Now streaming
This majestic private island is already Netflix famous, and it could be yours.
Story By Barry Kaufman
On Netflix’s latest reality travel show, “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,” hosts Megan Batoon, Jo Franco and Luis Ortiz traverse the globe in search of the most outstanding spots to spend a few days indulging in luxury. In the course of the show’s first season, the trio stayed at a working dude ranch in Montana, a ski chalet in Japan, an igloo in Finland and a treetop retreat in Bali, but it was the episode devoted to private islands that brought them to Hilton Head Island.
Their destination during their time here? Old House Cay, the lushly private beach house pictured here. Set on its own private island on Old House Creek, just across from where the May River meets the Calibogue Sound, the property consists of a three-bedroom home, a deep-water dock and a three-story observation tower dotted along its three acres. And for just $1.9 million, it could be yours.
“The property itself is gorgeous, and for the right owners it can be a real revenue producer,” said listing agent Mitch Burns with Engel & Volkers. He points out the immense potential for rental earnings, which could bring in as much as $175,000 per year, plus the opportunity to build another guest house on the land. “The infrastructure is all in place.”
But before we start crunching numbers, let’s take a look at this private island paradise.
Guest house
As one of the stars of “Million Dollar Listing New York,” Ortiz has an eye for real estate, and one of the first observations he made upon entering was the soaring ceilings in the main guest house. Indeed, the cedar panels and pier pilings stretching toward corrugated metal ceilings create an eye-catching balance between coastal rusticism and dramatic architecture. As an added bonus, this extra height helps cool the home by giving warmer air a place to dissipate.
Main bedroom
The scenery across the water is a massive part of the appeal of this property, and the main bedroom was built to take maximum advantage. Set on the top floor of the main house’s cupola, this gorgeous getaway gives a 360-degree view across forest, marsh and river toward Hilton Head Island.
Outdoor spaces
From the main house’s wraparound porch, serene scenery is everywhere. But to truly appreciate the Lowcountry lifestyle, the grand deck boasts a fire pit and mesmerizing water views. And with three acres to explore, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in that Lowcountry landscape. Pathways wind away from the grand outdoor space with its brick fire pit, tracking through palmettos and live oaks toward the water.
Observation deck
But perhaps more exciting than the journey is the destination. One pathway takes you to the deepwater deck and the 10-minute trip to shore. The other brings you to the towering observation deck with three levels of spectacular views. “The sunset views looking out toward the May River from that observation deck are just killer,” said Burns. “And having that easy access from the May River dock means the island is accessible at all times, regardless of the tides.”
Built to last
Constructed in 2010, the home on Old House Cay was truly built to last. The marine pilings in the home aren’t just for show; they run deep into the earth to create stability that has helped the home weather the most brutal storms. In addition, the entire property is completely off the grid, with solar panels providing all its energy needs. So the overhead is light, and the rental income is considerable. And that was before this house became Netflix famous.
