Vanderhorst Plantation is one of the best residential neighborhoods on Kiawah Island. It is known for its rich history, large homes, and breathtaking beauty. The Vanderhorst neighborhood sits behind the island’s second set of privacy gates and features lush foliage and world-class golf courses, including the Ocean Course. Its elegant homes are designed by some of the most sought-after architects in the south.
It’s also the site of Vanderhorst Mansion, a historic plantation home that dates back to the early 1800s. Become a part of this premier community and enjoy all the benefits of living on Kiawah Island. Read below about the Vanderhorst Plantation and contact Pam Harrington Exclusives when you are ready to start planning your Kiawah Island home purchase.
History of Vanderhorst Plantation
English settlers first purchased Kiawah Island from the Kiawah Indians in 1675. John Stanyarne bought the 2,700-acre island in 1737 and used it as a cattle and indigo plantation. When Stanyarne died, he left the western portion of the island to his granddaughter Mary Gibbes. He left the eastern side to his other granddaughter, Elizabeth Vanderhorst.
Elizabeth’s husband, Arnoldus Vanderhorst II, built a house on the plantation and began planting corn, peas, cotton, and other crops.
The estate was passed down through many generations of the Vanderhorst family until it was sold in 1951.
Eventually, the Kuwait Investment Corp. purchased Kiawah Island in 1974.
Soon, homes were built, several golf courses opened, and the Vanderhorst home was restored. Today, the portion of the island known as Vanderhorst Plantation is a private residential neighborhood and one of the most sought-after vacation destinations on Kiawah Island.
To learn more about Kiawah Island's unique history, read our blog The History of Kiawah Island.
Vanderhorst Plantation Golf Courses
Vanderhorst Plantation is the home of two public golf courses: Osprey Point Golf Course and the world-famous Ocean Course. Osprey Point was designed by Tom Fazio in 1988. It’s one of the most popular courses on the island and features a par-72 layout for golfers of all skill levels.
The Ocean Course is a more challenging par-72 course and was built in 1991 by Pete Dye.
With panoramic views of the Atlantic, this award-winning course provided an ideal location for the 2007 Senior PGA and 2012 PGA Championships.
The Ocean Course recently hosted the 2021 PGA Championship, an epic contest won by Phil Mickelson!
Experience a Vanderhorst Plantation Rental then Buy with Pam Harrington Exclusives
The journey to ownership often begins with a fabulous vacation rental experience! Whether you’d like to be on the marsh, lagoon, fairway, or the ocean, Kiawah Exclusives has the perfect Vanderhorst Plantation vacation rental for you to test the waters. Once you realize this is where you want to be view more about Vanderhorst homes for sale.
Vanderhorst vacation homes range from three to six bedrooms and feature stunning views and upscale furnishings.
You’ll also find ideal vacation amenities including private pools, open decks, outdoor showers, and gas grills.
Homes offer sweeping ocean views or are located just a short walk or bike ride from the beach.