“Nature. Nurture. Neighborhood,” is the motto for The Ponds Summerville, SC community. And though it’s 25 miles inland from it’s fast-growing neighbor of Charleston, “lowcountry” is the theme – something the developers are trying to reflect in architectural style, old-growth preservation and community attitude.
More than half of the development’s land is dedicated to amenities including a 1,100-acre nature preserve, with a 20-acre lake. Other amenities include a multi-purpose sports field, 21 miles of trails, swimming pool, parks, playgrounds and an outdoor pavilion. The Summerville Family YMCA is also within The Ponds development. A non-profit conservancy, with homeowner members, will be set up to act as a steward for the nature and “quality of life” of the community.
The Ponds has 1,950 homesites on 2000 acres. To keep aesthetics and quality consistent, a design board reviews home plans and tends to favor Southern Colonial, Victorian, Arts & Craft and Cape Cod-styles. Homes are mainly single-family or townhomes with a number of planned live/work units. Architectural details include Southern-style porches and masonry fireplaces. Currently, five Charleston builders work in The Ponds.
Greenwood Communities and Resorts began development of The Ponds in 2006. Roads are already paved and the sewer system is in. Also, many of the amenities are already built, giving home buyers a tangible sense of value and community. While project completion is planned for 12 to 15 years, some homeowners have already moved in and at least one section of the development has already sold out.
Homes start in the low $300’s.
A June of 2008 sampling of homes from The Ponds web site:
3-bed, 2-bath with 1665 sq. feet — $345,000
3-bed, 3 bath with 2706 sq. feet — $538,690
4-bed, 2.5 bath with 2521 sq. feet — $379,900
4-bed, 2.5 bath with 2785 sq. feet — $469,000
5-bed, 3 bath with 2700 sq. feet — $424,900
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