A Guide to Finding a Vacation Home on Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is one of the top locations in the country for homebuyers looking to purchase a second home. Through an impressive combination of natural beauty, access to world-class amenities, and a thriving entertainment scene, the Island caters to luxury homebuyers interested in a secondary home.

Whether you are looking for a vacation home for the family or a personal escape from daily life, below are some things to consider when looking for a second home on or off Kiawah Island.

Related: How to Maintain a Vacation Home While You’re Away  

Things to Consider When Choosing a Vacation Home

Location, Location, Location

The most critical aspect to consider when purchasing a vacation home is its location. Where do you envision yourself enjoying your time? Is it up in the mountains close to a ski resort? Down by the water, close to a beach? Or near a major city with abundant live entertainment? These are all questions you need to ask yourself when considering your secondary home.

If you are looking for a laid-back coastal vibe with luxury amenities and proximity to entertainment, look no further than Kiawah Island. Our Island features 10 miles of coastline, with serene white sand beaches and a myriad of water sports. Our state-of-the-art wellness centers encourage our Members to live healthy lifestyles while also pampering themselves in the process.

Life on Kiawah Island isn’t solely about fun and relaxation in the sun. We are also a short drive to all of the nightlife and entertainment the beautiful city of Charleston has to offer. Grab a bite to eat and roam the historic streets, stopping into vibrant art galleries and cafes and fully embracing the elegant Lowcountry culture.

Determine Your Second Home’s Purpose

Now that your location is selected, it’s best to determine what your second home will be used for. Do you envision leisurely solo weekends filled with reading and time on the beach? Or, will you be hosting extended family for reunions and get-togethers? Maybe you might be envisioning a combination of both. Whatever your plans are for your second home, ensure that the location and type of home you purchase can accommodate your vision.

For example, if you plan to host parties in your home, you will want to make sure that your living spaces and dining rooms have ample room for guests. Consider a pool and a larger backyard if you plan to have your children and grandchildren run around.  

On Kiawah Island, we have a unique variety of homes that can accommodate any style of living. Whether you’re looking for a traditional home, cottage, villa, or are interested in building a custom home on an available homesite, the Island truly has it all. 

Non-Negotiables

To fully enjoy a vacation home, you must ensure it meets most or all of your non-negotiable criteria. Examples of non-negotiables include the number of bedrooms, the size of outdoor space, and the proximity to food and shopping, among many other specifications.

For golf enthusiasts, proximity to a quality course is usually a must. Kiawah Island has a storied golf history and features The Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships (and will host again in 2031!). With seven meticulously designed courses on the Island, golf lovers truly live the dream in our communities.

For some, living in a child-friendly community is a top priority.. On Kiawah Island, ample facilities and activities are geared towards kids, such as Night Heron Park, Beachwalker Park, and The Beach Club. Additionally, regular family-friendly Club events and seasonal camps ensure that the Islands’ kids stay entertained all year round.

Learn More: The History of Golf on Kiawah Island 

Buy or Build?

One of the last essential questions one should ask when considering a second home is whether to buy or build it. On Kiawah Island, you have the option of both, with available homes and homesites.

If you do choose to build your home, you can build upon an existing homesite or take advantage of one of our semi-custom built-for-sale properties. These properties allow you to experience all the benefits of customization without the hassle of fully building a new home from the ground up. 

View one of our luxury semi-custom neighborhoods, Front Nine Lane Parkside, here! 

For homebuyers seeking a luxury villa-style living experience, our newest semi-custom development, Ocean Pines, is the ideal neighborhood. 

View our available Ocean Pines residences here!

Find Your Second Home on Kiawah Island

Regardless of which home you choose on Kiawah Island, you will surely end up with something special. To learn more about second homes on Kiawah Island, contact us or view our available properties below!