Getting Seen

You wouldn’t expect a community called Hidden Hills to be fully exposed.

But until recently, the 50-lot neighborhood west of Summerville was more than just removed. It’s downright hard to find without good directions and maybe some patience.

That’s changed as of late. Small new markers along nearby roads were installed on behalf of the family-owned developer, who also added a more prominent, landscaped entrance.

Hidden Hills is still a comparatively new community, with the first homes built there three years ago, A handful of custom houses, all on large lots, have been raised since then. Lots are $40,000 to $110,000, and there are corner and cul-de-sac properties available. In all, 22 lots have been sold.

Homes are priced from the low $300,000s to low $400,000s, although one house is for sale for $224,900.

“The neighborhood offers a lot of flexibility,” says Josh Watts, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. Watts and his father, Tommie Watts, are the community developers via their partnership F and S LLC.

According to Watts, buyers are receiving a value deal at Hidden Hills. “You own a big lot,” he says, yet land prices are hardly outrageous. With wooded estate properties from .62 to 4.5 acres, the community offers privacy. But yards are still close enough owners can see and visit with their neighbors, Watts says.

And since land costs are relatively low, buyers can focus funds on the dwelling. “That’s really the target back here,” he says.

Another advantage is there is no timetable to construct a house and no preferred contractors list – buyers can choose their builder. “That speaks to people right now,” he says.

Along with the flexible construction standards, the neighborhood benefits from its central, but secluded locale. There’s no doubt the community is out in the country; the Ashley River is a mile or two to the west. At the same time, Hidden Hills is within 10 minutes of downtown Summerville and of Dorchester Road shopping centers.

Even with all the advantages, Watt realized the neighborhood – which has one way in and out – needed to be more visible. So he took proceeds from the sale of an adjoining 309-acre estate promoted as a country preserve and installed directional signs. He also put down pine straw, planted shrubs, flowers and small trees and constructed brick monuments at the Hidden Hills entrance. The community also has attractive lighting and street signs.

There are few restrictions for the custom built houses, although the minimum home size is 2,000 square feet. Wood, stucco, brick and fiber cement siding all are permitted.

The neighborhood is a good fit for families or retirees. While construction varies, typical home features include hardwood floors, granite countertops, high-end kitchen cabinets and appliances, three to four bedrooms or more with roomy master suites, screened-in porches and multi-car garages.

“You save on the lot and put in a dream home,” Watts says.

To reach Hidden Hills from downtown Charleston, travel west on Interstate 26 to exit 199A at Summerville. Follow the exit to Main Street. Continue on Main into downtown, and turn right on Richardson Avenue. Make a left on Cedar Drive, which turns into Central Avenue. Stay on Central across Old Orangeburg Road and turn right on Twin Lake Drive. Make a left on Roberts Road, then a quick right on Fall Creek Boulevard. The neighborhood is ahead.

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

Neighborhood: Hidden Hills

Location: Dorchester County

Phone: (843) 478-8228

Hours: By appointment

Web site: www.liveathiddenhills.net