Family Retreat on Sullivan’s Island

Designing a Large Home on a Narrow Lot

Amazing family, legacy home on Sullivan’s Island with views of Fort Moultrie and the Atlantic Ocean.  Designed by Swallowtail Architecture, this new construction home is situated on a lot that is narrower than normal, but long in length with street frontage at both the front and the rear.  The home design had to present just as nicely from the front as the rear, while also following all of the land use guidelines on Sullivan’s.  Custom windows, a distinct roofline, clad siding, and an outdoor fireplace define the lowcountry-style of this home that is meant for family entertaining and to be a gathering place for generations to come.

The result of careful design work, we were able to maximize the footprint of the home and to utilize all of the land to create the space and amenities our clients wanted.   When you enter, a front foyer opens to a large entertaining space with a chef’s kitchen with center island with 7-seats, a dining space with room for a 16-seat dining table, and a family room for relaxation and conversation.  A stunning bowed wall of curved glass windows reminiscent of classic New England beach homes, is the backdrop of the kitchen sink and cabinets.  A cool palette of white for the cabinets and cabinet-front appliances, along with white quartz with gray veining for both the countertops and backsplash creates a cohesive feeling in this expansive kitchen.  Nickel-gap wall cladding makes the spaces feel connected, but each is distinguishable by unique ceiling treatments, including a dark-stained wood coffered ceiling over the dining area.  The dark wood is in contrast with the wide plank wood flooring that was left its natural color with only a finishing coat applied.  The space is light and bright with sun beaming in through all of the windows.  A screened porch just off the main living area brings the fun outside for cool nights by the fireplace.  During the warmer months, a third story covered and screened in porch provides a private, secluded space for relaxing and taking in the cool breezes coming off Charleston Harbor.

The family wing of this retreat home overlooks the pool.  A covered porch spans this entire wing giving access to the individual suites and connecting the main portion of the home with the rear street frontage.  Each distinct suite has a private sleeping quarters and ensuite bathroom that accommodates our clients children both now and as they grow their own families.  Tucked in under this elevated home under the family quarters is a spa area with a dining and entertaining space.  A unique detail are the suspended-from-the-ceiling outdoor egg chairs for lounging in the shade while dangling your feet in the pool, which encircles the spa and then flows back to the deep water section of the pool.  Additionally, under the front portion of this elevated home is concealed garage parking and a smaller storage area for beach essentials and a golf cart for getting around town.

Image Gallery

Front elevation of new coastal style home on Sullivan's Island
Large family retreat home on Sullivan's Island designed by Swallowtail Architecture
Large center island of custom designed kitchen
Rear of the home showing the guest wing overlooking the pool
Guest wing of new construction Sullivan's Island home overlooking pool
Sullivan's Island home with unique front and year yard road frontage designed by Rachel Burton of Swallowtail Architecture