General Description
Hilton Head Plantation is a large luxury gated residential community located on the north end of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It is bounded by the Intracoastal Waterway and Port Royal Sound. The community encompasses almost 4,000 acres with a population of approximately 10,000 in 4200 homes and features a variety of residential properties, including single-family homes, townhouses, and villas.
This community is known for its low-maintenance, coastal homes and large full-time residents population. It also has the largest local community of families on the island. Once you are behind the gates you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of tourists.
Hilton Head Plantation is one of the largest and certainly most beautiful communities on HIlton Head Island. It was developed by Charles Fraser in the mid-1960’s and continues his environmentally conscious development style to preserve the island's natural beauty.
Activities abound with plenty of amenities for residents, such as golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, nature conservancy’s, walking and biking trails.
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What’s it Like Living in Hilton Head Plantation?
Living in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head Island can offer a unique and desirable lifestyle experience. Here are some of the key features and characteristics of the community:
Natural Beauty
Hilton Head Plantation is located within a 4,000-acre nature preserve and is surrounded by lush forests, lagoons, and salt marshes, offering residents access to breathtaking views of the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island. Inside the community there are 2 nature conservancies and a private island reserves only for residence.
Amenities
Hilton Head Plantation offers a wide range of amenities, including 4 golf courses, a tennis and pickleball club with 12 clay courts, resort style swimming pools including child friendly splash pads and lazy river, a clubhouse with a kitchen and fire pits, 100’s of social clubs, and a community farm. The newest addition to this impressive list of amenities is the newly renovated Dolphin Head Pavillon and Park set on the Port Royal Sound, read on for more information.
Safety and Security
Hilton Head Plantation is a gated community, providing residents with a high level of safety and security. The security department is composed of 27 full-time armed Security Officers in varying positions. Most have either a law enforcement or military background. HHP Security Officers are licensed by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) of South Carolina. Officers on HHP property have the same authority as a Sheriff’s Deputy, including the power of arrest and the ability to issue State of South Carolina citations.
Two patrols and the Main and Cypress gates are on duty 24 hours a day. The Security Department is responsible for providing many services to its residents. The most visible are: access control to the Plantation at three gates, traffic control, and enforcement of State, Town, and Plantation regulations.
Quiet, Relaxing Environment
The community is located away from the hustle and bustle of the more tourist-driven areas of Hilton Head Island, making it a peaceful and relaxing place to live.
Location Convenience
Despite its quiet and secluded location, Hilton Head Plantation is still conveniently located within a short drive of the many shopping, dining, and entertainment options that Hilton Head Island has to offer. Hilton Head Plantation is located on the northern end of Hilton Head and is conveniently located just 30 minutes from I-95. Hilton Head is serviced by Savannah International Airport and Hilton Head Airport.
Living in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head Island can offer residents a unique combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, location and a relaxed and safe environment.
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World Class Amenities
Dolphin Head Recreational Area
Dolphin Head is a recreational park on the Port Royal Sound. The park’s multi million dollar renovations were just completed in November 2024.
The new recreation area includes a state of the art Pavilion which may be rented for private functions. The pavilion features a fully equipped catering kitchen, main hall and covered and screened porches overlooking the Port Royal Sound. Off of the pavilion there will be decks for gathering, an event lawn, fire pits and grills.
A new playground was built with inclusive playground structures for all ages on a colorful rubber base. The children love the Tree House and sand boxes. There are open air shelters for picnics and gathering while the kids play.
The new multi-sport court was also added which provides two basketball courts, pickleball and volleyball courts.
Pine Island
Pine Island is a private island located inside of Hilton Head Plantation. Only residents and guests have access to this natural beauty. The shore is wild and serene, with palm trees and debris washed ashore.
This beach is the most distant on Hilton Head Island, located away from the winds and waves of the open sea, so the water is usually calmer here. Still, depending on the weather, there are opportunities for activities like windsurfing, fishing or just laying in a hammock.
It’s a great place to go alone or bring your family and enjoy sunbathing, swimming, shell collecting, picnicking, strolling, watching sunsets and sunrises. In addition to walking, you can also ride a bike on the dirt path along the scenic shore.
Hickory Forest Beach
Nestled along a remote and quiet bay shore, Hickory Forest Beach is one of the most tranquil and natural beaches on Hilton Head Island. It is located in the Hickory Forest neighborhood within Hilton Head Plantation.
The beach is easy to access by walking and is for residence only. There is a wooden boardwalk leading from the forest out to the shore. The beach is natural and secluded, with beautiful white sand and lots of oyster shells.
Plantation House
The building is an elegant air-conditioned and heated Lowcountry-style clubhouse located on Spring Lake Lagoon in the Spring Lake Recreation area. The building contains a large main room with a gas fireplace, kitchen, open gallery (upstairs), sound system, outdoor veranda, and a sweeping panoramic view of Spring Lake Lagoon, golf course, and beautiful homes. It is used for various community activities, club meetings, socials, and can be rented for private use by property owners for weddings, receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, and other social events.
Spring Lake Pavillion and Recreation Area
The Pavilion is a beautiful, two-story facility with two outdoor decks (upstairs and downstairs), fire pit, picnic tables, grill, nearby playground, and charming gazebo at the end of a long deck.
It contains a large, gourmet kitchen, large meeting room, and upstairs fitness class room with mirrors. The building is located on Spring Lake Lagoon in the Spring Lake Recreation Area. It is used for various POA activities, club meetings, socials, and can be rented for private use by property owners for weddings, receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, and other social events.
Within the Spring Lake recreation area there is Spring Lake Pool which has a zero-depth entry, lazy river, splash pad, cabanas, and updated bathhouses. The pool is utilized by residents for open swimming, lap swimming, as well as water aerobics.
Also in this recreation area an open field is available for casual use such as informal field activities and fishing. The area contains a volleyball net, leisure path, and stocked freshwater lagoon.
Walking and Biking paths
There are approximately ten miles of leisure paths available throughout the Plantation for the residents to enjoy. Various paths are marked with information maps demonstrating where the particular path leads. The paths are shared with walkers, bikers, and residents rollerblading.
Another popular trail is the Bluff Walk which is located in the Dolphin Head recreation area on Skull Creek. The Bluff walk’s primary purpose is to service the revetment that protects the Bluff, however, it is a beautiful 1.8 mile walking path on the water where dolphins are often spotted jumping out the water fishing along the bluff.
Hilton Head Plantation also offers biker’s approximately 13 miles of bike routes with a variety of lengths of ride, points of interest to stop and see. Click on the link below for more information.
Download the walking and bike trail map.
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Nature Conservancy's
Hilton Head Plantation also has two conservancies, the 127-acre Whooping Crane Conservancy (accessible by paths and boardwalks) and the 50-acre Cypress Conservancy. Both Conservancies are lovely spots for bird-watching and delighting in the Lowcountry’s natural beauty.
Cypress Conservancy
Monitored and protected by the Land Trust, Cypress Conservancy is a 51 acre wetlands conservancy located within the gates of Hilton Head Plantation. This conservancy is a forested freshwater wetland complex containing the only remaining, naturally-occurring stand of Bald Cypress trees on Hilton Head.
These noble trees are southern relatives to redwood and giant sequoia trees.There is an elevated boardwalk that weaves through the wetlands ending an area containing most of the Bald Cypress trees. As a whole, the Conservancy supports approximately 70 plant species and 115 wildlife species, identified by various interpretive signs along the boardwalk. There are also blooming water plants, marsh deer, and a great variety of birds.
Whooping Crane Conservatory
This 127-acre conservancy was formed as a shallow valley between ancient shoreline dunes, it consists primarily of freshwater black gum (or tupelo) forested swamp and open "savannah" swamp. Surrounding the wetlands is a swamp edge transition zone of thick, head-high bushes that separates the swamp from the pine dominated uplands. This breadth of habitats supports approximately 75 plant species and 100 wildlife species, identified by various interpretive signs throughout the Conservancy. Osprey, owls, hawks, and many small birds nest here.
The Conservancy consists of two distinct components. The first is along the Nancy Cathcart Path which winds through a dry pine forest consisting of numerous old growth hardwoods. The Path joins the second section of trail on the Whooping Crane Boardwalk. The Boardwalk stretches over 1,100 feet and allows access to the heart of the swamp, without disturbing this delicate ecosystem. Benches placed in quiet areas make this a wonderful place to observe nature.
The broadway winds over the swamp and displays the green duck weed during the winter months which has become a hallmark of this conservatory.
Seabrook Farms
Plots are available for residents to grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs through membership in the Farmers Club. The Club operates the Farm in addition to hosting sales, socials, and monthly meetings.
The Farmers’ Club has approximately 300 members, who farm individual 25′ x 25′ plots, which are located inside the fenced-in Seabrook Farm area.
They hold pot luck dinners at the monthly member meetings except January, July and August. The member/dinner meetings are held at the Plantation House unless otherwise noted.
The club also sponsors educational workshops from time to time to provide information on the planting and cultivation of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
At various times of year, the club holds a farmers market to sell fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers raised by members and raised in the club’s common plots. Proceeds go to the club to support its activities. In addition, any unsold crop is donated weekly to St. Stephen’s Food Pantry in Ridgeland
Four 18 Hole Golf Courses
Inside the Plantation gates there are Four 18 Hole Championship Golf Courses.
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Bear Creek Golf Club
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Oyster Reef Golf Club
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Dolphin Head Golf
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Country Club of Hilton Head
Bear Creek Golf Club
Take a stroll through the tall pines and winding doglegs of Bear Creek Golf Club’s Par 72 Championship Course. Stretching over 6,800 yards, the layout has five different sets of tees that cater to every level of golfer.
Offering extensive natural areas to encourage wildlife diversity and proliferation, along with earning the distinguished "Audubon Certification", a round at Bear Creek is truly unforgettable.
Bear Creek was Rees Jones’ first solo design, and in 2006 he returned to oversee several renovations & improvements. The Club has hosted many prestigious events such as the 2014 Hilton Head Amateur and Hilton Head Open.
Bear Creek offers a golf shop offering a diverse product line, with classic styles along with some of the latest trends. Inventory is updated regularly and we strive to serve both our golfing and non-golfing members alike.
There is also a practice facility, Bear Creek Golf Club offers a fantastic driving range and practice facility. The multi-tiered practice tee and short game area are perfect for target practice and skill refinement. With some of the best greens on Hilton Head Island this is surely the perfect place to do that. A practice green is located near the first tee, and provides numerous holes for your benefit.
Bear Trap Bar & Grille offers a wide variety of food and beverages to enjoy before or after your rounds.
Oyster Reef Golf Club
Carved out of 190 acres of breathtaking low country terrain, Oyster Reef Golf Club’s spectacular 18-hole championship course is surrounded by winding lagoons, lush vegetation, and scenic views of the Island. Golf course architect Rees Jones used the natural landscape to create an inspiring course that combines challenge with a sense of fair play. Ranging from 7,018 yards from the championship tees, to 5,288 yards from the forward tees, the course rewards and tests golfers of all skill levels.
Oyster Reef Golf Club is home to one of the most spectacular golf holes on the entire island—the Par 3 #6 plays 192 yards from the championship tees to a green that is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Port Royal Sound.
Oyster Reef Golf Club’s practice facility is the ideal place to practice your swing and short game, or refine your putting stroke. The facility includes a driving range, putting green, and chipping area.
The newly renovated golf shop will complete your visit and fulfill all your golfing needs. A variety of vendors are offered providing a robust collection of styles and brands for everyone, with clothing that is versatile to wear both on and off the course.
The club's restaurant Lagerhead Tavern embraces the community and embodies the island’s spirit, making it the ideal place for friends and families to gather, socialize, relax and enjoy local cuisine with an assortment of craft beers, signature cocktails and charming southern hospitality.
Inspired by the indigenous Loggerhead Sea Turtle and the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island, LagerHead is not your typical tavern. It’s a truly unique hospitality experience created by proven experts and leaders in hospitality, culinary arts, architecture, service, and training—on the cutting edge of tradition.
Dolphin Head Golf Club
Dolphin Head Golf Club is a semi-private golf course located on Hilton Head Island, SC. Opened in 1974 as Gary Player’s first course in the Hilton Head, the club is nestled on the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean.
Dolphin Head is engulfed by nature and wildlife – each hole carved into thick forest, giving a sense of isolation from hole-to-hole. With stunning views at every turn, the layout offers players of all skill levels an exceptional and challenging golf experience.
It boasts two very distinctive nine holes; the front nine, meandering through tall trees with Player’s signature bunkers and marshland coming into play on most of the holes, is a great opening nine. It plays short, but puts a premium on hitting fairways and greens, and is quite typical of many of the top courses on Hilton Head.
The back nine, however, offers a much different look with open spaces and tall, old growth trees, giving Dolphin Head two very distinctive looks. Not many other facilities in the area are able to offer such an experience, making Dolphin Head one of the most unique golf courses in the Lowcountry.
Dolphin Head Golf Club has a pro shop for appeal and equipment purchase. It also has a restaurant called Dolphin Grille, where the kitchen team creates menus utilizing local ingredients and updates it throughout the year to reflect the change in seasons.
Country Club of Hilton Head
Inside the gates of HIlton Head Plantation, luxury meets southern hospitality. The Country Club of Hilton Head is nestled on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway, offering stunning views and impressive amenities at every turn.
From golf to fitness to swimming, staying active is the name of the game at the Country Club of Hilton Head. Additionally, they offer programs for the children that allow both junior Members and their parents and grandparents to take full advantage of the Club.
Click this link to find out more information: Our Story | Country Club of Hilton Head | Hilton Head Island, SC | Invited (invitedclubs.com)
Country Club of Hilton Head Golf Club offers a Rees Jones masterpiece that truly captures the essence of lowcountry golf in South Carolina. During your round you will travel through pine forests and marshlands with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The course is a great test of golf which will challenge all levels of players and has proudly hosted a U.S. Open Qualifier.
The golf course is an 18-hole Rees Jones design and was chosen as the local qualifying site for the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Opens. A challenging but fair layout with five sets of tees, the course presents distinct views with 14 doglegs and water on almost every hole. Players negotiate a stately pine forest, salt-water marshes and fresh water lagoons.
The course is situated along historic “Skull Creek” and boasts the highest point of elevation on Hilton Head Island. The view from our signature 12th hole is an experience not soon forgotten.
Spring Lake Racquet Club
The Spring Lake Tennis facility is available for residents to use on an hourly or membership basis. The facility consists of a Pro Shop and 12 clay courts. On a weekly basis there are several clinics to choose from as well as private, semi private and group lessons available. USTA tennis leagues are played out of Spring Lake every season.
Each month they have a social function based on round-robin play for members.
The Club also supports organized league play, helps newcomers find their level of play, and provides for a pleasant access to the Plantation’s tennis community.
The club is focused on promoting the sport and finding fun ways for its members to meet one another and play elsewhere. They meet regularly and offer playing/clinic opportunities for senior players, social players and competitive players.
The Bocce Club was formed in 2006 and has 2 courts located in the Spring Lake Racquet Club area. The club has two seasons (Spring & Fall) a year concluding with a tournament and a banquet.
Skull Creek Marina
Skull Creek Marina is a popular marina located in Hilton Head Plantation. It is situated on the northern end of the island, along Skull Creek, which leads out to Port Royal Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. It is conveniently positioned for both locals and visitors to access the waterways of Hilton Head Island.
The marina offers a range of amenities and services, including boat slips and dockage, boat rentals, boat charters, and a fuel dock for both gas and diesel. The marina can accommodate various sizes of boats and yachts.
The Skull Creek marina is a hub for various water-based activities such as fishing, crabbing, and water sports. It's also a great place to watch the sunset, enjoy the scenery, and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Skull Creek Marina occasionally hosts events and activities, such as fishing tournaments and special dining events.
Clubs and Community Events
There are at least 30 different Clubs within Hilton Head Plantation to accommodate many different interests.
On an almost daily basis, one of the clubhouses is usually occupied by one or more of the POA-recognized clubs. They include the Women's Club (over 500 members), Newcomers, Dog Club, Gardening, Bridge, Farming, Yachting, Fishing, Crafts, Tennis Social, Dancing, Artists, Woodcarvers, and much more.
Click for more club and group information Hilton Head Plantation POA
Throughout the year, the POA plans special events for the entire community. Some of the events include: the Easter Sunrise Service, the Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch, spring or fall Trash & Treasure Sales, indoor and outdoor concerts, Hilton Head Plantation Day - July 4th, the Children's Halloween and Holiday parties, the Caribbean Pool Party, Teen/Tween parties, the Holiday Hayride, and much more.
The Kids Kamp Program is held each summer for children of the Plantation in grades K-8. They enjoy field activities, crafts, swimming, music, cooking, special events, and much more. All activities take place in Spring Lake Pavilion, deck and playground area, Spring Lake Pool, and recreation fields.
Several classes are held on a year-round basis, e.g., Low Impact Aerobics, Qigong, and Yoga. Special classes are held at various times of the year, e.g., water aerobics, plus whatever other classes that may be of interest to the residents.
Interesting, cultural, fun, and exciting seminars are planned for the residents throughout the year. Some of these are the Cooking Live series, insurance, medical, nature, fitness, and travel seminars.
What are homes like in HIlton Head Plantation
Hilton Head Plantation is home to 4,200 diverse residences. With its rich history dating back to the 1970s, you'll find a delightful mix of architectural styles here. From charming traditional homes with Southern porch charm to sleek, contemporary designs boasting open layouts and large windows. Coastal and island-inspired properties embrace the beachy vibe, while colonial-style homes exude timeless elegance. With a range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condos, you're sure to discover your perfect fit.
Hilton Head Plantation Active Listings
Call For Showings 843.533.8125
HomeOwners Association Information
In Hilton Head Plantation, community governance is all about ensuring a fantastic living experience for its residents!
At the heart of it all, they have the HHPPOA (Hilton Head Plantation Property Owners' Association), led by a dedicated Board of Directors. These directors are fellow property owners, elected by the community members. They help shape the community's future.
The incredible team of staff members keeps things running smoothly. You'll find them working on-site at the Association Office, where they contribute to various departments, including Administration, Community Relations, Architectural Review, Communications, Maintenance, Security, and Recreation. Leading the charge is our General Manager, supported by six department managers and their skilled teams.
Think of the Association as a community's caretaker, like a property management company. While they don't manage individual homes, they take care of all the recreational facilities and shared landscaped areas. They are also here to make sure everyone follows the community's rules and regulations.
The 2024 annual HOA Dues are $1,291 for an improved lot and $775 for an unimproved lot. These are due once a year in January.
Property Taxes
In South Carolina there are two different tax assessment percentages based on your occupancy status. Primary residences are taxed at a different (lower) property tax and secondary or investment residences are taxed at a higher rate. Using the tax calculator below you can establish a property tax estimate.
The Link Between Real Estate and Lifestyle
9 Secret Strategies of Happy Homeowners!
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Written by David R Cross
I have been in the real estate and lending industry since the 1990's. During my career I have been fortunate to have encountered a wide array of individuals. From every walk of life and every type of career and business. One can't help but learn something from each client as we work together for months, and in some cases years to accomplish their goals.
I learnt early on that there is an intimate connection to the Real Estate we own and the lifestyle we live. Real Estate and Lifestyle cannot be separated.
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