Northern Beaufort County, South Carolina Real Estate

Northern Beaufort Real Estate Owners Enjoy Pristine ACE Basin

The road north from Beaufort SC passes through acres of farms into the edge of the big rice plantation country, now known as the ACE Basin. The ACE is one of the richest natural wonderlands in the country. ACE is an acronym for three rivers: the Ashepoo, the Combahee and the Edisto Rivers. Together these rivers flow to the sea and create a vital ecosystem system that nourishes the beginning of life at the edge of the Atlantic.

These were the fresh waters that rice planters and their slaves harnessed to make rice production a source of exceptional wealth in the South. Today the Northern Beaufort County area is greatly protected for the wealth of wildlife it fosters. Well-planned Beaufort real estate developments have opened beautiful homesites in the area as well as some new, gated communities along the water.

Sheldon is home to the ruins and tombs of the historic Old Sheldon Church, which survived both the revolutionary and civil wars. Nearby some of the old plantations have been turned into the “new.” The splendid residential plantations with Lowcountry-style housing set among the live oaks and river banks make for extraordinary Beaufort real estate. Occasionally, a historic plantation mansion with acreage and outbuildings becomes available on the Beaufort real estate market.

Bordering the northern half of the old Charleston-Savannah highway, parts of which are now US 17, the Northern Beaufort County area is about 15 minutes from I-95, a bit more than an hour from Charleston and 30 minutes from Beaufort. Savannah/Hilton Head Airport is a one-hour drive.

It is in northern Beaufort County where you will find some of the most exclusive property listings. Bray’s Island Plantation is a 5,500-acre private community and nature preserve. Stately oak trees frame the entrance that leads to 325 homesites and 3,500 acres carefully reserved for nature and hunting. Game includes deer, dove, quail, turkey and pheasants. Sixty miles of trails branch out from the plantation’s Equestrian Center and a 6,800-yard links-styled 18-hole golf course adds to the list of sporting options for Northern Beaufort County real estate owners of Bray’s Island Plantation.  

A restored plantation house serves as The Inn, which features 13 guest rooms, dining area, a bar and lounge and library. Near The Inn are the plantation’s Har-Tru tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness center.

Homesites on Bray’s Island Plantation are available as golf view, wooded, marsh, pond or paddock, in a variety of architectural styles. Bray’s Island Plantation homes for sale begin in the millions.

Another select property is Bull Point Plantation, a 700-acre private natural wildlife sanctuary. Saltwater marshes, estuaries, rivers and oak groves add to the retreat feel of Bull Point. Buyers of Bull Point Plantation homes for sale enjoy 24-hour security and seemingly endless access to parks, lakes and creeks. Amenities include a clubhouse, recreation areas, swimming complex, fitness center and tennis courts.

The plantation’s secluded Magnolia Island is a three-acre oasis featuring gazebos, decking, grills and steamers, making it perfect for private or community events. Magnolia Island is accessible by footbridge or boat. A river cabin and 18-acre lake with a white sandy beach adds to the options of outdoor living and entertaining at Bull Point Plantation. Homesites range in size from ¾ acre to five acres and prices begin in the $150s. //