The Luxury of Space

The Luxury of Space, The Warmth of Connection 
Designed for abundance and peace, Callawassie Island’s “access without excess” planning ensures residents can enjoy any amenity, any day. 

Life on Callawassie Island offers everything one might expect from an exclusive Lowcountry community: privacy, natural beauty, and top-tier amenities. What sets it apart, however, isn’t only what you see. It’s what you feel. Here, neighbors know your name. They look out for one another. You can retreat into the quiet seclusion of 880 acres of maritime forest and marsh, then reemerge to find a circle of friends who treat you like family. 

Assistant General Manager David Spivey describes the balance that makes Callawassie unique: “We’ve always been intentional about making sure things here are not overdone, staying true to the Lowcountry lifestyle. It’s casual and comfortable, but with excellence and polish.” 

The island’s landscape is beautifully curated, never overly manicured, and its amenities exist in harmony with the environment. That same stewardship extends to community planning, ensuring that residents enjoy full access to amenities—whether it’s a lane open at the pool, a court for bocce, or one of the “double tee start” times on the golf courses—without the crowding or restrictions common in other exclusive communities. Here, luxury comes not from excess, but from thoughtful balance. 

In this luxury of space, you find your family, yourself, and a future where you can leave a place better than you found it. 

Building the Perfect Balance 

Much of Callawassie’s growth over the past two decades is due to the steady hand of General Manager Jeff Spencer. His approach has been one of refinement rather than reinvention, “Not reinventing the wheel—just making it better,” he emphasizes. By preserving the integrity of the island while guiding its development, Spencer has created a balance of tradition and renewal. 

That philosophy has paved the way for transformative upgrades, including a clubhouse renovation, new bocce courts, and—most recently—the ambitious renovation of all three Tom Fazio–designed golf courses. Completed on a “three courses in three years” timeline, Bagwell and his team have ensured the courses are not only pristine but also playable for more days throughout the year, and more quickly after the heavy rains which are ‘par for the course’ in the island’s Coastal Carolina region. 

By avoiding overbuilding and maintaining membership at a scale that fits the land, Callawassie Island ensures that amenities remain truly accessible. Members don’t face long waits, crowded facilities, or limits on usage—instead, they experience the freedom of a community designed for both abundance and ease. 

The Luxury of Space 

While the amenities impress, the island’s heartbeat is its people. Communications and Membership Director Lindsey Cooler explains that the “luxury of space” means more than expansive acreage. “It isn’t just about the land itself,” she shares. “It’s the space people hold for and give to one another. There’s genuine care here. If someone hasn’t seen you in a while, friends will check on you. It’s endearing.” 

That sense of spaciousness is practical as well as personal. From the sports and recreation facilities to making sure you have a seat at the literal table at the clubhouse, residents enjoy ample access to every amenity without competing for space. It also means recognition. People know who you are, what you love to do, and the “come sit with us” feel permeates every group, club, event, and luncheon. The island’s growth has been guided by a commitment to preserve comfort, availability, and authenticity, ensuring that the lifestyle feels expansive yet embracing. 

A Culture of Care 

Setting that tone begins the moment someone considers making Callawassie Island their home. “The Discovery Tour Program,” Lindsey shares, “is one of the best ways to get a real sense of people and place. We pair prospective owners with Ambassador Members, and you can share meals, join in fitness classes, or play a round of golf with them. The one-on-one experience allows newcomers to see firsthand what words can’t fully capture. That this is a community that is warm, unpretentious, and deeply connected.” 

Even Callawassie’s clubs reflect this spirit. Groups like the Wee Chicks & Lame Ducks who rally around families to meet whatever the need—whether providing for visiting children (Wee Chicks) or supporting members recovering from medical challenges (Lame Ducks). The message is simple: here, people show up for each other. 

Time and Time Again 

This selfless ethic extends beyond residents, into those who lead and serve, as staff longevity is a hallmark of Callawassie Island. Cooler herself, along with Spencer, has been part of the island family for nearly two decades, while Bagwell brings up the lead only a few years behind them. The Director of Security, Tamara Atkins has been on the island for over 25 years. Length of tenure speaks volumes—not only to job satisfaction but to the sense of belonging that Callawassie Island living fosters at every level. 

Longevity is also reflected in the residents themselves. Cooler notes, “In nearly two decades, I’ve not seen people leave because they were dissatisfied with the community. My husband and I were born and raised in this area, and if I wasn’t working here but choosing a place to raise my family, this is it.” 

That generational legacy and loyalty is evident in the children and grandchildren who grow up making memories on the island, often falling in love with the lifestyle themselves. With kid-centered activities and clubs that range from golf to fitness to nature exploration, Callawassie Island is a place where all generations find connection and purpose. 

Stewarding the Future 

The Leadership behind this exclusive community remains committed to anticipating members’ needs, bringing in new opportunities and partnerships with regional experts, and ensuring the island continues to thrive for years to come. But what ultimately sets the place apart is its ability to evolve while holding fast to what matters most: the well-being of its land, its people, and its legacy. Members lead active lives individually but perhaps more importantly, invest deeply in one another’s lives. 

Callawassie Island shares the polish and prestige of premier communities, but its heart distinguishes it beyond compare. Here, luxury is measured not only in acres but in the depth of a place designed for peace. Where access comes without excess, life feels truly your own as you make the island your home. 

Read more about Callawassie Island’s intentional design over time in Callawassie Island Through the Years