Travel + Leisure Golf's annual list of the best places to live-and live well have placed five Bluffton area golf communities in the top 100, with Palmetto Bluff achieving the No. 2 spot.
Belfair, Berkely Hall, Colleton River and nearby Spring Island also made the list. The criteria for the ranking focused on the quality of the course and amenities as well as the current real estate market and property investment. David Lott, Publisher of GolfCourseHome.net feels that the top-tier communities realize that caddie programs, multi-season recreation options for all ages and upgraded dinning and spa amenities are practically essential. "Ten years ago no one knew who a golf community's chef was", says Lott. The article also touches on the current fact that a softer housing market makes it harder to buy land in a golf community with the idea of "flipping" the lot.
The criteria for ranking the golf communities in 2007 included a close look at the information about developers and their visions and track record and concluded that "the ones claiming the top spots are winning the modern-amenities war". The ratings were based on communities which provided superb golf with homes and facilities of the highest quality, and extraordinary location and a wealth of lifestyle opportunities.
BELFAIR - Bluffton True Lowcountry atmosphere among towering, moss-draped oaks. An annual amateur invitational attracts a top national field to the community. World-class golf practice center. Developers are John Reed and Gary Rowe. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $600,000 to $2 million.
BERKELEY HALL - Bluffton A striking layout in its collegiate-looking Red Brick architectural theme, it has two highly playable Fazio courses. The developers are the same local team as Belfair, John Reed and Gary Rowe. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $800,000 to $3.3 million.
COLLETON RIVER PLANTATION - Bluffton A stimulating salt-and-pepper combination of course styles. Now member-owned, there is a mix of dignity and merriment, with two clubhouses, a stadium tennis center and Augusta-style cottages. John Reed and Gary Rowe. Golf: 45 holes (Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $800,000 to $3.9 million.
PALMETTO BLUFF - Bluffton Offsetting its oak-shaded vastness, this Crescent Resources property has two "pedestrian-scale" neighborhoods, including a village center anchored by a swank Auberge inn and spa. A boathouse, equestrian farm and sports campus. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $965,000 to $2.5 million.
SPRING ISLAND - Spring Island Historic and still vibrant maritime community where Chaffin/Light and Associates honed its low-impact, high-toned approach. The Old Tabby course here is one of Palmer's few true greats. Horseback riding, fishing, nature center, boating and a nearby hunting club. Golf: 18 holes (Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay). Recent Home Listings: $1 million to $4 million.
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