Community Plan
In 1989, Jim Chaffin of Chaffin/Light Associates and his wife, Betsy, visited Spring Island and fell in love with its intoxicating natural beauty. Their commitment to preserve this beauty was made in an early shared sentiment, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could share Spring Island with just a few friends?” This simple but sincere thought thus became the cornerstone of the development philosophy; the footprint would be light on the land.
First, a plan approved by Beaufort Country in 1985 for 5,000 units was reduced by over ninety percent to 410, resulting in a gross density of over 7 acres per homesite. Also, 1,000 acres – about one third of the island – was set aside, in perpetuity, and the Spring Island Trust was established to ensure the preservation and protection of the island’s environment and cultural history. The result is a peaceful refuge for people looking for an alternative to the typical country club golf community. Often described as “an unpretentious place,” the members, a diverse group geographically as well as in age and interests, share the philosophy that “bigger” is not necessarily better, that “glitzier” is not always finer.
The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway and bridge, and is about 30 minutes from Hilton Head Island and the historic town of Beaufort, which was voted “#1 Best Small Town” in Southern Living Magazine’s 13th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards for 2009. Beaufort has been recognized by an award in the Best Small Town category in Southern Living for more than eight years in a row. Savannah and its airport are an easy 40 minute drive from the Island and Charleston lies 75 miles to the north.
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