Ryland builder unveils traditional homes at moderate costs in new Wescott Plantation neighborhood

For a relatively small neighborhood, Sandpines at Wescott Plantation is attracting a variety of homeowner types. That's the way builder Ryland Homes crafted the 94-home community in lower Dorchester County.

"There's a good mix," says Brent J. Campbell, sales counselor with Ryland. Sales started in the spring. "We have a couple of first-time homebuyers," he says, and a number of families and some retirees.

The California-based company presents 19 floor plans in Sandpines at Wescott Plantation, on the north side of main drag Wescott Boulevard. Seven of the models are available with bonus rooms that can be turned into extra bedrooms, entertainment centers or home offices. Two of the floor plans can be remodeled with sunrooms.

Homes are as small as 1,381 square feet and as large as 3,075 square feet. Base prices go from $167,000 to $260,000. There are two-story dwellings, as well as single-floor ranch homes available. All have a two-car garage. Each plan comes with a couple of different looks to "make them stand out," Campbell says.

The open, flexible designs are split between the more moderately priced Georgetown series, which has the Alston, Sumter, Litchfield, Waccamaw, Brookgreen, Atalaya, Huntington, Winyah, Barony and Waverly models; and the Americana series with the Aspen, Springfield, Winchester, Brunswick, Richmond, Portland, Virginian, Charleston and Williamsburg styles.

Once they make a purchase, customers visit the Ryland design center on Daniel Island to pick out appliances, fixtures and other touches. Upgrades include hardwood floors downstairs, Silestone (quartz) countertops, jetted tubs and gas stoves.

Some perks vary by plan, such as master bedrooms downstairs, his/her closets in the master bedrooms, tray ceilings, breakfast extensions, guest suites, formal dining rooms, lofts, dens, two-story foyers and screened-in porches.

Houses are built along two main streets and two courts in the neighborhood. "It's basically a circle," he says. Most home sites have views of trees, and a few lots back up to wetlands.

The neighborhood, in the city of North Charleston, doesn't have an amenities center. But Wescott Plantation as a whole has The Golf Club at Wescott public golf course with a clubhouse. Also, Ryland is providing the initiation fee for residents who want to join Pine Forest Country Club in Summerville.

A few miles north of the community are Ladson and Trolley roads, which lead into downtown Summerville. A few miles south is Ashley Phosphate Road, tying into Interstate 26.

Sandpines at Wescott Plantation, Campbell says, is a small community with "a great location."

To reach Sandpines at Wescott Plantation from downtown Charleston, head west on Interstate 26 to Ashley Phosphate Road. Take exit 209 and turn left on Ashley Phosphate. Continue about five miles to Dorchester Road and merge right. Turn right at Wescott Plantation, the third traffic light. Take Wescott Plantation Boulevard past the clubhouse at The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation. Sandpines is ahead on the left.

NEIGHBORHOOD

Sandpines at Wescott Plantation.

LOCATION

Dorchester County.

DEVELOPER, MARKETING

Ryland Homes.

MORE INFO

PHONE: 851-8001.

HOURS: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.

WEB SITE: ryland.com.

TOTAL HOMES

94.

HOME SIZES

1,381-3,075 square feet.

HOME PRICES

$167,000-$260,000.

TYPICAL FEATURES

-- 42-inch oak cabinets, dishwasher, range in kitchen.

-- Smooth ceilings.

-- High-speed media ready wiring.

-- Fully sodded yard.

-- Marble vanity tops with recessed oval basin in bathrooms.

-- Three or more bedrooms.

-- Up to 10-year construction warranty.

PROPERTY TAXES

$1,715 on a $210,000 home.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Summerville Medical Center, Ashley River, Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, Northwoods Mall, downtown Summerville, Charleston International Airport, North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston Southern University, Interstate 26.

DISTANCE TO DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON

23 miles.

SCHOOLS

Fort Dorchester Elementary

Grades K-5; phone, 832-5550; enrollment, 1,030; certified staff, 75; PACT results, 47.3 percent of fifth-graders scored proficient or advanced on English/Language Arts, 33.2 percent on math, 38.4 percent on science and 35.7 percent on social studies.

Oakbrook Middle

Grades 6-8; phone, 873-9750; enrollment, 916; certified staff, 63; PACT results, 27.4 percent of eighth-graders scored proficient or advanced on English/Language Arts, 24.3 percent on math, 32.8 percent on science and 22.3 percent on social studies.

Fort Dorchester High

Grades 9-12; phone, 760-4450; enrollment, 2,552; certified staff, 160; SAT results, 492 verbal and 516 math. The 1008 combined score is higher than the state average (984) and lower than the national average (1017).

HOUSING TRENDS

Dorchester Road corridor below Ladson Road:

Number of sales in the third quarter of 2007: 246 (down from 374 in the third quarter of 2006).

Average sales price: $221,500 (up from $217,900).

Median sales price: $199,200 (up from $191,000).

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.