South Carolina’s real estate offers a dreamy blend of Lowcountry elegance and Atlantic-coast grandeur, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury. From the moss-draped oaks of Charleston to the sun-soaked beaches of Hilton Head, the state is a playground for those seeking Southern sophistication with a splash of seaside serenity.
Now, let’s explore the five most expensive homes that elevate South Carolina’s luxury market to dazzling heights.
5. Hilton Head Island, SC – $7,995,000
Set against the backdrop of Calibogue Cay’s waterfront, this $7,995,000 estate in Spanish Wells spans 7,445 square feet with 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Positioned on 1.5 acres, the home includes a dock, climate-controlled wine room, elevator, full generator, and an in-law suite with a separate kitchen. Designed for the current owners, the property features a grand entry, first-floor primary suite, walnut-paneled office, and expansive views throughout.
Where is Hilton Head Island?
Shaped by tides and careful planning, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, spans about 42 square miles with a year-round population near 40,000. It was one of the first eco-planned communities in the U.S., shaped by design restrictions to preserve natural landscapes. The island played a role in the Civil War as a Union base and refuge for formerly enslaved people. It also hosts the annual RBC Heritage golf tournament, part of the PGA Tour.
Living Room
Placed beneath a coffered ceiling, the living room is furnished with burnt orange velvet seating, floral accent chairs, and a glass-top coffee table. Wide windows across the back wall provide an unobstructed view of the water and landscape. A built-in bar area and cabinetry line the interior wall, connecting back toward the kitchen.
Kitchen
Connecting to a breakfast nook, the kitchen includes marble countertops, a farmhouse sink, and a professional-grade range against a brick backsplash. White cabinetry frames both ends of the room, with island seating placed centrally. Views of the ocean spill in from the far wall lined with floral drapes and windows.
Dining Room
Opening into the main hallway, the dining room features a long polished wood table surrounded by ten matching chairs on a patterned rug. Tall arched windows with white shutters bring in soft light, while crown molding and a chandelier define the traditional layout. Framed paintings and cabinetry along the wall round out the formal setting.
Wine Cellar
Built with dark wood racks on every wall, the wine cellar includes storage for hundreds of bottles, plus drawers and cabinetry below. A round barrel table with a glass top stands at the center beneath a small chandelier. Framed artwork and spotlighting finish the room’s intimate and curated layout.
Bedroom
Lined with tall shutters and natural light, the bedroom includes a four-poster bed flanked by two nightstands and matching vintage lamps. Upholstered chairs sit near the windows with views of the lawn and shoreline beyond. The rug and bedding stay within a light cream palette, matching the tones of the surrounding trim.
Source: Rob Reichel @ Sea Pines Real Estate – Beach Club via Coldwell Banker Realty
4. Charleston, SC – $9,790,000
Priced at $9,790,000, this home on Fish Tale Island in Daniel Island offers 3,375 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, along with 4,265 square feet of heated space. Built in 2022, it includes a deep water dock, Tesla roof with power walls, wine rooms, smart home technology, and a saltwater heated pool/spa. Set on a 21,344 square foot lot, the property also features a 5+ car garage, guest suites with separate amenities, and a game room, with plans for an additional 1,100 square feet of future living space.
Where is Charleston?
Charleston, South Carolina, is a coastal city founded in 1670, located where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet the Atlantic. It is known for its cobblestone streets, preserved antebellum architecture, and historic significance in the American Civil War. The city serves as a major port and cultural center, with a strong tourism and culinary scene. Charleston also faces ongoing challenges with flooding and coastal resilience.
Living Room
Framed by a towering brick fireplace, the living room features a large velvet sectional, cozy armchairs, and a central tray table atop a layered rug. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and floor-to-ceiling windows give a view to the outdoors and pool. A wall-mounted TV above the hearth blends modern tech with rustic finishes.
Kitchen and Dining Area
Running beneath trussed beams, the dining area includes a long wooden table paired with simple wood chairs over a light textured rug. In the kitchen, flat panel cabinetry and a wide island with waterfall countertops stretch along the back wall under a row of spotlights. Pendant lighting and a nearby glass wine room add visual depth.
Entertainment Room
Lined with black vertical paneling, the media room includes a leather sectional and reclining chair facing a mounted screen. A bar and dining area with a poker table sit toward the back, backed by exposed brick and mixed lighting. Vintage rugs, layered textures, and bold tones round out the space.
Bedroom
Tucked into a vaulted retreat, the bedroom features a wood-paneled accent wall and a tall headboard flanked by pendant lights. Neutral bedding and a muted rug complement the armchairs set in front of large windows. Exposed beams add architectural texture above.
Outdoor Lounge
Flowing into the backyard, the covered patio holds sectional seating, a grill area with bar seating, and an outdoor dining setup. Ceiling fans and recessed lighting support comfort under the sloped wooden ceiling. Beyond the seating zone, a plunge pool with brick trim overlooks an open natural view.
Source: Jacquie Dinsmore, Jake Dinsmore @ Carolina One Real Estate via Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Bluffton, SC – $9,875,000
Set along the May River in Palmetto Bluff’s exclusive enclave, this $9,875,000 home spans 5,100 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Designed with custom finishes, it features expansive water views, a chef’s kitchen, a home gym, and a screened porch with heated floors and fireplace. Just steps from the dock, the property blends indoor and outdoor living across open-air and year-round spaces.
Where is Bluffton?
Bluffton, South Carolina, is located along the May River, just inland from Hilton Head Island. It began as a small fishing village and has grown into a fast-developing residential and commercial hub. The town blends historic neighborhoods with modern planned communities. Bluffton’s Old Town district is known for art galleries, local shops, and riverfront views.
Screened Porch
Encased in mesh and framed by a wood ceiling, the screened porch includes a brick fireplace opposite two swing benches and armchairs. Geometric patterns in the rug and cushions contrast with the natural elements surrounding the space. Views of the water peek through the trees beyond the railing.
Sitting Nook
Nestled into a corner with tall windows, the sitting nook includes four woven chairs with white cushions placed around a natural wood coffee table. White shiplap walls, hanging sconces, and botanical prints create a relaxed coastal style. Views of the lush landscape outside filter through black-trimmed windows.
Dining Room
Opened to a sunroom, the dining room features a live-edge wooden table paired with red patterned chairs and zebra-print end seats. Exposed beams cross the vaulted ceiling, while a large circular chandelier centers the space. A full glass wall of French doors opens to a screened patio beyond.
Bedroom
Wrapped in deep shiplap paneling, the bedroom features a white canopy bed placed between two large walls of windows. Patterned drapes and a graphic rug add rhythm to the layout. Woven side chairs sit at the foot of the bed, complementing the textures throughout.
Bathroom
Centered under a glass bubble chandelier, the bathroom includes a freestanding tub between two vanities with marble countertops. White shiplap walls and hexagon tile flooring in black and white define the light-filled room. A makeup vanity and tall mirrors complete the layout.
Source: The Ussery Group @ Charter One Realty via Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Hilton Head Island, SC – $10,750,000
Located in a gated community on Hilton Head, this estate is priced at $10,750,000 and features 8,025 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. The property includes deep water access with a private boat lift, an infinity-edge pool, a golf simulator, wine cellar, and home gym with an infrared sauna. Built by H2 Builders, it sits on a lot with an additional 0.58-acre parcel and includes a 7.5-car garage and plans for a future sports complex.
Where is Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, sits along the Atlantic coast and is part of Beaufort County. It is a popular vacation spot with public beaches, golf courses, and extensive bike trails. The island has a mix of gated communities and commercial areas, including the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Marina. Its economy relies heavily on tourism and seasonal residents.
Living Room
Arranged around a large stone fireplace, the living room features two cream sofas and accent chairs over a textured area rug. A two-story wall showcases framed botanical prints above the mantel, with built-in shelves and dark cabinets flanking both sides. Natural wood beams and a balcony above enhance the vertical openness of the space.
Kitchen
Set beneath a wood-planked ceiling, the kitchen includes a large island with pendant lighting and seating for four at a raised bar table. Dual ranges, custom hood, and white cabinetry frame the space with functional symmetry. An adjacent prep kitchen and glass-front wine storage are visible from the main area.
Dining Area
Stretching from the dining area to the lounge, this open-concept space features a long table with seating for ten beneath two rustic chandeliers. Exposed wood beams and a sliding glass wall connect the room to an outdoor patio overlooking the water. A brick fireplace with a media unit marks the family room on the far end.
Bedroom
Backed by paneled walls, the bedroom includes a tufted headboard framed by windows on both sides. Soft furnishings in neutral tones and a large woven rug cover the wood floors. A pair of chairs and a small table sit beside the window wall with outdoor access and water views.
Bathroom
Framed by marble flooring and countertops, the bathroom features a freestanding soaking tub set in front of tall drapes and twin vanities along each wall. A large glass shower with multiple niches anchors the layout. A dressing table and mirrored cabinetry complete the light-filled space.
1. Kiawah Island, SC – $11,995,000
Listed at $11,995,000, this Kiawah Island estate offers 6,540 square feet with 10 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, situated on approximately 1.5 acres. Built by Buffington Homes, the property includes both attached and detached guest houses, an infinity-edge pool, screened porch, and a shared private deep-water dock overlooking the Kiawah River. Located in The Settlement, the home was constructed before its detailed customization and includes access to the Kiawah Island Club.
Where is Kiawah Island?
Kiawah Island, South Carolina, is a barrier island located about 25 miles southwest of Charleston. It is known for its private beachfront communities, golf resorts, and preserved natural habitats. Most of the island is gated, with limited public beach access and a strong focus on environmental conservation. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort has hosted major PGA tournaments.
Living Room
Facing a wall of tall windows, the living room is arranged with light upholstered seating around a central woven coffee table. Paneled ceilings with a ceiling fan and detailed molding create dimension above the polished wood flooring. Views of palm trees and the water dominate the background, framed by expansive glass.
Kitchen
Spanning the back wall, the kitchen includes dark cabinetry and a full suite of stainless appliances flanking a large central island. Pendant lights hang above the island, which seats five on white and chrome stools. A mosaic backsplash and double ovens complete the symmetrical layout.
Dining Room
Placed near corner windows, the dining room features a round wood table surrounded by eight high-back chairs over a geometric-patterned rug. A large drum pendant light with fringe detailing hangs above the center, casting light over the setting. French doors and transom windows allow water views and direct access to the exterior.
Bedroom
Positioned along the rear of the home, the bedroom features a king-sized upholstered bed between two windows, with a matching loveseat tucked into a bay window alcove. Clean lines, neutral textiles, and soft blue-gray tones carry across the rug and wall trim. Each bedside is flanked by wooden nightstands and clear glass lamps.
Bathroom
Lined with natural finishes, the bathroom includes a long double vanity in dark wood opposite a freestanding tub under a wide window. A walk-in shower with pebbled flooring and glass enclosure sits in the far corner. Overhead, pendant lighting and a warm color palette keep the space light and grounded.
Source: Pam Harrington @ Pam Harrington Exclusives via Coldwell Banker Realty
