Abbey Road

Here's how The Abbey at Wescott Plantation might fare on a buyer's wish list.

Size: From 1,445 to 1,831 square feet, not bad for townhomes. Check.

Features: Microwave, stove, 42-inch cabinets and island in the kitchen; separate garden tub and shower in master bath. Moderately upscale. Check.

Options: Refrigerator, granite countertops, stainless appliances. Good choices. Check.

Location: Within Wescott Plantation, centrally located between Summerville and North Charleston. Check.

Amenities: The Wescott swimming pool and The Club at Wescott public golf course. That's nice. Check.

OK, so what about the price? Starting at $124,900. Hmm. Sounds reasonable. Let's check it out.

The small neighborhood, built by local company Sabal Homes, is touting its mix of attractions and alluring price, which has dropped about 10 percent in the past couple of months. There are 35 townhome units in all.

Backers see a number of types of purchasers interested in The Abbey.

"Probably the main one is young professionals," says Steven Williams, real estate agent with Sabal Homes at The Abbey. "We are looking at empty nesters and first-time homebuyers."

The Abbey has a half-dozen floor plans. Prices run up to $154,900 and options can add a bit more. "A very big attraction to the buyer is we're so flexible," says Sarah Burke, sales manager for Sabal Homes. "If it makes sense, we make it happen. We allow people to personalize."

The Lancaster sales model is the largest floor plan. Other designs are the Wickham, Kingston, Chartham, Stratford, and Olmstead.

Standards are numerous: sodded yard, termite prevention treatment, 9-foot ceilings on the first floor, satin nickel door knobs, laundry room in all but one plan, walk-in closet in the master bedroom, insulated windows and tankless gas hot water heater.

One design has two bedrooms; the rest have three. Four of the six plans come with garages. Other features with some of the townhomes are hardwood foyers, front porches and privacy fences.

Located off Dorchester Road, The Abbey is minutes from shopping and restaurants in Summerville and in the upper reaches of North Charleston, Williams says.

Another benefit is the townhomes are constructed to Earth Craft guidelines, which encourage energy efficiency. As part of the Wescott neighborhood, owners at The Abbey have use of sidewalks and walking trails.

"I think it's a small quaint community inside a planned community," Burke says.

To access The Abbey at Wescott Plantation from downtown Charleston, head west on Interstate 26 to Ashley Phosphate Road, exit 209. Turn left on Ashley Phosphate and follow it to Dorchester Road. Merge right onto Dorchester and go to the second traffic light, the entrance to Wescott Plantation. Turn right, and proceed on Wescott Boulevard for about two miles. The Abbey is on the left.

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

Neighborhood:

The Abbey at Wescott Plantation

Location: Dorchester County

Phone: (843) 832-7702

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday

Web site:

www.sabalhomessc.com