Stately seclusion

The Retreat at Beresford showcasing well-appointed homes in Berkeley County at favorable prices

Leroy Burnell
The Post and Courier

The living room in the Pemberton model has hardwood floors, a fireplace and plenty of windows.

Leroy Burnell
The Post and Courier

Buyers can choose from five floor plans, including this one constructed by Meridian Builders, at The Retreat at Beresford. The new community from The Peninsula Co. is off Clements Ferry Road in Berkeley County.

Call it the result of a slow real estate market, a way to move properties or simply a good buying opportunity.

No matter. The Retreat at Beresford, a new neighborhood off Clements Ferry Road, is showcasing traditional Allison Ramsey Architects homes with hardwood floors, granite countertops, two-piece crown molding, elegant dining rooms, stainless steel appliances and detached two-car garages. And at what price? They're from $329,000 to $389,000.

The two-story dwellings, which come in five floor plans, are from 1,831 to 2,452 square feet.

"For a house in the 2,000-square-foot range (with) landscaping, $330,000 to $390,000 is really good," says Norman Cooper, Realtor with Carolina One Real Estate, who is handling sales and marketing. The Retreat at Beresford, situated in Berkeley County and the city of Charleston, is just 1.3 miles from Interstate 526. The neighborhood also is close to Daniel Island, so homeowners have a convenient place to go to for shopping and recreation.

Charleston-based The Peninsula Co. LLC is developing the subdivision, which will have 83 homes. Locally based Meridian Builders constructed the first 17 houses, and fellow local company Catalyst Builders expects to erect more.

Current floor plans include the Marion, Canterbury, Pemberton, Oglethorpe and Williamsburg. The three- to four-bedroom homes have perks such as dual-zone heating and air conditioning; available gas heat, fireplace and stove; and bonus space on some plans.

"We've been slugging it out for a year," says Rick Estee, a principal in both Meridian and Catalyst builders. A handful of the Meridian homes built in the past six months remain on themarket. Catalyst Builders will be in charge of house construction going forward, he says.

The Peninsula Co. is talking with other builders as well.

Cooper says a number of lots back up to wetlands, so purchasers don't have to worry about people building right behind them. Another advantage with the neighborhood, at least price wise, is the homeowners association dues are just $300 a year. There are no amenities as such, although the community does have popular features such as sidewalks and underground utilities, he says.

While close to main thoroughfares, The Retreat at Beresford is set back from Clements Ferry Road by a half-mile or so, making it hidden from the highway. The community is set out in a series of streets with cul-de-sacs, which naturally attract children to play, Cooper says.

To get to The Retreat at Beresford from downtown Charleston, take Interstate 26 west to Interstate 526, heading toward Mount Pleasant. Follow I-526 to the second Clements Ferry Road exit. Turn right off the exit and head north on Clements Ferry. After less than two miles, turn right at the sign for The Retreat at Beresford at Sanders Farm Lane.

Neighborhood

The Retreat at Beresford.

Location

Berkeley County.

Developer, marketing

The Peninsula Co., Carolina One Real Estate.

More info

phone: 460-0319.

HOURs: 1-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Total homes

83.

Typical features

--Three-four bedrooms.

--Stainless steel appliances and 42-inch maple cabinets in kitchens.

--Gas fireplaces.

--Granite countertops.

--Crown molding.

--Porches, decks and balconies.

--Detached two-car garages.

--Underground utilities.

Home sizes

1,831-2,452 square feet.

Home prices

$329,000-$389,000.

Property taxes

$2,118 on a $350,000 home.

Area attractions

Beresford Creek, Daniel Island, Family Circle Cup Tennis Center, Blackbaud Stadium (soccer), Cooper River, Charleston International Airport, North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, North Charleston Performing Arts Center and Wando River.

Distance to downtown Charleston

17 miles.

Schools

Daniel Island School

Grades K-8; phone, 471-2301; enrollment, 766; certified staff, 56; PACT results, 55.2 percent of fifth-graders scored proficient or advanced on English/Language Arts, 54.4 percent on math, 53.3 percent on science and 42.9 percent on social studies; 16.7 percent of eighth-graders scored proficient or advanced on English/Language Arts, 16.7 percent on math, 20 percent on science and 13.3 percent on social studies.

Hanahan High

Grades 9-12; phone, 820-3710; enrollment, 838; certified staff, 62; SAT results, 508 verbal and 513 math. The 1021 combined score is higher than the state average (984) and the national average (1017).

Housing Trends

Wando/Cainhoy area:

Number of sales in the first quarter of 2008: 65 (down from 115 in the first quarter of 2007).

Average sales price: $293,800 (down from $347,300).

Median sales price: $210,000 (down from $240,000).

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.