Spanish Wells, Hilton Head Island Real Estate

Spanish Wells Housing Options

Autonomous, eclectic and independent

Some of Hilton Head’s largest deepwater homes are situated in Spanish Wells on some of the Island’s largest lots. With properties ranging in size from one to three acres, and with less stringent architectural review guidelines, covenants and restrictions, Spanish Wells residences run the gamut. From 17,000 sq., ft., expansive waterside compounds to small, circa 1975 homes and everything between, styles range from contemporary to stone, to stucco to classic Lowcountry.

Views include spectacular Calibogue Sound sunsets, Broad Creek sunrises, lagoon, golf course fairways and ancient live oak canopied streets.

Autonomous, eclectic and independent describe how Spanish Wells residents prefer to keep their neighborhood. There are no villas or condominiums in Spanish Wells and no short-term rentals are allowed. Membership in the Spanish Wells Club is not required and Spanish Wells Property Owners Association annual dues are minimal.

Spanish Wells Amenities

Golf, tennis, swimming and the beautiful water views

With golf, tennis, swimming and the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, Spanish Wells boasts all the amenities of communities much larger in size.

Golf – Designed by George Cobb in 1975, and renovated in 2005 by Clyde Johnston, the 9-hole, par-72 golf Spanish Wells Club golf course, takes masterful advantage of the natural pitch and roll of the land. Two sets of tees allow for the challenge of an 18-hole round, yet remain suitable for the entire family. The practice facilities consist of a regulation putting green, chipping green with practice bunker and the practice range.

Tennis – The Spanish Wells Club tennis facility is home to four new Har-Tru courts which can be lit for night play, and a small seating area for spectators.  Full-time head golf and tennis professionals and a fully stocked pro shop service club members and guests.

Clubhouse, Pool and Deepwater Dock – With sunset views of Calibogue Sound, the Spanish Wells Clubhouse features a small grill and event room perfect for private parties. The community deepwater dock and 100-foot boardwalk includes a covered pavilion and floating dock for owners to land a boat. The large private pool features a sundeck, covered cabana and full facilities. 

The Spanish Wells community is friendly and interconnected. There is a family atmosphere and a feeling of neighborhood. Many residents are members of the Spanish Wells Club and many are not.  There are about two miles of roads in Spanish Wells and no need for walking or biking paths. Spanish Wells has 24-hour surveillance and security patrols; but no security gate. Motorcycles are permitted in the community.

Spanish Wells History

From the 1790s Spanish Armadas to the present

Spanish Wells has been a special spot on Hilton Head since 1790, when ships of the Spanish Armadas stopped here between trips to refill their water kegs from the Artesian wells found on site. Modern development began in 1961 with the McIntosh family who owned the 360 acres of unique waterfront land. They envisioned a small, close-knit community with ample space and large lots. “Relaxed and quiet” characterized the original community, and the first stop sign wasn’t added to the neighborhood until late fall of 2001. The opening of the Cross Island Parkway in 1998 eased access to the community and the neighborhood boomed with a trend toward large, sprawling estates.