By Staci Donegan
Part of what makes life along the Georgia coast so desirable is the remarkable mix of natural beauty, historic sites, temperate weather, Southern hospitality and Savannah charm.
Chatham County is home to a wide range of gated communities that showcase the best of coastal living, offering remarkable privacy, safety and security as well as easy access to club-style amenities, from golf and tennis to boating and kayaking.
These are some of the largest gated communities in the Savannah area, offering a distinctive mix of history, amenities and natural beauty:
DUTCH ISLAND
One of the most historic communities in southeast Georgia, Dutch Island is located near Isle of Hope and has records dating back to 1759, when King George II granted 30 acres of land to early Georgia planter Peter Radick. Surrounded by the Herb River, Wilmington River and Skidaway River, Dutch Island has spectacular waterfront views and a family-friendly environment. Amenities include tennis courts, a swimming pool, fire pit and beach volleyball court as well as a community dock, boat ramp and pier.
SOUTH HARBOR
A true boater’s paradise, South Harbor is a gated waterfront community on Skidaway Island offering the best of both worlds: quiet relaxed residential living with easy access to downtown Savannah. Along with a deepwater marina with a private boat hoist, dockage and dry boat storage, additional amenities include a resort-style swimming pool overlooking the Intracoastal waterway, tennis courts and playground facilities. Saltwater marshes, ocean breezes, creeks and salt air enhance the serenity and simplicity of life at South Harbor. In addition, the Isles of South Harbor enclave offers additional privacy and security, along with panoramic waterfront vistas.
WESTBROOK AT SAVANNAH QUARTERS
Golf lovers enjoy this premier master-planned community located just minutes west of historic Savannah. Savannah Quarters features beautiful homes and outstanding amenities combined with a vibrant club experience. Swimming, tennis, fitness and golf are just some of the amenities that are anchored by a beautiful Lowcountry-style clubhouse featuring casual club-style dining and exciting social activities. Contemporary conveniences blend with traditional style to make Westbrook at Savannah Quarters a popular choice for families, retirees and newcomers.
TURNER’S COVE
Nestled in the gated waterfront townhome community of Turner’s Cove on Wilmington Island, Turner’s Cove evokes the architectural details of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District, from the brick-paved streets to the beautiful ironwork. Inside the luxuriously appointed homes, buyers can enjoy stunning floorplans with high-end upgrades featuring gourmet kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, exquisite details, dramatic stairways, hardwood floors and luxury throughout. These quaint townhomes offer sweeping river views and access to on-site amenities ranging from a community dock to walking trails.
LONG POINT
Legend has it that a chest of Blackbeard’s booty was buried somewhere near the bluff in the old Bucknife area at Long Point on Whitemarsh Island. While no treasure was ever found, the community is still rich in history and provides spectacular views of the Wilmington River, lagoons and marshes. A popular family neighborhood that’s close to excellent schools, shopping and an abundance of recreational activities, Long Point also offers easy access to downtown Savannah, Tybee Island and more. At Long Point, home styles range from traditional brick and stucco residences to European-inspired estates. Community amenities include swimming pools, tennis courts, a community dock, a children’s playground and more. Plus, the Long Bridge enclave offers an additional gate and extra privacy within the Long Point community.
THE LANDINGS
With more than 4,500 acres and approximately 8,500 residents, The Landings on Skidaway Island is the barrier island’s largest residential community, offering award-winning amenities, including two deepwater marinas, four clubhouses, six championship golf courses and 31 tennis courts. Residents can also enjoy four swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a private dog park and community garden as well as activities like kayaking, cycling, fishing and boating. The Landings also has a 30-mile nature trail winding through the community, which is ideal for walking, biking and running. Residents at The Landings enjoy an incredible quality of life at family-friendly neighborhoods like Midpoint, Deer Creek and Moon River Landing. The Landings attracts residents from all over the country and includes a lively mix of professional couples, singles, families and retirees.
MODENA
Once a cotton and indigo plantation, working cattle farm and hunting preserve, Modena is a desirable residential neighborhood with spectacular waterfront properties located on the north end of Skidaway Island. In 1936, owner Ralph Isham sold the property to Robert Roebling. Roebling’s great-grandfather founded the company that manufactured the braided steel cable in the Brooklyn Bridge, George Washington Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. The Roeblings donated most of their land on Skidaway Island to the state of Georgia to establish the University of Georgia’s Skidway Institute of Oceanography. Today, the Modena neighborhood offers 50 acres of residential space and spectacular views of the marshes, wetlands and beaches surrounding Skidaway Island.
These are some of the leading private communities in Chatham County that are popular with today’s buyers, but there are many additional options to consider.Whether you’re looking for a spacious home overlooking the fairway or a private waterfront estate, you’ll discover an abundance of options at private gated communities throughout Chatham County.
_________________________________
Staci Donegan is an associate broker at Seabolt Real Estate who provides highly professional, strategic solutions for buyers and sellers throughout the Savannah area. She can be reached at staci@stacidonegan.com or 912-247-2052.
