Where stress just peels away

Butch and Debbie Floyd built their vacation home in South Carolina’s Palmetto Bluff neighborhood for themselves and to rent out when they don’t have time to visit. Butch, 62, president of Duluth-based Mail Sort, a mailing services company, chatted about their place.

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Photos by Rob Kaufman / AJC Special

The Floyds were attracted to the low-country setting at Palmetto Bluff and often see wildlife in the neighborhood. “It is such a beautiful, serene place,” Butch Floyd said.

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The open dining area and kitchen, which boasts an island, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, are a plus for entertaining. The couple also offers their vacation home in the community’s rental program.

Getting there

Take I-75 S for about 83 miles to I-16 E. Travel I-16 for about 165 miles to U.S.17-N. Travel about 12 miles and turn right onto S.C. 170. Go about 6 miles and take the second exit in the traffic circle onto May River Road/S.C. 46. Turn right onto Palmetto Bluff Road.

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An escape from the madness 
Where stress just peels away 

Why South Carolina: The Floyds are from South Carolina, with Butch growing up in Charleston and attending The Citadel and Debbie growing up in Greenville and attending Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C.

How they found Palmetto Bluff: They looked in Florida and Alabama, as well as various waterfront locations in South Carolina. “We’ve loved the beach and used to vacation down there with our kids,” Butch said. They were seeking a location they could easily get to from Atlanta. Another factor was finding a community with deep water, and that initially attracted them to Palmetto Bluff, which is in Beaufort County and near Hilton Head. “I grew up in Charleston and I skied a lot and I loved boating, and I still do,” he says. While visiting the community a few years ago, they learned about plans for the dry boat storage and a marina, so that was important for them. The Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, trails and the abundance of wildlife are among the amenities that sealed the deal. “It is just so quiet and everything is so serene there. You’re riding bikes or you’re walking or you’re working out or you’re playing golf,” he said. “You know how stressful it can get in Atlanta. You get there, and just little by little, the stress kind of peels away.”

What they love about their home: The most important feature in their home, which is in the community’s Wilson Village section, is their porch, which can be used all four seasons. “The biggest draw would be the wraparound porch we have with the fireplace out there,” Butch said.

How far from their home: About 4 hours from Peachtree Corners.

How often they’re there: About 60-70 days a year. “I wish it was a lot more,” Butch said. Their home is in the rental program, which also provides housekeeping and maintenance assistance when needed.

What they do when they’re there: Every visit includes at least one round of golf. “It’s a spectacular golf course. You see big oaks with Spanish moss and tall pine trees. You’ll see an eagle every now and then flying,” Butch said.

At a glance: The Floyds’ home in Palmetto Bluff has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, about 3,000 square feet of liveable space and a wraparound porch. The home was completed in December 2005.

Palmetto Bluff

The community is developed by Crescent Resources, which also developed Sugarloaf Country Club in Duluth and The River Club in Suwanee. Homesites range from $300,000-$4.5 million and homes are priced at $1.19 million-$4.95 million. When complete, Palmetto Bluff will have 2,900 homes. The custom homes - multiple builders are working in the community - range from 1,600 square feet up to 14,000 square feet, situated on one-tenth of an acre up to 30 acres. Amenities include the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course at May River Golf Club, tennis, bocce and croquet courts at the Wilson Lawn and Racquet Club, Longfield Stables equestrian facility, a pool and fitness center, nature preserve and walking trails, and a village center with river access, boat storage and canoe club, four restaurants, and an inn and spa managed by Auberge Resorts.

Recent sales

$2.9 million: 56C Boathouse St., Bluffton, S.C. 29910. A new three-bedroom, 3-bath home.

$1.55 million: 4 Parkman St. Bluffton, S.C. 29910. A furnished village home with 3 bedrooms, 3-baths and views of the fresh water trail.

For sale

$1.225 million: 44 Blue Willow St., Bluffton, S.C. 29910. A 4-bedroom, 4-bath home with golf course views.

$1.875 million: 10 Anson Park Road East, Bluffton, S.C. 29910. A 4-bedroom, 4-bath home with views of the 10th fairway.

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Palmetto Bluff