Homes/South Carolina/Okatie/9 Rice Gate Cir
CompCasa Property Analysis · single_family

9 Rice Gate Cir

AIA-Awarded Lowcountry Compound on ~3 Acres with Guest House

Five-structure Spring Island estate — architectural pedigree, pond views.

5 beds6.5 baths6,208 sq ftBuilt 20003 acresThree-car garage plus additional detached three-bay garage/entertainment building
CompCasa valuation analysis
Estimated market value
$3,750,000
Low $3,300,000 · Midpoint $3,750,000 · High $4,200,000
Confidence65%Sales comparison approach
Last recorded sale$3,800,000Mar 9, 2026
CompCasa estimate$3,750,000Mar 10, 2026
Estimate vs. last recorded sale−$50,000 / −1.3%
$3,300,000$3,750,000 midpoint$4,200,000
Price / sq ft$603
Median sale price$525,000
Avg days on market45 days
Inventory3.5 months

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.

About the property

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.

Property details

A 2000 single family on 3 acres.

Building

Year built2000
ConstructionWood Frame With Quality Millwork And Specialty Finishes

Site & utilities

Lot size3 acres
GarageThree-car garage plus additional detached three-bay garage/entertainment building
Stories2
ConditionExcellent
BasementNone
FireplaceNo
Improvement notesCompound of five distinct structures: main residence (AIA award-winning), guest house (completed 1998), workshop/entertainment building, studio with bath, and three-bay garage. Antique heart pine flooring, exposed trusses, custom mural by Jordi Pedrola, wine cellar, custom lighting, steam shower in primary bath, approx. 1,000 SF outdoor living, screened porch, outdoor spa and shower.
Lot area130,680 sq ft
TopographyLevel
ParkingAttached Garage And Driveway
Parking spaces8
Parking notesSpacious three-car garage; separate three-bay garage/entertainment building and ample driveway/turnaround space
AccessPrivate drive within Spring Island area; raised walkways connect structures on property
WaterCommunity/Coop
SewerSeptic Tank
Location & nearby

Spring Island / Okatie

Researched nearby locations

Bluffton (approx. 8 mi)
Hilton Head Island (approx. 18 mi)

Location

9 Rice Gate Cir, Okatie, SC 29909

View in Google Maps
Editorial neighborhood context

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.

Nearby access summary

Excellent access to lowcountry outdoor recreation: marsh and pond views, trails, kayaking/fishing access nearby, and proximity to high-end golf and marina facilities.

ElementaryBluffton Elementary School (Beaufort County) — rating approx. 7/10 (moderate confidence)
Middle schoolBluffton Middle School — rating approx. 7/10 (moderate confidence)
High schoolBluffton High School (Beaufort County) — rating approx. 6/10 (moderate confidence)
School districtBeaufort County School District
Market context

A factual market snapshot around 9 Rice Gate Cir.

Median sale price$525,000
Avg days on market45 days
Inventory3.5 months
1-year appreciation500.0%
5-year appreciation2800.0%
Editorial market perspective

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.

Zoning & land use

Likely residential single-family / estate zoning within Spring Island community constraints; may be subject to community covenants

Zoning

DescriptionLikely residential single-family / estate zoning within Spring Island community constraints; may be subject to community covenants
JurisdictionBeaufort County (assumed)
Current useResidential

Research-indicated uses

  • Single Family Residence
  • Accessory Structures (Guest House, Studio, Workshop) Likely Allowed
  • Home Office/Creative Studio (Likely Allowed)
Verify with the jurisdiction: Zoning, setbacks, and allowed-use summaries are research indicators—not legal advice or a determination that a specific use is permitted.
Tax & sale history

Assessment data and recorded transactions.

Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.

Sale history

2026-03-09$3,800,000
2014-12-16$1,225,000
2007-07-31$2,625,000
1996-12-31$247,000
Research findings & due diligence

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
Highlights & features

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
Research transparency

Sources & research confidence.

See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.

View sources & confidence
1
Redfin / RSMLS scrapeView source
Important: This analysis is AI-assisted using pre-scraped listing data and model knowledge. It is not a formal appraisal. Verify all critical facts before making decisions.