Preserve showcases new collection of ready-to-build designs

The designs were a hit one place, so builders are giving it another try at gradually emerging The Preserve at Fenwick Plantation on Johns Island.

They are the Conservancy Collection, a trio of high-end floor plans that buyers can see constructed within seven to eight months.

Highlighted by posh details, the almost-custom houses proved popular in a new neighborhood on Kiawah Island, says Kevin Flynn, chief of EPIC (Environmental Preservation in Construction) Development Group LLC.

“EPIC built six cottages on Kiawah Island and is signing up for five more.”

EPIC Development is also the driving force behind 26-acre The Preserve at Fenwick Plantation, which is groomed for 66 homes on or near Stono River marshland. The partners decided to introduce the collection at the Johns Island neighborhood to give buyers a choice. They would wind up with quality homes built on a slightly faster timetable and based on a pre-established design that buyers can customize.

The architect is Mitch Laplante of Laplante Associates. He is also involved in the development of The Preserve at Fenwick Plantation, which is off Maybank Highway and not far south of the Stono River Bridge.

EPIC Development and the neighborhood’s sales and marketing company Handsome Properties Inc. hosted open houses and tours for guests and agents last week to debut the luxury home collection.

The 2,200- to 2,600-square-foot models are The Fenwicke, priced at $1,599,000; The Bradenton, costing $849,000; and The Colleton, set at $789,000. The three-story houses come with three to four bedrooms, high-end kitchens and other amenities. Prices include land costs.

Depending on the plan, extras such as elevators and copper roofs are available for additional charges. None of the collection homes have been constructed, but they are similar in style to a pair of stucco custom homes built recently.

Backing the construction is BB&T. The bank has a type of lending package that’s “a perfect fit,” says Nasim Al-Hakim with BB&T, who helped arrange the financing.

The Preserve at Fenwick Plantation continues to construct custom homes, too. Currently, the community has six completed homes and another in the construction phase, says Debbie Fisher, head of Charleston-based Handsome Properties.

Fisher expects the Conservancy Collection to boost sales. “That’s what people are looking for: quality, elegant (homes) in a small package,” she says. “It’s a really, really good value.”

For more information, visit www.handsomeproperties.com or call (843) 727-6460.

There will be a public open house on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at 1612 John Fenwick Lane, which is for sale for $895,000.

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