Palmetto Bluff
Architecture
Palmetto Bluff draws upon the architectural and landscape traditions that shaped the Lowcountry region.
We build on this tradition to develop contemporary interpretations and details that incorporate sustainable concepts. This tradition is the result of a variety of cultural influences (English, French and German) that are well suited to the area with regard to climate and the use of local materials.
The Lowcountry style is generally characterized as having the following main elements and design philosophies.
Southern Architecture
Relaxed and Informal Living
The earliest settlers were mainly English and French, and they brought with them an architectural language that was more rectangular and formal. These designs were assimilated into the coastal climate of the Carolinas. The use of columns and symmetrical layouts were then relaxed with deep porches for shade and raised foundations to capture coastal breezes.
Utilize the Environment
Taking Advantage of the Coastal Setting and Climate
The influence of early settlers can be seen in the incorporation of wraparound verandas, porches and raised foundations to ameliorate the climate impact and take advantage of breezes and the sun, including orienting houses to maximize the coastal views.
Historical Designs
A Collection of Homes That Evolved Over Time
As families grew and priorities shifted, many Lowcountry dwellers began to add secondary structures, such as cottages and garages, to their homes. Residences evolved into collections of informal, detached structures, rather than one dominant building. This evolution preserved the region's rural nature and brings a comfortable scale to Lowcountry communities.
The importance of
The Design Review Board
The purpose of the Palmetto Bluff Design Review Board (DRB) is to protect and enhance the natural surroundings while weaving in the built environment to create a cohesive and regionally authentic settlement. The DRB’s responsibility is to uphold, enforce and maintain the Palmetto Bluff Design and Construction Guidelines.
To achieve the best quality outcome, the DRB requires professional design submissions regardless of the project’s size. By requiring South Carolina-registered architects and landscape architects for every submission, the DRB is better able to control consistency of the community aesthetic and maintain the high design standard found throughout the Bluff.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITIES
Explore Life at Palmetto Bluff.
At Palmetto Bluff, we believe home is more than a place. It is a portal to the memories that matter, the magnetic pull of something familiar, the protector of a life well lived. From close-knit cottages to the privacy of quiet paths cloaked in live oaks, there is a home for you here. Our real estate offerings are as diverse as the land itself. Those who value or need privacy often gravitate to our country neighborhoods, while others are drawn to the vibrancy and community afforded by our town neighborhoods. Find your way home.
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Architecture & Design
Rare Form
Photographs by Anne CaufmannStory by Barry Kaufman The story of this house begins with another.Mike and Melissa Pereyo first visited Palmetto Bluff in 2010 to visit longtime friends Butch and Debbie Floyd. The Floyds built their home here when the fringes of t...
Dec 2024
Architecture & Design
Your Complete Guide to South Carolina’s Architectural Styles
A Glimpse into South Carolina Architecture Positioned between the tranquil waters of the May River and the lush landscapes of South Carolina's Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff stands as a sanctuary where natural beauty seamlessly intertwines with architectural bri...
Aug 2024
Architecture & Design
6 Popular Property Types at Palmetto Bluff
Discover the Different Types of Homes Available at The Bluff In the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff offers a stunning array of homes catering to various lifestyles. From retirees seeking tranquility to young families desiring a vibrant co...
Jul 2024
Architecture & Design
Your Complete Guide to Lowcountry Landscaping
Enhancing Coastal Living With Lowcountry Landscaping Trends The Lowcountry lies along the southeastern coast of the United States, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. From the charming streets of Charleston to the...
Jun 2024
Architecture & Design
Resurrecting Stones
Story by Katie Epps Photographs by Joel Caldwell Beneath Palmetto Bluff’s sprawling oaks lie twelve cemeteries that serve as the final resting places for hundreds of people and nine dogs. Five of these cemeteries were started as burial grounds for enslaved...
Mar 2024
Architecture & Design
Building On A Legacy
Everyone talks about the drive into Palmetto Bluff, the miles of shady pavement, the dense maritime canopy, crossing over the headwaters of the May River, and the alligator forever sunning at the causeway. It’s an iconic section of road. People say their shoul...
Mar 2024
Architecture & Design
The Palmetto Bluff Builders Design Process
Behind the Design with Jason Kimes & Leighann Markalunas In the heart of the Lowcountry, where the gentle sway of Spanish moss-laden trees meets the tranquil embrace of the coast, lies a unique community: Palmetto Bluff. Their approach to home design capt...
Sep 2023
Architecture & Design
Designing the Southern Kitchen of Your Dreams
Your Guide to a Luxury Kitchen Design The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, where cherished memories are cooked up and shared. When it comes to Lowcountry living, a well-designed kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals but a space that encapsu...
Sep 2023
Architecture & Design
How to Decorate Your Coastal Home for Summer
A 5-Step Guide to Add Subtle Summer Home Decor As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer beckons us to bask in its warm embrace. And what better way to celebrate this blissful season than by infusing your coastal home with vibrant summer hom...
Jul 2023
Architecture & Design
Not a Project, But a Place
In developing the Palmetto Bluff vernacular, a new vision emerged that drew a line in the sand between perfect and real. By Barry Kaufman One of the greatest minds the South has ever produced posed a question 130 or so years ago that, in all th...