The Isle of Palms

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: May 2023

In nearly 45 years in the wine and food industry, Highlands’ resident Karen Hunt led the most highly regarded companies in the industry – serving as President of DAOU Vineyards and Winery, and a Senior Executive at Peter Mondavi Winery, Frances Ford Coppola Winery, Mars, Inc., and Ben & Jerry’s.

During those years, Karen logged thousands of nights in hotels. And what she came to understand in all those nights away is that although any hotel can claim to be a home away from home, and however warm the welcome, sometimes you just need more space to spread out, and a chance to stock your own refrigerator to cook. Desperate for a more comfortable place to stay during extended stays, she discovered short term rentals. The concept was so life changing she was persuaded to seek out a short-term rental investment of her own.

In 2006, she and husband Mike acquired a small condo in her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. By 2015, the unit, which she named Carolina Elegance, had generated sufficient profits to fund a second property and then a third.

When a beach house on the highly desirable Isle of Palms became available, it was the perfect place to drop anchor. They called it Carolina Elegance Beach-House. Three years ago, the couple acquired a second property on the exclusive Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle. They named it Carolina Elegance North.

Thirty minutes from Charleston, the Isle of Palms may just be the area’s best kept secret. Bordered on one side by the Atlantic Ocean and on the other by the marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway, this barrier island offers the best of the Lowcountry in one setting. Beyond lazing on the beach, the island offers kayaking with dolphins, ocean fishing, paddle boarding or taking a naturalist-guided boat tour to an undeveloped island. For the artistic, there are painting classes, sweetgrass basket weaving or just studying nature beneath the live oaks. Foodies will want to explore noteworthy restaurants.

You can begin your day with a homemade breakfast at locals’ favorites Sea Biscuit Café or Acme Lowcountry Kitchen; drop in for a cocktail at Darius Rucker’s favorite bar, The Windjammer; grab a chair and a flounder sandwich perched above the Intracoastal waterway at Islander 71 Fish Camp; and dine extravagantly on celebrated chef Ken Vendrinksi’s pristine Italian-accented seafood at Coda Del Pesce.

Both of Karen and Mike’s homes on the Isle of Palms celebrate the presence and beauty of their setting, capturing the mood of the perfect island retreat. The two recently remodeled homes are family-friendly, cozily furnished and include extra luxe amenities: saltwater pools that can be heated for an extra fee, outdoor hot and cold showers, gourmet kitchens, WIFI, flat screen TVs in every room, low speed vehicles for touring both Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, and proximity to the beach.

Situated at the end of the Isle of Palms where the traffic is light and surroundings peaceful, the 6 bedrooms, 5 bath Carolina Elegance home sleeps 14, with an elevator, and boasts a gourmet kitchen, and rooms that open to the outdoors. In the backyard, the saltwater pool sits amidst lush shrubbery, plentiful and plush seating, cooking grills, and an outdoor shower. When the sky darkens, strings of fanciful lights brighten the setting and encourage lively conversation. With five outdoor decks, a video game room, and a garage filled with a foosball table, ping pong table and basketball games, it’s as much a multigenerational vacation home as a beach house. Both homes have incredible kid’s rooms with queen bunk beds, toys and everything a child could desire.

An eclectic and charming mix of coastal modern comfort and antique furnishings, guests constantly include in their five-star reviews that the beds are so comfortable that they never want to get out of bed.

Carolina Elegance North is an idyllic 4 bedroom, 4 bath retreat that accommodates up to 12. Inside, the large, windowed rooms are all about maximizing light and space and views of the outdoors. The gourmet kitchen, truly the heart of this home, opens to a sunroom and a private deck overlooking the marsh. Nestled among the Palmetto trees, the backyard features a pool, hot tub, swing bed, and outside shower with both hot and cold water, along with stunning views of sandy shores, lush marshes and the final two holes of the world-famous Links Golf Course.

And on the horizon, Karen and Mike are now working on Carolina Elegance Tranquil Oaks, an upscale glamping site with tiny homes and safari like tents on the lakes.

For more information or to book your escape, visit carolinaelegance.com. Oh, and if you mention this article when booking, you’ll receive a complimentary golf car for a week!