Paradise is waiting at Haig Point on Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie Island is the southernmost of South Carolina’s barrier islands, and accessible only by boat, despite being in sight of the heavily-populated tourist attractions of Hilton Head Island and Savannah. However, those few miles of the Calibogue Sound become thousands of miles in time and history. On Daufuskie, there are no streetlights, grocery stores or sidewalks. Paved roads and restaurants are hard to find, and much of the island is as Pat Conroy described more than 50 years ago. In his book, The Water is Wide, he wrote, “The island is fringed with the green, undulating marshes of the Southern coast. Deer cut through her forests in small silent herds. The great Southern oaks stand broodingly on her banks. The island and the waters around her teem with life. There is something eternal and indestructible about the tide-eroded shores and the dark, threatening silences of the swamps in the heart of the island.”

The modern exception to Conroy’s view is Haig Point, a private residential community that offers resort-style living on 1,050 immaculately landscaped acres. In addition to 29 holes of golf, a swimming pool, two restaurants, tennis courts and a lively tiki bar, the resort is also home to the historic 1910 Strachan Mansion and 1873 Lighthouse, both of which are open to guests for overnight stays. To live like a local, book one of three Discovery Visits that include everything from a round of golf to overnight accommodations and access to the community’s full list of amenities. www.haigpoint.com.

The true star of Haig Point is the Rees Jones Signature Championship Golf Course which offers two slightly different feels, depending on whether you play the Haig or Calibogue variant. This scenic and challenging course is a par 72 with a 142 slope rating and one of the most uniquely designed courses in the world. The course maximizes its location, ambling from the Calibogue Sound through lush sea island forests and along wide stretches of pristine salt marsh having seven tee boxes or greens with ocean views. In addition, this course has the largest number of rare and colorful fox squirrels that I have ever encountered! Other wildlife on the island is diverse with the possibility of seeing everything from loggerhead turtles, to right whales to deer, storks and egrets making the scenery an incredible part of the player experience as well.

Haig Point offers a more intimate lifestyle with empty beaches, a fabulous top-ranked Rees Jones-designed golf course, an equestrian center and a safe, healthy and secure family environment.

Whether you croquet at the Strachan Mansion, fly fish, cast for shrimp or crab, take a sunset cruise or enjoy an event at the Club, Haig Point offers a rich and fulfilling lifestyle. It’s not opulent, stuffy or fabricated, but welcoming and undeniably authentic.

One of the many charms of Daufuskie Island’s Haig Point is that it is accessible only by boat from Hilton Head Island, S.C. on a scenic ferry ride. This leaves from the private Haig Point Embarkation Center (18 round trips run each day) or a 24-hour water taxi service from Harbour Town at Sea Pines. The personal touch points of concierge services, like grocery and package delivery from the mainland, make island living second to none. Haig Point is a car-free island paradise that is blessed with natural beauty and void of noise pollution.

Even if you only visit for a day, the natural beauty of Daufuskie Island and Haig Point will capture your desire to return! Paradise will constantly be remembered about the mystical marshlands, unspoiled beaches, abundant wildlife and secluded serenity of this magical island!

Photos: by Bill Vanderford