ever'green' & red

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

"Palmetto Bluff is such a beautiful piece of property," says building team member George McChesney. "And it's being developed with an outstanding design to preserve that. Add the emphasis on community, family, and friends and it's a place people will enjoy for generations to come." Given that, when thinking about who would live in the holiday house, the Coastal Living/Cottage Living team dreamed of a haven for "as few as two and as many as 10," says George, whether they are extended families convening for the holidays or a mom and dad retreating for a grown-up weekend.

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Family Room

Architect Josh Roland, of Atlanta-based Historical Concepts, selected a "very social" cottage-style house plan, with a first floor that casually flows from one space to another and a nestlike half story upstairs. Then he oriented the house to maximize the view of the tidal creek in the back. "The first thing you see when you walk in the front door is that amazing view," Josh says. That's because nearly the entire back side of the first floor consists of glass--a mix of French doors, sidelights, transoms, and triple-hung beauties all from Windsor Windows & Doors. Well insulated, they keep energy costs down while framing the gorgeous scenery out back.

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Dining/Kitchen

Once the house and its environs were in place, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina-based interior designers Linda Woodrum of T.S. Hudson Interiors and Linda Conklin of Seasons layered on the decor. The waste-not ethic--another green concept--was employed in nearly everything the pair did. Downstairs they created one central dining space, rather than setting up separate formal and informal tables. Throughout, they used timeless upholstery and fabrics instead of trendy materials that would have had to be replaced when they soon became outdated. And common spaces are multipurpose for all; cleared off, the dining room table can be project central.

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Screened Porch

Cottage architect Josh Roland culled design elements from the Lowcountry vernacular. Historically, houses were placed to take advantage of any prevailing breezes for natural cooling. In the case of this house, residents can open the high-hung windows and towering 7-foot doors on the May River side and the wind blows through to the back.

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Master Suite

The designers incorporated a neutral palette of green, gray, and cream throughout the house with a few touches of red, ensuring that when the look needs a change, there will be no wasteful overhaul. The rich hardwood flooring by Anderson allows for a seamless transition from bedroom to bath and adds warmth to what can sometimes be a cold space. Sleek in design, the master bath is a spacious room built for two with double vanities separated by Kohler's Tea for Two Bath. Walkin closets make turning a weekend trip into one that lasts just a little longer no problem.

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Bunkroom

The bunkroom upstairs is truly multipurpose and perfect for family get-togethers during the holidays or any time of the year. Serving as part TV room, part playroom, part computer station, and part sleeping quarters, it's an ideal retreat for children (or adults) from the hustle and bustle of downstairs holiday meal preparation and entertaining. And kid-proof fabrics make cleanup of this room a breeze. By using Sunbrella for most of the upholstery and fabrics throughout the house, the designers ensured function meets style. The fade-resistant, mold- and mildew-proof, and easy to clean material is a must for this and any family retreat.

Guest Suite

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

The unique upstairs guest suite is spa-inspired, from the neutral colors and airy fabrics to the natural light that fills the room. And who needs a spa appointment with a bath like this one? Escape into the Kohler DTV shower and you may not want to leave. The easy-to-use menu allows you to program your ideal temperature and hydro-massage options while multiple showerheads create an unparalleled sensory experience.

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Twin Suite

Short on space but certainly not on design, the twin suite has an amazing wow-factor. The Sunbrella fabric on the custom upholstered wallboard makes a statement without being overpowering. Space-saving solutions include the lighting fixtures mounted on the wall, eliminating the need for lamps that would clutter the tabletop between the twin beds.

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

About Town

Choosing Palmetto Bluff as the "green" location for the 2007 Holiday Coastal Cottage was easy, given its classic charm and commitment to environmental preservation. Along the May River in the southwestern corner of South Carolina, Palmetto Bluff is a 20,000-acre community where conservation-minded, restrained development rules. Once a hunting preserve, it's now a village complete with a charming church, miles of trails, the award-winning Auberge luxury inn and spa, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a lawn and racquet club, and an equestrian center.

For more information call (866) 316-5262 or visit www.palmetto-bluff.com.

Directions:

• Take I-95 to Exit 8 in South Carolina.
• At Exit 8, take Hwy. 278 East and proceed to SC 170 (8 miles).
• Exit right on SC 170 and follow it to the traffic circle (4 miles).
• Proceed around traffic circle.
• Take the third exit, heading east on SC 46.
• Proceed to Palmetto Bluff entrance (around 2 miles).
• The entrance to Palmetto Bluff will be on your right.
• Proceed to Welcome Gate.

For updated navigation systems, the physical address of The Inn is: 1 Village Park Square, Bluffton, SC. If unavailable, input the following for the alternative roads: Palmetto Bluff Rd. or Old Palmetto Bluff Rd.

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