Island life is a different kind of living. The relaxed pace, natural environment, and consistent ocean breeze keep residents here and entice tourists from all around the world. While the easy feel of island life in Lowcountry neighborhoods might seem like it just fell into place; it’s actually a result of careful planning.

ENGEL & VÖLKERS introduces exclusive real estate technology to the Promenade in Bluffton. The inter-active touch screen, seen in the centre panel in this photograph, has a direct feed to the Hilton Head and BLuffton MLS. People on the busy Promenade can search for all homes for sale in the MLS by simply touching the buttons on the window.

In the good old days, interior cooling and heating were limited to a specific room or portion of a building with localized units. That worked out just fine, so long as the entire family didn’t mind camping out in the living room. Some could afford more than one unit. Most could not.

Sophisticated homeowners in the Lowcountry have never been beholden to the latest kitchen and bathroom trends. We know what we like, pure and simple. If it happens to be trendy, so be it.

Interestingly, the Hilton Head area has either been a trend-setter ahead of the national curve or behind it by a few years…if ever. Our trends with sustained traction either originate in Hilton Head or trickle down from Atlanta or other cities up and down the seaboard to our inviting shores.

ENGEL & VÖLKERS Hilton Head— Bluffton recently announced that home buyers and sellers served in the Hilton Head and Bluffton markets will now have access to a new way to view properties in the palm of their hand. This is part of Engel & Völkers North America’s recently launched network-wide initiative to introduce industry-leading technology that will enhance home buyers and sellers’ experiences. “Our company and Real Estate Advisors are committed to providing the best customer experience that matches the on-demand economy that consumers expect,” said Rick Turner, President Engel & Völkers Hilton Head – Bluffton.

THE INTEGRATION OF MANMADE HARDSCAPES AND NATURE’S NATURAL LANDSCAPING HAS BEEN TRANSFORMING LOWCOUNTRY OUTDOOR LIVING FOR MANY YEARS.

We have been moving our indoor comforts and amenities outdoors in rising numbers while watching the value of our homes increase, thanks to outdoor upgrades.

CUSTOM-BUILT HOME TAKES ADVANTAGE OF IDEAL FRESHWATER LOCATION

When the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association hosts an event, it’s always a good one. The 30th annual Parade of Homes in late March showcased 25 exceptional residences on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton and the extended local area. The builders crafted unique houses, and the public toured the homes inside and out for ideas and inspiration.

The Lowcountry proves you don’t have to be rich to live in paradise

After attending the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing or spending a week on one of the many award-winning golf courses in the area, many return to their hometowns eager to explore the possibilities of calling the Lowcountry home — or perhaps home away from home. The region offers a wide variety of lifestyle living, from traditional neighborhoods and historic homes to beach-oriented communities or private gated plantations, each offering unique features and amenities such as country clubs, marinas, beach access, walking and bike paths, special interest clubs, socials and other events.

Court Atkins Group’s 501 South Studio team creates an inviting backdrop for the Artist Cottage at Palmetto Bluff

The new Artist in Residence program is a collaboration between Palmetto Bluff and Garden & Gun magazine that celebrates the arts, fosters creativity and offers a hands-on education. As part of the program, notable artists are invited to stay in the Artist Cottage in Palmetto Bluff’s newly constructed Moreland Village. Court Atkins Group’s 501 South Studio team was chosen to steer the interior design for the Artist Cottage, a project they considered a privilege.

Kentucky woman turns tiny treehouse-style home into sophisticated space

So what does a woman who was a born and raised in Kentucky and who’s been modeling internationally since she was 16 do when she wants a getaway beach home on Hilton Head Island? She buys a one-bedroom, 520-square-foot octagonal-shaped treehouse-style home built in 1976 in Sea Pines, naturally.

And then she hires Sharon Cleland at J. Banks Design Group to turn an interior mess into a “little jewel that turned out like a dream,” said Kelly Movshina, who moved from France to Aiken, where she now lives with her pilot husband and young daughter.