Every year, homeowners around the country suffer billions of dollars in property damage caused by termites. South Carolina residents are no different. Here in The Palmetto State, termites are especially active due to our ideal climate. Everyone loves our springs and summers, and so do termites. They're known to wreak havoc on the structural integrity of homes in the Lowcountry and throughout the state. It may be surprising to hear, then, that many of the homes we're referencing had termite bonds - which is essentially a contract between a homeowner and their termite prevention company. This bond holds the company accountable if termites or damage are found after treatment. Unfortunately, many termite control services and insurance companies try to escape responsibility, using complicated contracts, terms, and language as a shield from honoring the bond.
Other times, before buying a home, a homeowner relies on a "trustworthy" home inspector to identify costly issues and areas of improvement. In situations like these, the home inspector's knowledge and guidance are paramount to safety. In many cases, however, home inspectors fail to detect significant issues like signs of a termite infestation.
In both scenarios above, the homeowner may be entitled to compensation. With an experienced termite lawyer in Bluffton, SC, the average person has a chance of winning in a court of law. That's where Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, comes into play.
With a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of termite control and home inspection contracts, CDH law firm specializes in cases involving termites. We're proud to represent home and property owners who are harmed by pest control and home inspection negligence. We believe that when you sign a contract with one of these entities, the terms of the contract should be upheld. When they're not, somebody must be held responsible.
Instead of trying to take on these companies without a lawyer and wasting hundreds of hours to untangle a web of legalese, let Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC handle the hard work on your behalf.
When you choose CDH for a termite damage attorney in Bluffton, SC, you can rest easy knowing you're in confident, capable hands. Clients trust our law firm for termite damage cases because we have:
Unlike some termite damage law firms, our lawyers study the practices and policies of large termite control and home inspection companies. We use creative strategies to avoid unfair arbitration clauses and have devoted real resources to solving our client's claims.
Simply put, you can trust our termite damage attorneys with your case because we genuinely care about you as our client.
Whether you're a homeowner, commercial property owner, or a homeowner's association, know that you're not alone. If termites are causing damage to your property, don't let giant pest control chains or home inspection franchises take advantage of you. The cost of repairs should fall where it should - on the shoulders of the home inspection company, pest control company, or their insurers.
In a perfect world, customers would be able to rely on results provided by pest control companies. Unfortunately, many termite companies intentionally mislead their hardworking clients.
Termite control companies of all sizes have convincing strategies for skirting responsibility when their work is shoddy. They know how to utilize legal jargon, intimidation and confusing contracts to their advantage, deterring ordinary people from filing lawsuits.
At Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, we're very aware of these tactics and excuses. Our attorneys overcome these defenses with effective tools, exposing the termite control company's failure to deliver on promised services. Unlike some law firms, our termite damage lawyers have an solid track record.
We're not afraid to get our hands dirty when it comes to holding termite companies accountable for damages you suffered. We'll do everything in our power to do what's right and get you the compensation you deserve.
Though every case is different, we're often able to recover substantial damages for our clients, such as:
If you feel like your termite company breached its bond or committed fraud, contact CDH Law Firm today. Your termite damage attorney in Bluffton, SC, is ready to hear your story. We know how to maneuver around unfair pest control contract terms and have the experience needed to see through common excuses and tactics.
It's not always easy to spot the signs of termite damage, especially if you're an average person without much knowledge of the termite species. Plus, termites often wreak havoc in unseen areas like drywall, siding, and the framing of your house, so seeing damage isn't always easy. Despite those challenges, there are some common signs and areas for you to consider.
Some common signs of termite damage include:
Some of the most common areas where termites do damage include:
If you find termite damage in your home, it's best not to try and fix it yourself. Why? First, repairing damage from termites is a complicated, painstaking endeavor that requires a skilled, tedious approach. Spotting termite damage and knowing how to fix it requires a deep knowledge of how termites behave and live to get rid of them. Second, and perhaps most importantly, taking a DIY approach to termite damage may ruin your termite lawsuit.
That's true even if you have the skills and experience to do so. You might inadvertently destroy important evidence that is key to your case, which may ruin your chances of compensation for damages and poor work. Instead of trying to repair damage on your own, get a second opinion from a trusted inspector. Once your concerns are verified, it's time to call CDH Law Firm. Our experienced termite damage attorneys will dig into your case and discover if you're one of the thousands of people with grounds for filing a termite lawsuit.
We get this question often at CDH Law Firm, though the answer is sometimes unclear. What we do know is that if you're looking for the max amount of compensation, we'll need to discover who was at fault. In some cases, it's easy to determine fault. For example, if you're a new homeowner, and a termite inspector or seller didn't inform you of an infestation, you may have grounds to sue.
However, things get more complex if you rent a home or bought a residence many years ago and have been using a pest control company for termite infestation. You could have grounds for a case against the pest control company, your landlord, or a different third party, depending on the circumstances of your case. That's why working with a termite attorney in Bluffton, SC is so important - so they can investigate the details and damages associated with your infestation and determine who is accountable.
If you have trusted your home with a pest control company and encounter a termite issue, you might not get the help you expect, even if your claim is legitimate. With years of experience fighting big pest control companies and their insurers, we've heard just about every excuse in the book. If you're dealing with a termite problem, be wary if you hear any of the following excuses.
However, things get more complex if you rent a home or bought a residence many years ago and have been using a pest control company for termite infestation. You could have grounds for a case against the pest control company, your landlord, or a different third party, depending on the circumstances of your case. That's why working with a termite attorney in Bluffton, SC is so important - so they can investigate the details and damages associated with your infestation and determine who is accountable.
If you're thinking about buying a new home, hiring a home inspector to spot maintenance and repair issues is a wise idea. But what happens when you spend your hard-earned money on an inaccurate inspection report? What if the report fails to notify you of termite damage or the potential for a termite infestation? In many cases, erroneous inspection reports lead to nasty surprises once you're moved in. When it comes to missed or unreported termite infestations or damage, negligence often falls on the home inspector's shoulders.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, it's crucial that you contact a termite attorney in Bluffton, SC. At CDH Law Firm, our termite lawyers have years of experience bringing claims and filing lawsuits on behalf of clients suffering at the hands of negligent or dishonest home inspectors. From compensation for emotional distress to repairs for termite damage, our firm can help right the wrong you had no say in receiving.
If your home inspector did not uphold their duties and obligations to you as the home buyer, you could most certainly sue a home inspector.
Unless your termite infestation was new when your home was inspected, it would be hard for a home inspector to miss it. If you just bought a house and you have discovered damage or signs of a termite infestation, contact Cobb, Dill & Hammett today. Our team of termite damage attorneys may be able to prove that your inspector failed at spotting and reporting termite issues in your new home.
However, proving negligence is easier said than done without a lawyer by your side. Termite inspectors aren't always expected to find every bit of termite damage, and they're often not the final say in whether your home is damage-free. That's why, with CDH Law Firm as your advocate, we'll ask the hard-hitting questions needed to discover if your inspector missed termite damage for legitimate reasons or if they were careless and negligent. We'll help facilitate a second inspection if needed and will work tirelessly to earn you the compensation you deserve.
You should know that even if your home inspector is legally negligent for missing termite damage or infestations, their liability will often be limited due to the language in their contract.
If your lawsuit doesn't have the proper foundation to prove negligence, your termite damage lawyer in Bluffton, SC may be able to win compensation via breach of contract. In many circumstances, this is the best route to take if it's easier to prove that an inspector violated a contract. For example, suppose the home inspection contract you signed called for a whole-home inspection, and the inspector failed to survey your crawlspace or attic. In that case, you may have a viable claim in court.
At CDH Law Firm, we understand that every termite damage case situation is different. As such, we approach every case with a nuanced, multi-faceted strategy crafted with your best interests in mind.
When a termite prevention company or home inspector is negligent and causes damage to your home, it's time to act fast. You need a trustworthy termite attorney in cityname, state by your side to take the proper steps toward getting compensation.
When you depend on Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, you'll receive personalized attention and proactive representation. That's because we make an intentional decision to limit our law firm's overall caseload. This allows us to better focus on our individual clients, many of whom remain with us for generations. We do not pass off cases to paralegals or junior associates but rather prioritize the attorney-client relationship.
We value compassion and integrity, and our practice reflects those values. If you're ready to take a stand, call our office today. Our termite damage lawyers will help create a better future for you, your family, or your business.
Law is complicated matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!
An estimated 45,000 gallons of wastewater were released from a gravity main Saturday in Bluffton, according to a Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority news release Monday evening, but the spill did not impact the water system in the area and water coming into homes is safe to use and drink.The cause? A structural failure of the main at the manhole located in The Farm neighborhood.Dirt got into the failed section, and the weight of the dir...
An estimated 45,000 gallons of wastewater were released from a gravity main Saturday in Bluffton, according to a Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority news release Monday evening, but the spill did not impact the water system in the area and water coming into homes is safe to use and drink.
The cause? A structural failure of the main at the manhole located in The Farm neighborhood.
Dirt got into the failed section, and the weight of the dirt, as well as the actual sediment, led to a blockage precipitating the overflow of thousands of gallons of wastewater. The sewage flowed into the ponds of adjacent neighborhoods, the authority said, which was diluted by the deluge of rain Saturday night and Sunday.
BJWSA notified the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control of the break, which the authority said did not impact the water system in the area.
Wastewater overflows of more than 5,000 gallons of untreated or partially treated domestic sewage “could cause” a serious adverse impact on the environment or public health, according to SCDHEC’s website.
About a year ago, a spill over 10 times that size happened in Beaufort. Then, in late January 2022, an estimated 500,000 gallons of sewage spilled from a sewer main into a tidal ditch that leads to Battery Creek in Beaufort. The spill occurred near the intersection of Parris Island Gateway and the Savannah Highway and prompted an immediate closure of shellfish harvest beds.
However, the Saturday wastewater overflow in The Farm neighborhood has not caused those types of impacts.
Pam Flasch, BJWSA director of public affairs, said Tuesday morning that the wastewater break has “absolutely no relation” to the authority’s water system, meaning water flowing in homes is safe to use and drink.
Because of the somewhat fortuitous weekend rainfall, the sheer volume of rain diluted what could’ve affected the ponds. Flasch said the break’s impact couldn’t have reached the May River.
While the Saturday overflow in The Farm neighborhood has been stopped and crews are continuing cleanup, Flasch said the biggest issue remains a traffic detour to avoid the break for safety reasons. The detour will remain in place until repairs are finished.
Because the manhole couldn’t be saved, the area is served with a bypass pump to ensure service isn’t disrupted, the BJWSA said. The authority expects repairs will take “several weeks.”
According to BJWSA, it continues to communicate with residents at The Farm and the Homeowners Association on the repair schedule and potential impacts.
The authority delivers about 10 million gallons of wastewater each day to eight wastewater treatment facilities for treatment and disposal. For any suspected or seen sewer collection system spills, call BJWSA at 843-987-9200.
This story was originally published February 14, 2023, 1:05 PM.
Old Town, a down-home upscale neighborhood in the South Carolina river town of Bluffton, is defined by i...
Old Town, a down-home upscale neighborhood in the South Carolina river town of Bluffton, is defined by its Southern hospitality and luxurious lifestyle.
“It’s the heartbeat of Beaufort County and what draws many people to the area,” said Dave Jarman, a broker with Corcoran HM Properties. “‘Charming’ is the first word that comes to mind. ‘Welcoming’ is a close second.”
He added that Old Town is so darn friendly that “it’s common for strangers to say ‘hello’ or ‘how are ya’ll doing?’ as they pass by.”
The atmosphere, according to Mary Vaux Bell, an agent with Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, is “relaxed, chic and very down to earth.”
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Boundaries
Old Town, which may be accessed via car or boat, is bounded by Bridge Street and the May River waterway on the south, Burnt Church Road on the east, May River Road on the north and Verdier Cove Road on the west.
Price Range
Noting that properties in Old Town don’t come on the market very often, Ms. Vaux Bell said that riverfront or marsh-front single-family houses, which typically are on 0.75 of an acre to 2 acres, generally run $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
The inner streets of the community, whose houses are set on a quarter to a half acre, are also desirable places to live, she said, adding that they typically sell for around $1 million.
Housing Stock
The houses in Old Town, which is in a National Register Historic District and a Preserve America Community, were originally built and used as summer residences and typically feature significant porch space as well as interior space. They date from the 1800s to the present, and generally are on lots starting at one-tenth of an acre.
The architectural styles and materials, which range from clapboard siding and brick to tabby, vary.
“While there are new homes, many of the older ones have been updated or restored for a relaxed and understated yet posh coastal-cottage aesthetic,” Ms. Vaux Bell said. “The homes in the inner streets are mostly new but custom designed to blend in with the Spanish moss, mature oaks and oyster-shell driveways.”
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What Makes It Unique
Old Town’s location—Bluffton is only 30 minutes from Hilton Head Island and a couple of hours from Charleston, Jacksonville, Atlanta and Charlotte—makes it a premier place to live, Ms. Vaux Bell said.
She noted that in addition to the historic structures and welcoming atmosphere, Old Town basks in Bluffton’s numerous accolades: It made Travel + Leisure’s 2022 list of “8 Charming Small Towns in SC” and Southern Living’s 2019 list of “The South’s Best Small Towns.”
Mr. Jarman added that Old Town’s “true appreciation for historic elements and restrictions in place on commercial properties” makes it “a picturesque section of Bluffton.”
Its walkability, its boutiques and numerous social events, festivals and markets, he said, are other attractions.
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Luxury Amenities
Old Town sets the scene for many of the town’s activities and is a dining and shopping destination.
There are several restaurants in the community. They include The Bluffton Room, which serves classic American cuisine; the coffee shop Corner Perk Brunch Cafe & Coffee Roasters; FARM Bluffton, whose menu is new-American cuisine; The Pearl Kitchen & Bar, which offers coastal cuisine; Nectar Farm Kitchen, which prepares dishes with ingredients from the Lowcountry and the South; and Calhoun Street Tavern, which specializes in comfort food.
Old Town Dispensary, a tavern with pub grub, “is where residents head for some live music and refreshing drink,” Mr. Jarman said.
Palmetto Bluff, a gated community across the May River from Old Town that has the highest-priced properties in the area, includes a Montage Resort and several fine-dining establishments.
Other amenities at Palmetto Bluff include an award-winning golf course, a marina that offers water excursions, several pools, a spa and wellness center, a shooting club and a working farm with educational programs and events for children.
The Bluffton Oyster Co., which has been providing fresh-harvested seafood to the community since 1899, is the last hand-shucking house in the state. In addition to the market, it has an eat-in restaurant.
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Heyward House, a historic museum built in 1841, doubles as the town’s official welcome center, offering tours.
In addition to a weekly farmer’s market filled with local vendors, Bluffton hosts more than 30 festivals and events annually.
Mr. Jarman noted that in addition to water activities, Old Town is “an incredible place to walk. Shops and restaurants are all a short distance from your home.”
Residents have a choice of private schools. May River Montessori is a high school in the community.
In Bluffton and Hilton Head, there are several more schools. Christian Academy is a coed college preparatory Christian school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade; the coed Cross Schools enrolls students from 12 months through 12th grade; and St. Gregory the Great Catholic School is a coed middle school.
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Who Lives There
The community, which traditionally attracted a slightly older crowd, has seen an influx of younger residents in recent years, Ms. Vaux Bell said, adding that there are celebrities and “a ton of major execs and sports players.”
Notable Residents
The Montage resort is a celebrity magnet. Chris Pratt and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, have spent time there, and Hailey and Justin Bieber held their wedding there, according to published reports. NASCAR driver Gus Dean and science writer Kitty Ferguson live in Bluffton, according to published reports.
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Outlook
Noting that prices in the Town of Bluffton have risen by 44.6% since 2018 and 25.4% since 2021, Ms. Vaux Bell said that the town’s market “has not slowed down. The inventory has waned a bit, but the demand is very much present.”
Even during the pandemic, the market flourished, she said, with “an influx of residents, mostly from the North, many of whom bought properties sight unseen.”
As far as Old Town Bluffton, “regardless of the market, there will always be a demand for these properties,” she said.
Mr. Jarman was also optimistic about the Bluffton and Old Town markets. Statistics for the town show that average cumulative days on market for houses that sold for over $1 million have dropped from 259 to 33 from 2018 to the end of 2022—a “shocking” decrease, he said.
He added that the pandemic has “forever changed” the market for the entire state as “the typical needs of buyers shifted. Cost of living is increasing in South Carolina, but it is still relatively low in comparison to other luxury neighborhoods on the coast.”
(Editor’s note: This story has been changed to reflect who owned the land to be purchased by the county.)Affordable housing is planned along Bluffton’s busy Buckwalter Parkway, but that doesn’t necessarily mean apartments.The Beaufort County Council on Monday night authorized the purchase of two parcels of land equaling 10 acres next to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, in Bluffton, but owned by St Andrews by the Sea. The county plans to establish affordable or workforce housing on the land.At th...
(Editor’s note: This story has been changed to reflect who owned the land to be purchased by the county.)
Affordable housing is planned along Bluffton’s busy Buckwalter Parkway, but that doesn’t necessarily mean apartments.
The Beaufort County Council on Monday night authorized the purchase of two parcels of land equaling 10 acres next to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, in Bluffton, but owned by St Andrews by the Sea. The county plans to establish affordable or workforce housing on the land.
At the moment, the county is only moving forward with the purchase of the land, which will cost them $3.6 million from the General Fund. County officials say it’s too early to say what sort of properties would be best suited for those 10 acres.
Councilman Logan Cunningham, whose district includes the Buckwalter area, said he would prefer the properties not be rentals. Instead, Cunningham would like to see single-family or starter homes that can be purchased rather than rented.
“It’s got to be more than just rental properties because the rental properties just keep jacking their prices up,” said Cunningham. “People can actually reinvest in themselves instead of paying the money to a big company that’s running and managing the property or one [owner] that owns 20 things.”
However, the advantage of apartments, according to County Administrator Eric Greenway, is a potential to reduce traffic while using the land more densely. About 140-150 apartment units could fit on the property compared with about 70-80 townhouses or a dozen or more homes.
Greenway sees advantages and disadvantages to both options.
“Of course, apartments are going to get a large number of units, you’re going to help more people, but it’s not very long-term,” he said. “A [property] that they can buy outright might be a better situation for this bigger property, in this location, than anything else.”
Cunningham said he’ll hold a town hall forum later about the project to educate and gauge how his district would like the property handled.
The County Council will make the final decision on the project. The purchase is expected to close at the end of April and Greenway doesn’t expect anything to be done with the property until early next year.
The 10 acres’ proximity to Buckwalter would give the future residents easy access to the many amenities of Buckwalter Place, something the county says makes the location very appealing for a housing project.
Buckwalter Place has grown a lot since it was established nearly a decade ago. It’s added the culinary institute of the south, medical facilities, two grocery stores and multiple businesses and restaurants.
“This is kind of one of those internal opportunities where the folks can live there and shop and go to restaurants and usually go to work without having to travel,” Greenway said. “There’s a lot of employment opportunities there.”
This is one of the first strides the county has made this year toward affordable housing. More is expected to come as the multi-government regional housing trust fund comes online.
The trust will see local towns, cities and counties create a joint fund to create and promote affordable housing across the southern Lowcountry. Beaufort County will be the largest contributor giving more than $3.4 million in 10 years.
“This highlights our commitment to actually meeting the need of affordable housing,” said Greenway.
This story was originally published March 1, 2023, 12:17 PM.
From the moment your tiny newborn pokes its head into the world, everything revolves around them. Until that moment, however, it’s all about the parents-to-be, and you deserve a babymoon.A babymoon, much like a honeymoon, is a getaway so the couple can spend some quality time together before their family expands. A babymoon can be anywhere you like doing whatever you want — even if you want to do nothing.Explore...
From the moment your tiny newborn pokes its head into the world, everything revolves around them. Until that moment, however, it’s all about the parents-to-be, and you deserve a babymoon.
A babymoon, much like a honeymoon, is a getaway so the couple can spend some quality time together before their family expands. A babymoon can be anywhere you like doing whatever you want — even if you want to do nothing.
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Being pregnant means you have to take a few extra things into consideration, of course. You’ll likely want to wait until your second trimester, when — we hope — the morning sickness has passed. You’ll want to make sure there will be food that agrees with the mom-to-be.
Getting to your destination can also be tricky. Although a trip to Europe or a tropical island would be fantastic, a long flight when you’re pregnant can be miserable.
With all that in mind, here are three babymoon destinations within driving distance of Atlanta:
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Being near water can be relaxing, but that water doesn’t have to be the ocean. At Montage Palmetto Bluff, in Bluffton, South Carolina, you can sit on the porch and watch the May River meander by. Parents magazine said you will “feel like you just walked onto the set of a Nicholas Sparks movie.”
Just four hours from Atlanta, this resort is nestled among 20,000 acres of lowcountry nature preserve. You can dine at one of eight Southern-inspired options after a day at the riverfront marina or on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
Don’t feel like being active? Head to the spa for “a customized massage tailored for the mother-to-be.” The prenatal massage can relieve pregnancy discomfort, reduce stress and increase circulation. Don’t worry about lying face down; you’ll get a bolster to provide support. The prenatal massage costs $215 for 60 minutes or $305 for 90 minutes. Y
Accommodations include rooms, suites, cottages and homes.
Montage Palmetto Bluff
477 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
Resort: 843-706-6500
Reservations: 855-264-8705 or online at www.montagehotels.com/palmettobluff
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About five hours south on Interstate 85 are Henderson Park Inn and the white sand beaches of Destin. Although it doesn’t have a babymoon-specific package, this adults only resort has a romance package any expecting couple would enjoy.
For an additional $150, this package includes:
The adults-only beach comes with concierge service, so you can pick your spot on the sand and have everything brought to you. And whether you decide to have a picnic on the beach or dine at a seaside table for two, the resorts offerings are top notch.
According to its website, the Beach Walk Café has been named one of the most romantic restaurants in North America. Reserve a VIP Toes in the Sand experience, and you’ll dine at a private table directly on the sand and “devour dinner, dessert and drinks in true barefoot luxury complete with a dedicated server.”
Henderson Park Inn
2700 Scenic Highway 98, Destin, FL 32541
Information: 1-888-836-1105
Reservations: 1-888-836-1105 or online at www.hendersonparkinn.com
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If those drives just seem too long, head north on I-85 about an hour to Chateau Élan and pamper yourself in the lap of luxury.
Come for the food, but stay for the spa, or a painting class, or a round of golf, or the fireside s’mores.
With eight restaurants to choose from — although Le Soleil, the poolside bar, is closed for the season — both mom- and dad-to-be can indulge in their favorite foods. Fare ranges from salads and sandwiches to filet mignon and pan roasted branzino.
Alcohol might be off the table, but tea isn’t. Held in the glass-topped atrium, afternoon tea includes sandwiches, scones, pastries and petit fours, with a wide selection of loose-leaf teas to wash that down.
Ready for the spa? Packages range from a 50 minute couples deep tissue massage for $340 to the couples romantic journey for $1,410. The “journey” begins with “side-by-side full body exfoliations and Swedish massages. Couples then move to a private candlelit bath experience where they will enjoy a deep soak, air-jet tub, bottle of sparkling wine and sumptuous chocolates. Finish with a relaxing gourmet spa lunch, served in-suite.”
Chateau Élan
100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton, GA 30517
Reservations: 678-425-0900 or online at www.chateauelan.com
Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a relaxing babymoon. Rent an inexpensive Airbnb or book a room intown with your partner, eat chocolates and watch your favorite TV shows — it might be just the break you need.
The property at 2 Spanish Wells Road on Hilton Head has been, at various times in its history, the home of a local legend, the site of a suspicious fire, a place people could go for a cheap (or free) meal, and the location of a longtime law office.Now, under the branches of a towering oak that has seen it all, it has a new role as the domain of Jarvis Creek General Store.The site at the crossroads of U.S. 278 and Spanish Wells ...
The property at 2 Spanish Wells Road on Hilton Head has been, at various times in its history, the home of a local legend, the site of a suspicious fire, a place people could go for a cheap (or free) meal, and the location of a longtime law office.
Now, under the branches of a towering oak that has seen it all, it has a new role as the domain of Jarvis Creek General Store.
The site at the crossroads of U.S. 278 and Spanish Wells “just screamed gathering place,” said Erik Olson of Bluffton who is co-owner of the new business with dentist Shane Harpham of Hilton Head. The two friends do real estate investment projects together, but this is their first retail store.
“We’d kind of identified this corner as a great place to do something with community impact,” Olson said. “The vision was to try to create a gathering place and also a location that serves as an ambassador for the island when tourists travel onto the island. We wanted to create that default stop on their way where they can grab what they need.”
To that end, the shelves at Jarvis Creek General Store are stocked with grocery staples like milk, bread, eggs, chips and soft drinks, but there’s also jam, honey, sauces and pasta plus wine and local beers. There are even prepared sandwiches, breakfast items and coffee to grab and go.
Shoppers can also find a spectrum of non-grocery items, with a focus on local makers: There are gift items such as candles but also boogie boards and things kids might need for a day at the beach.
“We wanted to make sure we carried a little bit of everything, as the last stop before you are headed to your vacation rental or your hotel or the beach,” Olson said.
But the intention is not just to have a store for tourists, he explained. It was an important part of the plan to cater to residents on the north end of the island.
“We wanted to foster this sense of community,” Olson said.
The vision was an old-fashioned mercantile, where people could not only find supplies but have a place where there could meet up with friends, have a glass of wine, listen to music and relax.
They drew inspiration from the site and its beauty.
“It kind of appeals to the senses,” he said. “We’ve got a fire going on outside every day. We’ve got music playing. The reaction from people has been that they can remember a place like this in their past.”
The land has its own stories to tell, too.
It was the homeplace of island native Charlie Simmons Sr., who was known as “Mr. Transportation,” “Captain” or “Mr. Hilton Head” before his death at age 99 in 2012. For decades, Simmons had ferried people, groceries and mail on and off the island before there was a bridge. He was such an important figure to the island that, in 2014, the bridge that crosses Jarvis Creek was named for him.
In 1993, though, Simmons’ property on Spanish Wells Road was causing a bit of controversy. The wood-framed house, which had no electricity, was surrounded by trailers, “a collection odds and ends,” hogs and a stockpile of lumber, The Island Packet reported at the time. Town officials said the site violated ordinances and was unsightly and unsafe.
A day after the newspaper’s report that Simmons had been ticketed, the home burned to the ground in a blaze that firefighters determined was arson.
Later, the site was the location of Virginia’s Country Kitchen. Advertisements in The Island Packet in 1994 include a coupon for 25-cent coffee and lists a breakfast special as two eggs with home fries and a biscuit for $1.99.
That same fall, Virginia’s Country Kitchen offered a traditional Thanksgiving buffet, “turkey and dressing with all the trimmings” for $5.99, with all proceeds going to help an island resident who had been paralyzed in a vehicle accident.
The Thanksgiving before, owner Virginia Gardner Necessary had invited the poor of Bluffton and Hilton Head to eat for free. About 70 people took her up on the offer, The Island Packet reported.
More recent residents on Hilton Head may recognize the location as the site of David Barry’s law office.
“We heard a rumor that the building had been used for alligator processing at one point back in the day ... but we determined that was only folklore,” Olson said.
Renovations on the building were extensive. During its history, it had been added onto twice, so the work inside was about creating a cohesive space with materials that give it a Lowcountry feel.
The pre-existing tabby shell exterior was restored and the site was heavily landscaped to reclaim it from years of overgrowth and neglect.
“The building is small, 1,300 square feet, but bringing it back to life, is super fun,” Olson said.
A deck in the front of the property offers space for tables and there’s room in the parking area for food trucks Thursdays through Sundays.
“The long-range plan is to have music on the weekends as well and just try to create that place where you want to go,” said Olson, “where you want to be on the north end of the island to spend time with others.”
Jarvis Creek General Store is already open for business, but the official grand opening event is scheduled for Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. It will feature food trucks and live music.
What: Jarvis Creek General Store
Where: 2 Spanish Wells Road, Hilton Head Island
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 843-715-2917