Two close-in Mt. Pleasant communities under way

Saturday, May 25, 2002

BY BOB LANG
Of The Post and Courier Staff

     MOUNT PLEASANT-While most home construction in this fast-growing town is concentrated on the northern end, opportunities still exist for buyers who want to live in a new home closer to downtown Charleston.
     Two developments to consider are Braemore, a custom-home neighborhood off Mathis Ferry Road, and Eastwood Townhomes, a condominium-style community off Chuck Dawley Boulevard.
     Both are located in older, established areas of Mount Pleasant and within five miles of the Cooper River bridges.
     "We get lots of calls from people who bought further out in Mount Pleasant and who are now looking to get closer," said Michael Washburn, owner of Exit Realty of the Carolinas, which is marketing both developments. "Living in either of these communities can shave a lot of time off your commute."
     It will be months before residents can move into either development. Home construction is just beginning in Braemore, while the first units in Eastwood won't be ready for occupancy until late July.
     However, lots and units are going quickly, Washburn said, adding that eight Braemore home sites and three Eastwood condos have been reserved.
    
BRAEMORE
     Built on one of the last remaining developable tracts along Mathis Ferry Road, Braemore is situated between Molasses Creek and I'On subdivisions. The main entrance is off Muirhead Road, and soon a new road will open that will provide direct access to I'On without going onto Mathis Ferry.
     The wedge-shaped tract has been divided into 31 heavily wooded lots, each ranging in size between about 1/4-acre to 1/2-acre. Prices range from $105,000 to $150,000.
     A modest entrance and most of the roads are complete. The lots are well marked. Old-style street signs are posted.
     Five or six inventory homes will be built, Washburn said. Prices will range between $400,000-$600,000, including the lot.
     Lot buyers can choose to build their own homes. There is no time limit in which to build; however, all house plans must be approved in advance by the developer. One-story homes must be at least 2,000 square feet, while two-story homes must be at least 2,500 square feet.
     Typical home features will include large porches, hardwood floors, 9-foot-plus ceilings, heavy moldings and extensive landscaping. Permitted exterior materials include brick, cement fiberboard, stucco and wood.
     "The homes will have traditional Lowcountry architecture," said Washburn, who is planning to build his own house in the neighborhood. "We want to create something timeless."
     Most of Braemore is located on ground as high as 23 feet above sea level. Washburn said the drainage is excellent and that flood insurance isn't required.
     Most buyers so far have come from the Charleston area, he said.
    
EASTWOOD TOWNHOMES
     For those looking for something smaller and far less expensive, Eastwood Townhomes may be just the thing.
     Construction is well under way on the first 12 units. A total of 33 are planned, all one-story flats with 1,100 square feet of heated living space and two full baths. Some units will be built with two bedrooms and some with three. Prices range from $139,900 to $144,900.
     Each unit will have an open floor plan, with easy access between the kitchen and living room. Standard features will include white kitchen cabinets, a walk-in closest in the master bedroom, and a private courtyard in the back.
     The first 10 buyers will get additional features, such as a gas fireplace and ceramic tile in the bathrooms, Washburn said.
     The homeowner's association fee will be under $100 per year, he said. The fee will cover lawn care in front of the units and in common areas.
    
OPEN HOUSE
     An open house will be held today (9 a.m.-noon) and Sunday (12:30-4 p.m.) at Braemore and Eastwood Townhomes. An agent will be on site to hand out printed information and answer questions.
     Bob Lang covers real estate and automotive news. Contact him at blang@postandcourier.com or (843) 937-5594.