Hilton Head Island’s Premier Marina Community
Windmill Harbour
The largest yacht basin on Hilton Head Island. Home of the South Carolina Yacht Club.
258 boat slips. 348 Charleston-style residences.
Jenkins Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Explore PropertiesWindmill Harbour is a 172-acre private gated marina community on Jenkins Island, adjacent to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Connected to Hilton Head by the J. Wilton Graves Bridge on US Route 278, the community is home to the South Carolina Yacht Club and features the largest yacht basin on Hilton Head Island — a 15.5-acre lock-controlled harbour with 258 boat slips accommodating vessels up to 100+ feet, with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Calibogue Sound.
The community’s 348 residences showcase distinctive Charleston-style architecture — brightly coloured facades, elevated porches, and traditional Lowcountry design elements set among lagoons, marshland, and harbour views. Windmill Harbour offers tennis and pickleball courts, a community pool, walking and biking paths, golf partnerships with nearby courses, and 24/7 manned security.
The lock-controlled harbour maintains a constant 8-foot water depth and current-free conditions, making it one of the most protected marinas on the East Coast. Contact Donna Gilmore for current availability and private showings.
~$895K
Median Home Price
172
Private Acres
258
Marina Boat Slips
15.5
Acre Yacht Basin
Market Intelligence
Market Analysis & Investment Outlook
Pricing & Demand
Windmill Harbour offers one of the most accessible entry points into marina living on Hilton Head Island. With a median home price of approximately $895,000, the community provides significant value compared to other lock-controlled harbour communities like Wexford (~$2.28M median). Prices range from approximately $400K for townhomes to over $2.9M for premier harbour-front estates with private docks. With only 348 total residences and consistent demand from boating enthusiasts, well-priced properties attract serious buyers.
Market Dynamics
Windmill Harbour’s buyer pool is uniquely defined by the boating lifestyle. The community attracts sailing enthusiasts, power boaters, and waterfront lifestyle seekers who prioritize marina access and the Intracoastal Waterway. This specialized demand creates a market where the marina amenity is the primary value driver — harbour-front homes with private docks command significant premiums over interior properties. The South Carolina Yacht Club adds a social dimension that strengthens community bonds and buyer appeal.
Investment Thesis
Windmill Harbour’s investment case rests on irreplaceable infrastructure: the largest yacht basin on Hilton Head Island cannot be replicated, and lock-controlled harbours are among the rarest marina features on the East Coast. The community’s Jenkins Island location provides a quieter, more residential character while remaining minutes from Hilton Head’s restaurants, shopping, and beaches. With year-over-year appreciation of approximately 10.5%, Windmill Harbour has demonstrated strong price momentum.
Price Guide by Property Type
Townhomes & Villas
Lock-and-leave, low maintenance
$400K – $1.2M
Single-Family Homes
Charleston-style, lagoon/marsh views
$700K – $2M+
Harbour-Front Estates
Private docks, deep-water access
$1.5M – $2.9M+
Marina Slips (Separate)
Based on slip size & location
$50K – $200K+
Annual HOA: ~$3,150 (homes). Marina slip fees separate. Golf partnerships available with nearby courses. Prices subject to change. Contact Donna Gilmore for current availability.
Three Distinct Options
Explore the Property Types
Windmill Harbour offers distinct residential options within its 172 gated acres — from harbour-front estates with private docks to Charleston-style townhomes, each delivering the full marina lifestyle with access to every amenity.
Deep-Water Dock Living
Harbour-Front Estates
The most coveted addresses in Windmill Harbour line the 15.5-acre yacht basin, offering private deep-water docks directly behind the home. These Charleston-style estates feature panoramic harbour views, direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway through the lock system, and the convenience of stepping from your back door onto your boat. Harbour-front homes represent the pinnacle of the Windmill Harbour lifestyle — true live-aboard luxury in a protected, current-free basin.
Architectural Style
Charleston-style with elevated construction, private docks, and harbour-facing orientation
Price Range
$1.5M – $2.9M+
Charleston-Style Elegance
Single-Family Homes
Windmill Harbour's single-family homes showcase the community's signature Charleston-style architecture — brightly coloured facades, elevated porches, and traditional Lowcountry design elements. These homes are set among mature landscaping with views of lagoons, marshland, or the harbour. Residents enjoy the full suite of community amenities including marina access, the South Carolina Yacht Club, tennis, pool, and the quiet security of a gated island community.
Architectural Style
Charleston-inspired with elevated porches, colourful facades, and Lowcountry detailing
Price Range
$700K – $2M+
Lock-and-Leave Marina Living
Townhomes & Villas
Windmill Harbour's townhomes and villas offer a low-maintenance entry point into one of Hilton Head's premier marina communities. Ideal for seasonal residents, boating enthusiasts who prefer to spend time on the water rather than maintaining a yard, or buyers seeking a more accessible price point. Townhome and villa owners enjoy the same access to all community amenities — marina, yacht club, tennis, pool, and security — as single-family homeowners.
Architectural Style
Attached luxury with private entries, harbour or garden views, and maintenance-free exteriors
Price Range
$400K – $1.2M
The Marina Lifestyle
Lifestyle & Amenities
15.5-Acre Yacht Basin
The largest yacht basin on Hilton Head Island features a lock-controlled system maintaining constant 8-foot depth in a current-free environment. 258 boat slips accommodate vessels up to 100+ feet with full-service marina amenities including fueling, pump-out, and dock assistance.
South Carolina Yacht Club
One of the premier yacht clubs in the Southeast, SCYC offers a full social calendar, sailing programs, racing events, fine dining, and waterfront social gatherings. Members enjoy reciprocal privileges at yacht clubs worldwide and access to organized cruising events.
Intracoastal Waterway Access
Direct access through the lock system to the Intracoastal Waterway and Calibogue Sound opens up cruising to Savannah, Charleston, and beyond. Day trips to Daufuskie Island, Harbour Town, and the barrier islands are minutes away by boat.
Tennis & Pickleball
Well-maintained tennis and pickleball courts provide year-round racquet sports. Regular clinics, social play, and organized events bring the community together in a relaxed, active setting.
Community Pool & Recreation
The community pool offers a refreshing retreat during warmer months, complemented by walking and biking paths that wind through the community's mature maritime landscape and along the harbour.
Privacy & Security
24/7 manned security gates ensure a safe, private residential environment. The Jenkins Island location provides natural separation from Hilton Head's busier areas while remaining just minutes from restaurants, shopping, and beaches via US 278.
Marina Community Comparison
Windmill Harbour vs. Other Communities
Understanding how Windmill Harbour compares to other Hilton Head marina communities helps buyers find the right fit for their boating lifestyle and investment goals.
| Feature | Windmill Harbour | Wexford | Sea Pines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acreage | 172 acres | ~1,000 acres | 5,000 acres |
| Residences | 348 | 525 | ~3,500+ |
| Yacht Basin | 15.5 acres (largest on HHI) | Lock-controlled, 280 slips | 2 marinas (Harbour Town, South Beach) |
| Boat Slips | 258 (up to 100+ ft) | 280 (up to 70 ft) | ~200+ combined |
| Lock System | Yes (constant 8-ft depth) | Yes (constant 8-ft depth) | No |
| Golf | Partnerships available | Arnold Palmer 18 holes | 54 holes (PGA Tour) |
| Median Price | ~$895K | ~$2.28M | $1.72M |
| Character | Boating-focused, Charleston-style | Harbour + golf club | Iconic resort community |
The Largest Yacht Basin on Hilton Head
Where the Marina
Defines the Lifestyle
Frequently Asked Questions
Windmill Harbour FAQ
What is Windmill Harbour and where is it located?
Windmill Harbour is a 172-acre private gated marina community located on Jenkins Island, adjacent to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Connected to Hilton Head by the J. Wilton Graves Bridge on US Route 278, the community is home to the South Carolina Yacht Club and features the largest yacht basin on Hilton Head Island — a 15.5-acre lock-controlled harbour with 258 boat slips and direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
What are home prices in Windmill Harbour?
Home prices in Windmill Harbour range from approximately $400,000 for townhomes and villas to over $2.9 million for waterfront estates with private docks. The median home price is approximately $895,000. Charleston-style single-family homes typically range from $700K to $2M+, while harbour-front properties with deep-water dock access command the highest premiums. Annual HOA fees are approximately $3,150 for homes.
What makes Windmill Harbour's marina unique?
Windmill Harbour's 15.5-acre yacht basin is the largest on Hilton Head Island. The lock-controlled harbour — one of only three lock systems on the East Coast — maintains a constant 8-foot water depth regardless of tide conditions. The marina accommodates 258 boat slips for vessels up to 100+ feet, with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Calibogue Sound. The marina is current-free, providing calm, protected docking conditions year-round.
What is the South Carolina Yacht Club?
The South Carolina Yacht Club (SCYC) is headquartered at Windmill Harbour and is one of the premier yacht clubs in the Southeast. The club offers a full social calendar, sailing programs, racing events, dining, and waterfront social gatherings. SCYC membership is available to Windmill Harbour residents and provides access to the clubhouse, organized sailing events, and reciprocal privileges at yacht clubs worldwide.
What amenities does Windmill Harbour offer?
Windmill Harbour offers a comprehensive suite of amenities: a 15.5-acre lock-controlled yacht basin with 258 boat slips, the South Carolina Yacht Club, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a community swimming pool, walking and biking paths, a community dock and crabbing pier, 24/7 manned security gates, and golf partnerships with nearby courses. The community also features Charleston-style architecture throughout, creating a distinctive Lowcountry aesthetic.
Is Windmill Harbour a good real estate investment?
Windmill Harbour offers compelling investment fundamentals: limited supply (only 348 residences), the largest marina on Hilton Head Island, a unique Jenkins Island location with Intracoastal Waterway access, relatively affordable entry compared to other marina communities, and a strong boating lifestyle that attracts a dedicated buyer pool. The community's lock-controlled harbour is irreplaceable infrastructure, and its proximity to Hilton Head's amenities while maintaining a quieter, more residential character appeals to both full-time residents and seasonal homeowners.
How does Windmill Harbour compare to Wexford and Sea Pines?
Windmill Harbour, Wexford, and Sea Pines each offer distinct marina lifestyles. Windmill Harbour (172 acres, 348 homes) has the largest yacht basin on HHI at 15.5 acres with 258 slips and is the most boating-focused community. Wexford (1,000 acres, 525 homes) combines a lock-controlled harbour with Arnold Palmer golf and prohibits short-term rentals. Sea Pines (5,000 acres, 3,500+ homes) offers two marinas (Harbour Town and South Beach) plus PGA Tour golf and beachfront. Windmill Harbour provides the most accessible entry point for marina living, with prices starting significantly lower than Wexford or Sea Pines waterfront.
Your Marina Community Advisor
Ready to Explore Windmill Harbour?
Whether you’re drawn to the marina lifestyle, the South Carolina Yacht Club, or the charm of Charleston-style living on Jenkins Island, Donna Gilmore provides the market expertise and local knowledge to guide your decision.
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YOUR WINDMILL HARBOUR & HILTON HEAD ISLAND ADVISOR
Donna Gilmore
Donna Gilmore is an oceanfront and deep-water luxury real estate advisor on Hilton Head Island, serving high-net-worth buyers and sellers. She is the Director of Operations at COAST brokered by eXp Realty — the #1 eXp Mega Icon Team and #3 mega team in South Carolina (Real Trends verified).
COAST's record-breaking $12.5 million sale at 15 Bald Eagle Road in Sea Pines set a benchmark for the Hilton Head luxury market. Donna represents properties across Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Port Royal, Wexford, Long Cove Club, Palmetto Bluff, and Berkeley Hall.