5 Showstopping South Carolina Waterfront Homes from Charleston to Hilton Head

Along the water’s edge on Charleston’s East Battery, Drayton House stands as a reimagined Victorian landmark that pairs historic elegance with modern luxury. Celebrated as an icon of the city’s heritage, it has been perfectly restored for grand living, where classic character and contemporary comfort are designed to coexist. Direct waterfront positioning brings the harbor into daily view, lending a sense of ceremony to mornings and a luminous backdrop to evenings. The home’s story-forward presence feels equally suited to intimate moments and larger celebrations, with spaces conceived for gathering and hosting. Here, the rhythm of Charleston life unfolds against the ever-changing harbor—heritage at your doorstep, and modern refinement within.

Along the water’s edge on Hilton Head Island, this very private 1.39-acre setting offers 199 feet of waterfront and panoramic views of the ocean, sound, lagoon, and golf course from every room. Inside, elegant interiors are defined by cypress ceilings with rosewood inlays and white oak flooring with teak inlays, creating a warm, tailored backdrop for daily life and entertaining alike. A chef’s kitchen is outfitted with Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele appliances, while multiple living and dining areas provide flexibility for everything from quiet mornings to lively gatherings. Leisure is built in, with a theater room, wine room, and game room. Outdoors, a resort-style oasis includes a heated pool, spa, fire pit, cooking area, and pool house—set within an amenity-rich gated community.

Along the water’s edge on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, this custom-designed oceanfront residence is set to be built on a spacious 20,247-square-foot lot, pairing contemporary ease with a front-row view of the Atlantic. The open-concept layout is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, drawing ocean vistas into everyday living. Five bedrooms feature en-suite baths, complemented by an additional guest bathroom, while an elevator adds effortless flow across levels. In the gourmet kitchen, top appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a wine display keep entertaining polished and practical. Multiple outdoor living areas extend the home’s footprint outside, where a resort-style pool and spa invite long afternoons and salt-air evenings. A five-car garage, ample storage, and premium finishes complete a design built for calm, coastal rhythm.

Along the water’s edge in Ridge Top at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, this custom Resort Custom Homes retreat sits on Falls Creek cove with long-water views and the constant hush of the waterfall. Douglas-fir siding, natural stone, and a synthetic cedar-style roof introduce an interior anchored by a great room with 22-foot vaulted ceilings, twin stone fireplaces, and disappearing sliders to a lakeside flagstone porch. The chef’s kitchen is thoroughly equipped—Wolf gas 6-burner range with double ovens, paneled double Sub-Zero, warming drawer, two dishwashers, an oversized island with sink, and a walk-in pantry with ice maker. A lake-view primary suite with spa bath shares the main level with an additional ensuite and a light-filled sunroom with fireplace. Downstairs, a fireside lounge, full bar, media room, screened porch, and flagstone patio with fire pit pair with an infinity-edge spa overlooking the lake. A terraced path leads to the water, while the enclave HOA supports low-maintenance living.

With the lake as its backdrop, this rare new-construction waterfront residence is set on a gentle-slope point lot with 156 feet of shoreline and wide views across a large open cove. Indoors, an open kitchen, dining, and great room centers on a stone fireplace, framed by beamed ceilings and wide-plank hardwood floors. Glass doors extend the living space to a large covered IPE deck, where a second stone fireplace, airplane cabling designed to maximize views, and a custom oversized fan create an easy rhythm for outdoor lounging. The primary suite overlooks the water and includes a luxury bath with dual vanities, a large shower, and a separate soaking tub, plus an extra-large closet and direct access to a multipurpose laundry room. A lower-level suite, recreation room with wet bar and chiller, and a lakefront patio round out the retreat, with a paver path leading to the covered Kroeger dock.