Shingle Style Oceanfront

Shingle Style Oceanfront

Situated atop the dunes of a one-and-a-half-acre double oceanfront lot on Kiawah Island, this 17,000-square-foot summer retreat draws inspiration from South Carolina’s Lowcountry vernacular, interpreted through the lens of the Shingle Style. Thoughtful attention to proportion ensures that each of the home’s twenty-eight rooms maintains a sense of intimacy despite its considerable scale.

A reverse floor plan positions the primary gathering spaces—including the kitchen, dining room, and living room—on the second level, capturing expansive views over the maritime landscape and across the dunes to the Atlantic Ocean beyond. The primary suite crowns the third floor, while the lower level is dedicated to guest accommodations and a family room that opens directly onto the pool terrace.

Architectural elements such as a three-story stair tower, Charleston-inspired gardens, and a dining gazebo articulate the rear elevation, all grounded by a base of reclaimed Old Carolina brick. Elevated above the flood zone, the residence is constructed with steel framing, concrete floors, and reinforced windows, make the structure virtually hurricane-resistant.

Despite its durability, the home conveys a quiet refinement through carefully considered detailing—from the brackets supporting its numerous dormers to the wood columns framing the wraparound porches. Inside, an eclectic collection of art and furnishings enriches the interiors, completing a residence where resilience and elegance are seamlessly intertwined.

Photography: Durston Saylor, Larry Lambrecht, Steve Turner
Interiors: Cullman & Kravis
Featured In: Architectural Digest, CT Cottages & Gardens, Modern Estate, Kiawah Island Legends