Live Oaks at Battery Creek, Beaufort, SC

If you're looking for somewhere nice to live in Beaufort, South Carolina, you might be forgiven for looking through the real estate ads. But if you were in the know-and now you are-you'd drive down Salem Road and discover one of Beaufort's hidden treasures, Live Oaks at Battery Creek.

Nestled under magificent shade trees, this 50-acre neighborhood boasts 98 home sites and 2,800 feet of waterfront overlooking Battery Creek. Apart from enjoying the views of the creek framed by live oaks decorated with Spanish moss, residents can access the water at the deep-water dock and boat ramp and, in less than 30 minutes, reach some of the best Atlantic fishing sites in the Lowcountry. If boats and fishing aren't your thing, Live Oaks' open spaces and lagoons provide a pleasant walking experience. Lives Oaks is located close to the shopping, dining and recreation of historic downtown Beaufort. Hilton Head Island, Savannah and Charleston are within easy reach, each with its own appeal and unique shopping delights.

The town of Beaufort is known for its friendly people and easy lifestyle, having been called "the little Charleston of the Lowcountry." The best way to appreciate it is by horse-drawn carriage, where knowledgeable guides will give you a rundown of the town's checkered and fascinating history. The Sea Pines Real Estate Company, which has an office on-site at Live Oaks, represents the developers, Meridian Builders of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Meridian has built homes in 14 communities along the South Carolina coast, from Myrtle Beach to Bluffton, and is constructing a total of 29 single-family homes from its Cottage Collection in the Live Oaks community.

The 13 floor plans are based on the coastal Carolina designs of two well-known regional architectural firms, Allison Ramsey Architects and Moser Design Group. The Platinum features of these designs include smooth, 9-foot ceilings throughout; a pantry with ventilated shelving; stained mahogany front doors; solid, white-oak hardwoods on the first floor and stairs; crown molding on the first floor and in the master suite; a chair rail around the dining room; and a 42-inch wood-burning fireplace. Meridian will also be building up to 104 Charleston-style town homes, priced in the $300s, on Salem Road, near the entrance to Live Oaks. Agents are on duty daily and information packages that include renderings of the floor plans, together with a list of standard features and upgrade options, are available on-site.