 / 5
"We are very very happy with Pinckney Retreat. "
-- Anonymous, Resident
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5 / 5