Estimate anchored to the listing price of **$3,800,000**, adjusted by comparable luxury-asset premiums for AIA design, guest house and land. No live comparable sales search performed; geology, access and community covenants inform range.
AIA-Awarded Lowcountry Compound on ~3 Acres with Guest House
This AIA-awarded Lowcountry compound on Spring Island is a rare convergence of architectural vision, artisan materials and gracious outdoor living. Envisioned by architect Chris Schmitt and completed in stages between 1998 and 2004, the estate comprises five distinct structures — a striking main residence, a two-bedroom guest house, a versatile entertainment/workshop with a large roll-up garage door, a private studio with bath, and a spacious three-bay garage — all connected by raised walkways that thread through preserved forest and marsh-edge landscape by Thomas Angell. The design balances contemporary form with classic Lowcountry elements: exposed trusses, vaulted ceilings, and antique heart-pine flooring milled in Savannah in the 19th century create warmth and provenance throughout.
At the center of the home, the great room soars with tall windows overlooking Rice Gate Pond, while the gourmet kitchen, dining room and sunroom flow naturally to the screened porch and approximately 1,000 square feet of crafted outdoor living designed for entertaining. The primary suite on the ground floor is a private retreat with direct access to an outdoor spa and shower; the primary bath includes a steam shower for a spa-like experience. The guest house echoes the main home's inverted roofline and features floor-to-ceiling glass, a small kitchen/dining area and two ensuite bedrooms — ideal for multigenerational living or visiting friends.
Unique interior touches elevate the residence: a custom wall mural by Jordi Pedrola, a wine cellar for collectors, a custom lighting system, and high-end kitchen appliances including double/convection ovens and a wine cooler. Landscaped grounds and the pond-facing orientation provide tranquility and a strong sense of privacy across the estate’s roughly 3 acres. This property suits buyers who prize design pedigree, who entertain often, or who seek a turnkey luxury retreat within easy reach of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
Offered at $3,800,000, this compound presents both immediate lifestyle value and long-term appeal to buyers of architecturally significant coastal properties. Contact listing agent Debra McCarter at 843-991-9501 with questions or to schedule a private showing. Buyers should verify septic and community covenant details as part of due diligence.
A 2000 single family on 3 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
Spring Island / Okatie
Researched nearby locations
Location
9 Rice Gate Cir, Okatie, SC 29909
Spring Island and the broader Okatie corridor are defined by low-density residential estates, preserved marsh and forest, and an emphasis on privacy and conservation. The neighborhood favors well-crafted homes, meandering private drives and walking trails that connect common greens and riverfront pockets. Residents rely on nearby Bluffton for day-to-day shopping and dining and on Hilton Head for broader cultural and recreational amenities.
Excellent access to lowcountry outdoor recreation: marsh and pond views, trails, kayaking/fishing access nearby, and proximity to high-end golf and marina facilities.
A factual market snapshot around 9 Rice Gate Cir.
The Okatie/Spring Island corridor sits between Bluffton and Hilton Head and attracts seasonal buyers, retiring executives, and families seeking higher-end coastal living. Inventory for architect-designed estates and larger acreage parcels is limited; the luxury segment tends to sell to out-of-area buyers who value design, privacy and proximity to marinas, golf and dining. Median single-family prices across Beaufort County have moved upward over the past several years, driven by constrained supply and strong demand for amenity-rich neighborhoods. For this property’s price tier, targeted national and regional marketing — architectural publications, luxury brokerage networks, and out-of-state relocation lists — typically yields the best buyer pool. Expect a measured marketing timeline with qualified buyers and a premium for the compound’s award-winning design and guest house flexibility.
Likely residential single-family / estate zoning within Spring Island community constraints; may be subject to community covenants
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Single Family Residence
- Accessory Structures (Guest House, Studio, Workshop) Likely Allowed
- Home Office/Creative Studio (Likely Allowed)
Assessment data and recorded transactions.
Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.
Sale history
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- List price: $3,800,000 (as of 2026-03-09)
- Size: 6,208 SF; Bedrooms: 5; Bathrooms: 6.5; Lot: ~3.0 acres
- Compound contains five distinct structures providing flexible occupancy/use
- Water: Community/Coop; Sewer: Septic Tank — verify capacity and maintenance
- Architectural provenance and AIA recognition increase desirability in luxury market
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- Approximately 6,208 SF total living area
- 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths including ground-floor primary suite with steam shower
- Great room with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams
- Antique heart-pine flooring (19th-century millwork)
- Custom wall mural by Jordi Pedrola; wine cellar
- High-end appliance package: double convection ovens, wine cooler, warming drawer
- Custom lighting system throughout
Exterior & Lot
- Approximately 3.0 acres with Rice Gate Pond frontage/views
- Five distinct structures connected by raised walkways
- Screened porch plus ~1,000 SF of outdoor living; outdoor spa and shower
- Landscape design by Thomas Angell blending formal and natural plantings
- Three-car garage plus detached three-bay garage/entertainment building
- Private drive; strong natural buffers and low immediate visibility
Location & Neighborhood
- Located on Spring Island / Okatie — quiet, conservation-minded community
- Approx. 8 miles to Bluffton amenities; ~18 miles to Hilton Head Island
- Easy access to May River recreation, marinas and regional dining
- Neighborhood character: estate lots, natural preserves, low-density development
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 22/100
- Extensive on-site trails and raised walkways; proximity to Spring Island trails
- Nearby recreation: fishing, kayaking, golf clubs, lowcountry nature preserves
- Ideal for buyers who prioritize privacy and outdoor living over urban walkability
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.