Community OverviewGolf Course Living Near the Hilton Head Bridge
South Pointe is a small, gated neighborhood of elevated single-family homes on Buckingham Plantation Drive in Bluffton, SC. Development began in the late 1990s, and additional homes are still being built on some remaining homesites.
The community occupies a peninsula bordering holes six through nine of Old South Golf Links, with The Villas at Old South located across portions of the course, a short drive from Old Town Bluffton.
Unlike many larger golf communities, homeownership does not require membership in a private country club. Homes here are elevated, coastal-style single-family homes with parking and storage underneath, most offering three to five bedrooms across roughly 2,400 to 3,500 square feet of living space.
South Pointe's recorded Declaration establishes its own roads, swimming pool and pool house as Common Areas, along with an easement for a guard house or other security device to control access to the community. Old South Golf Links, an 18-hole public course designed by Clyde Johnston that opened in 1991 with a clubhouse, restaurant and full line pro shop, adjoins the community; golf participation is not mandatory with homeownership. HOA obligations, insurance, exterior maintenance, and any golf costs should still be evaluated separately.
Amenities & LifestyleGate, Pool and Golf Course Access
- Gated entry to the community, established under the recorded Declaration
- Community swimming pool and pool house, maintained as Common Areas by the South Pointe Property Owners Association
- Public golf available at adjoining Old South Golf Links, with no mandatory private-club membership tied to homeownership
- Golf course, marsh and lagoon views on many homesites
- Quiet, low-traffic peninsula setting
- Close proximity to Old Town Bluffton dining, shopping and the Bluffton Farmers Market
What Buyers Should Verify
Homeownership in South Pointe does not require membership in a private golf club. Old South Golf Links is open to public play; confirm current rates, annual-pass options and programs directly with the course.
The original recorded Declaration prohibits rental periods of fewer than 6 days. Buyers considering rental use should verify the current minimum lease term, application requirements, occupancy rules and any later amendments with the association.
Pools, docks, fences, screened enclosures and other exterior improvements require approval from South Pointe's Design Review Committee (DRC) and are subject to the recorded Declaration, not automatically permitted on every lot.
The HomesElevated Single-Family Homes on the Golf Course and Marsh
South Pointe's single-family homes share a distinctive elevated, coastal profile: tall, blocky construction with parking and storage built in underneath and the main living space raised a full level above grade. The recorded Declaration requires a minimum first-floor elevation at the 100-year flood level shown on the FEMA Flood Map for Beaufort County, which is why that elevation is built into the design rather than optional. FEMA flood maps show South Pointe homesites falling in both X500 and AE flood zones, so flood insurance requirements and elevation certificate needs can still vary from lot to lot within the same neighborhood.
Most homes offer three to five bedrooms and two to four bathrooms across roughly 2,400 to 3,500 square feet of living space. Although most South Pointe homes were built over several decades beginning in the late 1990s, occasional new construction continues on remaining homesites. Buyers may therefore find a mix of older resale homes, newer custom homes, and unfinished lots, depending on current inventory. The recorded Declaration sets 2,400 square feet of heated living space as the default minimum home size where a deed does not specify otherwise, and limits building height to 40 feet above grade or two habitable stories above the parking level. Depending on the homesite, buyers can find views of the Old South fairways, tidal marsh, a lagoon, or simply mature Lowcountry trees.
Because South Pointe homes are elevated and may be exposed to marsh, wind, moisture and intense coastal sunlight, buyers should examine roofing, exterior cladding, windows, decks, stairs, drainage, HVAC equipment and the parking and storage areas beneath the home. Homes built in the late 1990s should also be checked for polybutylene plumbing, since some houses completed during that period may still contain it. Pools, fences, screened additions, docks and other exterior improvements require approval from the community's Design Review Committee and may also be limited by setbacks, easements, flood-zone requirements and the individual homesite. Always confirm the property's flood-zone designation, available elevation documentation, insurance options and any prior water intrusion before writing an offer.
South Pointe ListingsHomes for Sale and Recent Sales
Because South Pointe is a small community, there may be few or no active listings at a given time. Recent closed sales provide useful pricing context, but differences in view, elevation, age, renovation level, flood exposure and property condition can materially affect value.
LocationMinutes From Hilton Head, Old Town Bluffton and Savannah
South Pointe's location off Buckingham Plantation Drive puts it about as close to the Hilton Head Island bridge as a Bluffton single-family neighborhood can be. Buyers can compare its homes, HOA structure, flood exposure and ownership costs with both Bluffton and Hilton Head Island alternatives. Approximate drive times from South Pointe:
| Destination | Approximate Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island beaches | 15 to 25 minutes |
| Old Town Bluffton | 12 to 15 minutes |
| Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport | About 1 hour |
| Downtown Savannah, GA | 50 to 60 minutes |
| Historic Beaufort, SC | 45 to 55 minutes |
Drive times vary by route, season and time of day, particularly when crossing onto Hilton Head Island. Nearby conveniences include public golf at Old South, grocery stores, medical offices and restaurants, with additional shopping, beaches, healthcare and recreation available in Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island.
Who South Pointe FitsA Smaller Golf and Marsh Community Near Hilton Head
South Pointe may suit buyers relocating from the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic who want a gated setting, golf or marsh views and convenient access to Hilton Head Island without a mandatory private-country-club structure. Its smaller size and limited amenity package can appeal to buyers who prefer a quieter residential neighborhood and do not want to pay for extensive club facilities they may rarely use.
South Pointe includes homes of different ages, finish levels and construction quality, along with occasional new construction on remaining homesites. Buyers should evaluate each property individually based on its builder, age, elevation, condition, view, flood exposure, warranties and architectural approvals rather than assuming homes throughout the neighborhood are uniform. South Pointe is best described as an established gated community with occasional custom or individual-lot new construction, rather than an active new-construction community with model homes or standing inventory.
South Pointe may be less appealing to buyers seeking a staffed clubhouse, fitness center, tennis or pickleball complex, extensive social programming, private golf membership or a large selection of homes for sale. Because it is a small community, active inventory can be limited, and buyers may need to wait for a home with the right condition, view, elevation and floor plan.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSouth Pointe, Bluffton SC
Is South Pointe a gated community?
Yes. South Pointe has gated entry.
Do South Pointe homeowners have to join Old South Golf Links?
No. Old South Golf Links is a public golf course, and golf participation is not mandatory with homeownership in South Pointe. Confirm current rates and any membership or annual-pass programs directly with the course.
What kind of homes are in South Pointe?
South Pointe is platted for up to 55 elevated, coastal-style single-family homesites, generally offering 3 to 5 bedrooms across about 2,400 to 3,500 square feet, with parking and storage underneath. Development began in the late 1990s and continues today on remaining homesites.
Are new homes still being built in South Pointe?
Yes. South Pointe is primarily an established community, but homes may still be built on remaining homesites. The availability of new construction and vacant lots changes over time, and buyers should confirm whether a property is a completed home, a proposed build, or an individually owned homesite.
How far is South Pointe from Hilton Head Island?
South Pointe sits about one mile from the bridge to Hilton Head Island, off Buckingham Plantation Drive in Bluffton, bordering The Villas at Old South on the opposite side of Old South Golf Links.
What are the HOA fees in South Pointe?
Current HOA figures for South Pointe are maintained on Carl's Bluffton HOA and Transfer Fees page, since fees are updated periodically and should always be verified against current documents.
Is South Pointe in a flood zone?
FEMA flood maps show South Pointe homesites falling in both X500 and AE flood zones, so flood insurance requirements and elevation certificate needs can vary from lot to lot. Confirm the specific designation for any homesite before writing an offer.
Are short-term rentals allowed in South Pointe?
The original recorded Declaration prohibits rental periods of fewer than 6 days. Buyers should confirm the current minimum lease term, application requirements, occupancy rules and any later amendments before relying on rental use or income.
What schools serve South Pointe?
Public school assignments apply and should be verified by address, since attendance zones can change.
Thinking About South Pointe?
Carl Kratz has lived in the Lowcountry since 1996 and has worked full-time in Lowcountry real estate since 2009, helping out-of-state buyers evaluate communities like South Pointe against every other gated and golf course option between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.
Carl Kratz, Broker & Realtor
Century 21 Integra Realty | SCLowcountryRealEstate.com
A Lowcountry resident since 1996 and a full-time real estate professional since 2009, Carl helps buyers throughout Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, Hardeeville and Ridgeland find the right community for their lifestyle and budget.
Email: carl@SCLowcountryRealEstate.com | Phone: 843.247.9373
