New at Nelliefield

The initial strategy at Nelliefield Plantation called for a national builder to construct 200 homes.

That total still may be in reach, but it likely will be a local contractor completing the Berkeley County development.

In the fall, Coastal Cottages of South Carolina started building homes in Nelliefield Plantation – located on Clements Ferry Road. While moderately priced, they carry a host of perks such as moldings, upgraded kitchens and open layouts.

The original builder in 2006 was Ryland Homes, which raised several dozen houses and an amenities center. Over time, construction slowed. Eager to keep the project going, developer C.F. Associates brought in Coastal Cottages last June.

Since then, the company has built seven homes and plans to complete 40 dwellings this year, says John DeZinna, who launched the contracting business as an adjunct to his Palmetto Hardwood Floors outlet nearby. Although he has prior experience as a builder, this is his first neighborhood.

Handling sales is Susan Klavohn Bryant, certified residential specialist with AgentOwned Realty’s New Homes Group. Bryant started marketing Coastal Cottages’ efforts at Nelliefield Plantation in August.

“We think we are doing really well,” she says.

DeZinna says he designs houses that are reasonably valued yet include attractive features such as sodded yards; fiber-cement siding; two-car garages; cable hookups; 9-foot ceilings; fireplaces; walk-in closets; garden tubs, showers and dual vanities in the master bathrooms; and islands, 42-inch maple cabinets, dishwashers, microwaves and stoves in the kitchens.

“What we are trying to do here is put somebody in the home for a decent price,” DeZinna says. Buyers, he says, “don’t have to upgrade to move in.”

Coastal Cottages has unveiled a number of designs. The three-story houses are sized from 1,400 to 1,893 square feet and priced from $206,000 to $229,900. DeZinna says he is flexible with floor plans. If somebody has a plan, the contractor will build it as long as the house fits on the lot and doesn’t clash with surrounding homes.

Plans include two-story dwellings and ranch homes, which can include a second floor bonus room. Lots are about one-fifth to one-third of an acre. Some properties border on wetlands and many have wooded views.

DeZinna says conceivably he could build larger homes, but the developer wants to keep prices at or around $200,000.

Thus far, purchasers have included retirees relocating from the Northeast. There are homes available, for buyers who qualify, that would meet the April 30 deadline to receive an $8,000 federal first-time homebuyer credit or a $6,500 credit for repeat purchasers.

While the contractor is including many features, buyers can request extras. For instance covered porches are standard, but they can be screened-in if desired.

As of now, Coastal Cottages homes are all on Cypress Walk Way, which is the first right in the neighborhood. Ryland laid out streets and sidewalks but didn’t fully build out each of them. DeZinna says he intends to move at a deliberate pace, erecting no more than four or five homes a month.

The new homes are considered part of Nelliefield Plantation, so residents have access to neighborhood amenities including a swimming pool and clubhouse. Homeowners association dues are less than $600 a year, Bryant says.

To get to the Coastal Cottages homes at Nelliefield Plantation from downtown Charleston, travel west on Interstate 26 to the I-526 exit toward Mount Pleasant. Take the Clements Ferry North exit. Continue for about six miles. Nelliefield Plantation is on the right. An alternate route is to cross the Ravenel Bridge to Mount Pleasant, staying in the left lanes onto U.S. Highway 17 North. Follow Highway 17 to S.C. Highway 41 and turn left. Take Highway 41 across the Wando River Bridge and bear left onto Clements Ferry Road. Nelliefield Plantation is ahead on the left.

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

Neighborhood: Nelliefield Plantation (Coastal Cottages of South Carolina)

Location: Berkeley County

Phone: (843) 224-0804

Hours: By appointment

Web sites: www.coastalcottagesofsouthcarolina.com, www.RealEstateSC.info