Native Americans hunted and gathered seafood in the center of Hilton Head Island including Port Royal Plantation for hundreds of years. The area was rich in food sources dating back to the Archaic Period 8,000 – 2,000 BC when the Woodland Indians lived here seasonally in fall and winter. Many of the local areas still carry their Indian names. While the bluffs of Port Royal were first sighted in modern history in 1521 by Spanish Captain Pedro de Quexos, it was later claimed by the English Captain William Hilton in 1663 who named it for himself. There was a succession of Spanish, French and English explorers that followed, all in search of the profitable Sea Island Cotton trade. The industry was later destroyed by the Boweivel insect invasion that destroyed the cotton crops here and throughout the region.

Early in the Civil War, the present plantation was occupied briefly by Confederate forces. The Battle of Port Royal in 1861 became a Union victory and their 13,000 troops landed to control the island. This town that evolved also included another 15,000 civilians with a main street known as “Robbers Row” (currently the name of one of the golf courses and a street within the plantation) and included restaurants, three quality hotels, theatre, stores, and saloons. Today, historical markers throughout the plantation describe the events of that time.

In the heart of the plantation, Fort Sherman was constructed by the troops in 1862 and is largely intact. It became the headquarters for the Union’s Department of the South and became a northern stronghold. Many of the freed slaves, often referred to as Gullah people, moved to Hilton Head. Some of their descendents continue to live on the island and celebrate and retain the Gullah culture from so many years ago.

There is a steam gun cannon site that is preserved in Port Royal Plantation on Fort Walker Drive. The federal government retained plantation and other island holdings and reactivated them during the Spanish American War and later into World War I. After the Civil War, the land of this area was distributed to freed blacks and “loyal white northerners” at bargain prices. The Hilton Head area remained rural and much of the land was used as hunting preserves. By the late 1940’s, Fred Hack came to the island in search of timbering land and selectively timbered the island to make it a profitable venture for him and his investors.

Modern development of the island began in the late 1950’s. While Charles Fraser focused on the south end of the island in the development of Sea Pines, Fred Hack formed the Island Development Company to improve the remainder of the island, including Port Royal Plantation. From the beginning, it was determined that Port Royal would be residential and restricted to single family residences while other areas were developing as resorts, much as the island is today. Preservation and nature were important to Hack’s company from the onset contributing greatly to the existing natural beauty of Port Royal.

The early bridge which replaced the ferry to the island was a swing bridge that opened for boats to pass beneath. Highway 278 was a dusty 2-lane road with no traffic lights. Shopping trips to Savannah were essential to the early residents.

The Inn, clubhouse and the first 9 holes of Robber’s Row opened in 1964 at the site now known as Ocean Point. By 1968, the inn and golf course were flourishing and a second course was planned at Barony for an opening in spring, 1969. Activities to entertain owners and lure potential purchasers were held regularly including oyster roasts and end-of-month golf parties. Some of these traditions continue today.

Since most of the homes were second homes in the early development, the remote location and concern over storms discouraged many investors. The Island Development Company was merged into the original Hilton Head Company as the company owners sought investors. It soon became a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxford First. Master plans and covenants were developed and improvements were completed, including the original Beach House. After a fire in 1973 destroyed the clubhouse, the popular Overlook Restaurant was re-established in one of the nearby Port Royal Inn villas.

While the recession of the 70’s brought development to a halt, the construction was booming by the end of the decade. In 1980, the Hilton Head Company sold all of its properties to EMRO, the development side of Marathon Oil. Changes were made to the master plan and covenants that are used today. The clubhouse was built outside the gates providing public access to the golf courses, the pool complex was built, a prohibition against short term rental was reiterated, and extensive plantings in common areas were completed.

In 1985, Bobby Ginn came to Hilton Head as an investor and purchased the Marathon holdings and other developments. This came to an unfortunate end when Ginn was forced to file bankruptcy in 1986. However, the property owners were able to gain control of the common areas and created a very protective agreement for themselves. It was approved and signed by the bankruptcy trustee and Marathon including rights to golf, maintenance provisions, and more.

The rest of the 80’s and 90’s brought major growth which enabled the property owners to approve a major sewer project, repave the roads, and build a new gatehouse. The Town of Hilton Head accepted the Port Royal beaches into their beach re-nourishment program. All of this resulted in significant increases in property value. Although the pathway to development hasn’t always been smooth within the plantation or on Hilton Head Island, Port Royal has evolved into a special community. It remains an excellent choice for residents who enjoy living near the beach, but want to enjoy the privacy of a residential community. While many of the homes are older, the lots are generally more spacious and the mid-island location is convenient. Port Royal’s rich history contributes to the overall ambiance and lifestyle of the community.

Port Royal is the only private, residential oceanfront community in the area designed solely for residents and their guests. With no commercial development, hotels, timeshares or weekly rental within the community, Port Royal residents enjoy their peaceful beaches throughout the year.

Located at the “heel” of Hilton Head Island, there is beach access to both Port Royal Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Multiple beach paths are readily available to provide easy access for owners and guests. A community beach club has bathroom facilities, picnic areas, large swimming pool and children’s wading pool, and a facility for meetings, community parties and members’ private celebrations.

The ideal mid-island location provides easy access to all island activities. Many excellent restaurants, shopping, cultural events, golf, tennis, and other sporting activities are minutes away.

Annual fees for property owners in 2010 were only $1,223, which includes full time security. Additionally, there are no transfer fees assessed by the plantation as are found in most other communities. While there are 3 golf courses located within Port Royal, golf membership is not required. A variety of memberships are available including some directed towards 2nd homeowners. The membership course changes each month allowing the members social play on the 3 challenging courses on a rotation basis.

Included in the membership is access to 4 community tennis courts. Two of the courts are lighted making available cooler evening matches on warm summer days or after work play to the delight of members and guests.

Within the nearly 1,000 total units, there are approximately 900 single family residences completed with an additional 70+ undeveloped properties. Properties range in size from smaller ¼ acre patio homes to estates exceeding an acre. The views are extensive throughout the plantation and include both Port Royal Sound and ocean properties, panoramic salt marshes and estuaries, fresh water lagoons, parks and well-maintained golf sites.

Port Royal Plantation has a rich history which includes two major Civil War sites and a Spanish American War steam gun site. These areas are well marked and information is provided explaining the relationship to the historical events.

For those who enjoy biking, jogging, and walking along outstanding vistas, there are miles of paved leisure trails throughout the community. Bike paths continue outside the plantation for bikers who enjoy distance riding and island exploration.

A well marked arboretum is centrally located within the plantation. Turtle watches from spring to fall are fun as residents protect the hatching young sea turtles. Nature lovers who enjoy bird watching will be delighted by the abundance of Ospreys, Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, and numerous shore birds that inhabit the area. Joyner Bank, just offshore, is often crowded with feathered guests of all kinds during low tide when the large sandbank is exposed.

There are numerous activities for those who would like to participate. A women’s Friday morning coffee is hosted weekly in the private homes of residents. Bridge groups, water aerobics, and exercise classes are readily available.

A host of volunteer activities throughout the community provide opportunity for quality social relationships and endearing friendships in close proximity. While many homes are older, some have had extensive renovation because of their outstanding location. Some of the areas within Port Royal were developed more recently and newer homes are also available.

The proximity to the beach tends to affect pricing of property. One of the best assets of Port Royal is the beach is a short walk or bike ride away, wherever you reside within the community. If the beach is high on your wish list, this may be an area worth considering. Please let me know if you would like to have a personal web page created for you to learn more about homes within the plantation. Having lived in Port Royal, I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Port Royal Plantation is a very residential oceanfront plantation. While often beach oriented properties are not clearly divided between oceanfront and sound front, Port Royal has both.

Port Royal Sound is a magnificent deep water natural port – reportedly the second largest on the east coast after Long Island. It is a natural beach front that produces many varieties of shore birds that can be enjoyed on a daily basis, although many of them are migratory. Boating activity is varied with shrimpers and recreational boaters alike enjoying the great waterway. Occasionally, a large ship can be sited carrying a load of bananas or even a freighter; but it is not generally used as a large port at this time.

The remainder of the shoreline in Port Royal is oceanfront. Being located at the heel of the island (most people think Hilton Head is shaped like a shoe), at the right angle is where Port Royal’s beach transcends. The beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean side normally has more surf and therefore, creates more ocean sounds. The breezes are delightful in both areas. The entire beachfront is connected and provides an extraordinary venue for daily walks and spiritual renewal.

Interestingly, in 2009, 6 beachfront homes sold in Port Royal Plantation from $2,100,000 to $3,675,000 while currently, there is only 1 beachfront home listed for sale at $2,795,000. Therefore, in spite of the economy, it must be noted that this market area has remained extremely strong. The average sale price to list price was approximately 90%.

Many of the purchases were excellent buying opportunities. Please contact me by phone or email if you would like to receive priority notification on Port Royal Plantation or other Hilton Head real estate opportunities.