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Dewees Island is often referred to as a private oceanfront
island retreat dedicated to environmental preservation.
This statement sums up a philosophy that this community
has managed to put into practice.
Accessible only by boat, Dewees Island is located just
12 miles north of Charleston. This environmentally sensitive,
1,206-acre barrier island has attracted national attention
as model of sustainable development. Although the developers
installed the usual underground telephone and power lines,
the similarity to other island development projects stops
there. Dewees five roads aren't paved instead they are
surfaced with crushed limestone. The developers also installed
a complete recycling and composting system, as well as
a central reverse osmosis water system that supplies all
the island's drinking water.
Dewees Island's environmental covenants limit the number
of homes to 150, and cluster them in the most ecologically
hardy areas. Builders must agree to follow a comprehensive
set of design and construction guidelines that aim to
ease the impact of construction on the island, as well
as reduce the amount of energy and resources the island's
homes use. Dewees Island Homes must remain surrounded
by native vegetation no lawns allowed and only 7,500 square
feet of each lot can be disturbed by construction.
Houses are situated on lots that average about two acres.
While there is no minimum size requirement, they cannot
be larger than 5,000 square feet. Because Dewees Island
is in a flood zone, all homes are elevated, and all feature
some sort of water view.
Dewees Island attracts an exclusive set of home buyers
who believe the goals of environmental awareness and comfort
can be complementary. Residents can immerse themselves
in nature, with such ecologically-friendly family activities
such as canoeing, bird watching, fly-fishing, crabbing,
and a day on one of the South's widest natural beaches.
Dewess Island has no gas stations, restaurants or grocery
stores, and residents get around by golf cart or on foot.
A ferry based at the Dewees Marina on the Isle of Palms,
runs back and forth every half hour. Other island amenities
include an environmental education center, a clubhouse,
pool and two tennis courts, as well as a number of well-furnished
guest accommodations.
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