Charter One Realty Blog

Rivière House, ... so named for its incredible deep water riverfront location along the Colleton River, is the crown jewel atop what is arguably amongst the most naturally striking properties in all of the Lowcountry. The orientation and design of the residence offers all who enter 270° views for vast expanses along the river and marsh, capturing sweeping vistas in a living, breathing illustration of the storybook idyll that is the South Carolina Lowcountry. The home itself is a Kermit Huggins masterpiece - a creation of art that houses life - exhibiting the highly distinguishable elements of Modern design, emphasizing crisp lines, warm neutrals, and balance, with a mid-century European sensibility and an eye toward minimalism. Borrowing from its exterior, however, the furnishings create a warmth and comfort that isn't an easy marriage between European minimalism on the one hand, and Southern coastal comfort on the other. 

But Rivière House manages the balancing act perfectly and makes no sacrifices.

 

A Love Letter

Rivière House

 

"I can still recall the breathtaking view that greeted me as I brushed aside the low hanging vines from the hundred-year-old live oak trees that populated the point where our home in Colleton River now stands. The vast expanse of golden marsh grass waving in the gentle breeze bordered by the deep blue waters of the Colle­ton River was a scene that my wife and I would come to enjoy every day for the next 20 years. On the far side of the river, a dense forest of trees stood as a backdrop for the marsh and stretching above them, white pillow clouds gently floated in the sky. It was so tranquil that I sat down beneath one of the oak trees that are present in the courtyard and took in the amazing sights and sounds that surrounded me. As the sun began to set I was mesmer­ized by the palette of colors that were cast upon the river and marsh. The scenery began to take on life. Birds began their search for an evening meal and fish could be heard jumping in the still water of the slack tide. A family of Dolphins gracefully plied their way upriver and a mother raccoon with three little ones worked their way along the riverbank. This was our second house in Colle­ton River. Not a day has gone by that we were not thankful to own this pristine property and call "Rivière" our Home.

Having lived in the Hilton Head area we had become familiar with Kermit Huggins unique architecture. His signature use of standing seam hip roofs atop a free-flowing contemporary design always seemed to blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Each of his homes is an original creation designed to complement the natural features of the property. To that end, Kermit placed the house around the two live oaks in the courtyard. leaving two others as sentry's along the driveway. The orientation of the house minimizes exposure to the afternoon sun yet preserves the spectacular view of our low country sunsets. The eleva­tion of the home, as seen from the water. is an imposing landmark iden­tifying the entrance to the Colleton River. Our only guidance to Kermit was to have an impressive entrance and panoramic views wherever you walked in the house. Kermit's ideas of free-flowing space with high ceilings made the house very comfortable and accommodative for social gatherings. For us, the size of the property, the siting of the home and its design features gave us unprecedented privacy to enjoy the Lowcountry lifestyle at Colleton River."  - M. Gates, Seller 

 

Guest Suites

The Pool Suite, the first on your right, offers the most beautiful workspace you can imagine, with views past the pool to the river and beyond, all framed by the architectural breezeway just passing by on its way to the outdoor dining space.

The Garden Suite - the second of the two guest rooms on the first floor - offers an entirely different energy1, despite being just next door. In this zen-like bedroom, enjoy some of the most beautiful early light in the house through the floor-to-ceiling windows, while you remain privately enveloped in the verdant greenery that wraps the southern border of the property in a living wall. Ascending the plushly carpeted stairs at the end of the hallway reveals the River Suite, offering all who enter sweeping views of the outdoor living spaces and the sparkling waters of the winding Colleton River.

Theatre Room

Change into something cozy, grab the snacks, and snuggle in for a movie night in the theater room, lo­cated just outside of the master suite. Automated black-out shutters create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a movie, a game, or your favorite show. This space may also be used as an office or recreation room, with its beautiful views of the calming zen garden and yoga deck framed by large picture windows. 

Treehouse

With perhaps the most stunning views in all of the home - and certainly the most elevated - the Treehouse offers a true Lowcountry panorama from both front and back, each side with its own observation porch. From the front: a perfectly sym­metrical birds-eye view of the incredible roof line. From the back: gaze for miles across the marsh, and down the mighty Colleton River in either direction. 

Colleton River Club

Colleton River Club - amongst the very best in lifestyle luxury and amenities. Enjoy world-class golf on two of the South's most prized 18-hole courses, as well as a par 3 practice course that will put you through your paces. Any active lifestyle is further complemented by an abundance of outdoor selections, including lit Har-Tnt tennis courts, extensive fitness facility and instruction, pool, spa, and miles of some of the most breathtaking leisure trails in the Lowcountry - all centered on a tn1ly unique piece of southern history, surrounded by sparkling waters. Travel+Leisure ranked Colleton River Club as One of America's Top 100 Golf Communities. It has also received the prestigious Emerald Designation through Distinguished Clubs of America. Both the Nicklaus Course and Dye Course have been ranked as Top 100 Greatest Courses in the US. Life here is truly unique. surrounded by an active and philanthropic community of people who are all here to experience the very best that South Carolina Lowcountry living has to offer.

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