THE TURNER HOUSE AT ST. PHILLIPS ISLAND

The Turner House at St. Phillips Island

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St. Phillips Island is a 4-mile-long, 4,680-acre undeveloped barrier island off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina.

This former private island can only be accessed by boat and is a true hidden gem of the Lowcountry. For nearly 40 years, it was owned by billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who purchased St. Phillips in 1979 to preserve its integrity as an unspoiled natural environment and protect it from development. In 2017, the State of South Carolina purchased the island, which is now operated in conjunction with nearby Hunting Island State Park.

The Turner House at St. Phillips Island was constructed shortly after Turner purchased the island in 1979 and served as the family’s beach retreat for decades. All construction materials for the 3,350 square foot house were brought by boat, and the design reflects Turner’s vision for a comfortable, rustic retreat in harmony with its setting.

The Turner House

Accommodates 10 guests.

A classic elevated Carolina beach house, it features one master bedroom and bathroom plus an additional guest bathroom on the main floor and four additional bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs.

A living room, kitchen, bar area, convertible dining room/game room, and den are also located on the main floor. The living room opens to an expansive 820-square-foot screened porch with rocking chairs, a comfortable sitting area, and a Pawleys Island Hammock. The porch provides the perfect setting for enjoying breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views.

Outside the house is a patio featuring Adirondack chairs, a propane grill, and a fire pit. Just steps away is a fishing pier and sun deck perfect for catching the sunrise.

Two golf carts provide convenient access to the beach, located just under a mile from the house. At low tide, the half-mile Beach Trail provides access to a long expanse of pristine beach. On the way to the Beach Trail, guests will pass a striking section of eroded shoreline scattered with a boneyard of weathered trees and driftwood. Five other trails provide access to the remarkable diversity of ecosystems found throughout the island.

Amenities including beach chairs, umbrellas, and pop-up canopies, fishing rods and gear, binoculars, bird spotting scope, telescope, bicycles, and kayaks are available.

St. Phillips Island is off-grid, but the Turner House is supported by the island’s self-sufficient infrastructure, including solar arrays, propane-fueled generators, septic system, and reverse osmosis water filtration system. Park rangers staff St. Phillips and are available on an on-call basis for the duration of each reservation to assist in accessing certain amenities, hosting programs, and other tasks as needed.

Please note that St. Phillips Island is a remote, natural barrier island and neither it nor the Turner House is fully accessible for guests with limited mobility. Please inquire about any accessibility concerns prior to booking.

Amenities

One-mile private beach - Guests have access to a beautiful, secluded mile-long stretch of private beach, offering plenty of space to relax, explore, and enjoy the natural surroundings
Private Fishing Pier - a wonderful option for guests who enjoy fishing or simply want to spend a peaceful afternoon by the water.
Fishing Poles and Bait - Everything guests need to enjoy a day of fishing without having to bring their own equipment.
Fire pit & indoor fireplace
Pool table - A great way to unwind and enjoy some downtime after a day of adventure
Beach chairs
The Boneyard - One of the most unique features of the property, the Boneyard offers guests an unforgettable opportunity to experience the fascinating natural landscape along the shoreline
Ranger-led adventures – Our ranger staff can lead guided hikes, kayak tours, and beach walks, allowing guests to explore the area with knowledgeable guides.
Customized experiences – We can tailor trips and activities around each guest’s individual interests.
Beach chairs
Binocular, bird spotting scope & telescope
Beach Bikes
Kayaks
Golf carts for access to beach along the beach trail (not permitted on other trails)
Complimentary boat service (must be scheduled 24 hours in advance)
Hiking trails
Beach access
Wi-fi

Rental Information

All rentals require a minimum five-night stay. Additional nights may be added pro rated at the selecte package rate.

A deposit of 50% of the total reservation cost is required at time of booking. Remaining balance due must be paid in full no less than 30 days prior to arrival.

Check-in time is 12 p.m. (noon) and check-out time is 11 a.m. for all rentals.

Boat travel is required to reach the island, and both the arrival and departure boat shuttles are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. All guests must be present for the shuttle departure. We are not able to accommodate late arrivals or multiple groups.

Please note that all scheduled travel times to and from St. Phillips Island are tentative and may be adjusted as conditions require. Incoming and outgoing travel plans should be scheduled to accommodate the possibility of delays.

Cancellations made 90+ days in advance of check-in will incur no penalty. Cancellations made 31-89 days in advance of check-in will incur a $2000 charge. Cancellations made 0-30 days in advance of check-in will forfeit all funds.

Standard Rental

Turner House rental only.
St. Phillips Island remains open to scheduled public day tours during stay. Public tours may take place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tours do not include the Turner House or grounds.
On-site rangers are available to assist for the duration of your stay.
Rental price is $10,000 for five nights.
Includes scheduled boat transportation between Hunting Island State Park and St. Phillips Island at arrival and departure.

Exclusive Rental

Rental of Turner House and St. Phillips Island. The island is closed to the public and no tours will operate during stay.
On-site rangers are available to assist for the duration of your stay.
Includes optional ranger-led programs.
Includes scheduled boat transportation between Hunting Island State Park and St. Phillips Island at arrival and departure.
Exclusive rentals must be booked more than 90 days in advance.
Rental price is $18,000 for five nights

Booking Information

To book, or for more information, please contact the St. Phillips Island reservations desk at 803-904-6220 or StPhillips@scprt.com. Reservations are taken Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you may leave a message after hours and your call or email will be returned.