Robert Bowden

Two years ago I found myself doing something that I NEVER envisioned doing in 40+ years of living, but there I was driving down Interstate 95 in my SUV with a horse trailer attached to the back complete with horse inside!

Having lived in Kentucky, (Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby no less) I've had experiences with horses and riding. With that experience when ever someone mentioned horses I always thought of places like Kentucky, Texas, and other states that trickled westward...

You could have knocked me over with a feather when I moved to the coast of South Carolina and it was here that my daughter is introduced to riding! I figured she'd learn to fish, become a professional beach tanner, and learn to drive a boat, but horses???

During the past 3 years that we've, (yes, it's a family thing. I'm the groomer) been involved with the Hunter Jumper side of the riding world I have learned that this sport is alive and well in the Lowcountry areas of Beaufort, Hilton Head and Bluffton, SC. There are several facilities that board, train and host multiple equestrian events for all age groups in the area.

For anyone who has a love of equestrian activities you can still enjoy that part of your life should you decide to take on the wonderous adventure of coastal living.

Here are some of the facilities by area: Beaufort- Deep Sigh Horse Farm, Camelot, Broomfield Stables. Hilton Head- Lawton Stables, Moss Creek Stables. Bluffton- Rose Hill Plantation, Rose Dhu, Star Ridge Stables.

Nearly all of these failities have qualified trainers and most focus on Hunter Jumper, but you can find those that practice Western, offer hourly trail rides and even specialize is particular breeds like the Kentucky Mountian Horse.

If you have an interest in riding or know someone who does and either lives in the area or is considering a move to the the Lowcountry please feel free to contact me for information. We also have a few tack shops in the area as well.

Here's a few pics of a recent show: Yes, that's my daughter on "Charlie" with her first Grand Champion ribbon.

Today was one of our first real spring days here in the Lowcountry of Beaufort, SC. Fortunately for me I was able to spend a couple of hours strolling through "The Point" area of town with my new camera while a clients home was getting it's CL100.

The third picture is "Tidal Home". The home that was used to film "The Big Chill" and "The Great Santini" during the late 70's. The Point area is loaded with historic properties built during the early 1800's and up. Our little town holds so much history and historic value as well as modern history with film sites for movies like "Forrest Gump", "The Prince of Tides", "G.I. Jane" and 20 or so others. It's funny how you can take your home for granted and not take the time to smell the roses while you're caught up in the rat race. However, today I did smell the roses and thought I'd share some of them.

The second picture is "The Green" which is the only remaining park in The Point district. This is where the football game from The Big Chill was filmed as well as Robert Duvall's evening dunk sprint in The Great Santini. The large live oak tree on the right is over 600 years old.

The first shot is one of the live oak lined streets in The Point community. In the backdrop is one of the tourist driven horse carriage tours. These are actually fun to do. I took my 8 year old daughter on one and both of us had a blast. If you ever come to town I highly recommend either a horse drawn tour or one of the walking tours of the The Point.

If you know of anyone lookng to own a true piece of history in a southern coastal community send them my way. I love to work referrals!

Beaufort, SC is one of those small quaint towns where, (especially in the downtown area) you can ride your bike to work and actually enjoy the ride!

Just before the recent cold snap that set records all across the country we moved from our Beaufort, SC suburb, (if that's what you want to call it) home into the downtown district. Previously my commute was about 15 minutes/9 miles. Now I'm .5 miles from work and with our more seasonal temperatures of the mid 60's I've dusted off the old 2 wheeler and am peddling my way to the office. It takes about 10 minutes, but what a way to start the day!

The ride is really wonderful. Although strapping my laptop to my back is a little heavier than I thought it would be the commute has to be one of the top 10 in the US. If you come directly down Bay Street the view is simply awesome as you catch the morning sun hitting the ICW and reflecting off of the moored boats and the fronts of the historic waterfront mansions.

You can also choose to take the "back way" which wraps through the interior streets of downtown. There is literaly no traffic and you can really study and savor the detail used in the build of the older homes as well as say hello to the many AM walkers and joggers enjoying the same solitude offered by the interior streets.

It's amazing how much more you begin to appreciate these types of towns when you actually SLOW DOWN, take your time and stop to smell the roses.

Another part about Beaufort, SC that is wonderful is the land that has been preserved by the Beaufort County Open Land Trust. Over the years this organization has invested in many parcels of waterfront land as well as rural areas. Many of these areas are kept clear and, like the preserved waterfront land directly across from our home, can be used to picnic on, walk your dog, or just hang out and watch the boats go by....

Another part of our new lifestyle that has become so enjoyable has been frequenting the local restaurants. Again, just .5 miles from home is the primary retail section of Bay Street which is home to several wonderful local restaurants like Luther's, Kathleen's, Panini's and more.

Of course, if it was not for our wonderful seasonal weather the walks and bike rides would be harder to come by as it was during the unseansonable cold snap, but that is gone now and downtown life in Beaufort, SC is back to normal.

WELCOME TO BEAUFORT "THE LOWCOUNTRY" OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Surrounded by pristine water, miles of undisturbed marsh and woodlands abounding with wildlife, the South Carolina Lowcountry has long drawn many to its shores and inland communities.

Beaufort, (considered by many as a "mini-Charleston") is the second oldest city in South Carolina and is the center of beautiful Lowcountry historic homes and mansions dating from as early as 1717. Beaufort's downtown neighborhood is on the National Historic Register and several homes have been designated as National Historic Landmarks.

People are drawn to Beaufort South Carolina to see our historic Downtown shopping district accented by a beautiful waterfront park and many unique and independent shops, art galleries and restaurants. "The Point" historic homes draw interest for their historic architecture as well as being film sites for movies such as, "The Big Chill", "The Prince of Tides", and "Forrest Gump". Quite often visitors fall in love with this special place. Occasionally, Pat Conroy, (a local resident) can be seen conducting book signings at local book stores.

The military is also an important part of this South Carolina community with the Parris Island training facility and Marine Corp Air Station which is home to many F-18 squadrons.

In Beaufort, (as with Bluffton and Hilton Head) golf, fishing, and other water sports are key elements to the year round recreation. Even though this is the area of the "Sea Islands" it is abundant with wild life such as Deer, Osprey, Owls, and even American Bald Eagles not to mention Alligators, Sea Turtles, Dolphin and other sea life.

Many types of properties are available here. Contemporary ocean front mansions worth millions, Waterfront properties with private docks, Golf communities, Equestrian properties with acreage, Land, Luxury downtown waterfront lofts, Historic Lowcountry "Plantation Style" homes from the 1700's, New starter home communities that are excellent for first time buyers, Townhomes, Condos, Planned communities with amenities such as golf, swimming pools, playgrounds, lakes, marinas, yacht clubs and more!

Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head offer much more than one expects from a county with approximately 86,425 residents. The exciting and varied opportunities offered by the area's economy provide a variety of lifestyles for both the permanent and part-time resident.

The yearly climate average is 65 degrees - temperate to semi-tropical. We have 64 major islands and hundreds of smaller, uninhabited islands covering a stretch along the Atlantic Ocean of nearly 30 miles.

Lowcountry Real Estate experience and expertise shines through year after year as we continue to be the volume leader in Beaufort area Real Estate. As a Lowcountry Real Estate agent I am dedicated to assisting each buyer and seller in making the most intelligent real estate decisions that will meet their needs. Please contact me with any questions regarding a selling or buying opportunity.

I've lived down South in this beautiful costal community for 6 years and I've NEVER seen the extended Freezing temperatures we've now had for 3 days in a row and the Freezing temps are forecasted to continue for the next 5 days! Make all the jokes you want about Global Warming, but seriously we don't get this stuff down South!!!

Anyway, even with the Freezing temps there is still activity in the local market. I overheard one agent in our office say she has been showing more properties in the last 2 weeks than in the past 6 months! Hopefully, the prospects will turn into clients who will find their dream home here in the South and their purchases will help warm things up!

I've had some encouraging conversations with some folks who are interested in listing their property and they have been wonderfully realistic with the current market and the expectations of the current market values of their property. I don't know if it's the Freezing air or my down South hospitality that has encouraged their understanding. Perhaps folks are now realizing that the market has actually reset itself and if you really want to sell you must price accordingly and on the flip side if you are ready to buy be able to understand/believe your agent when they tell you a property is well priced.

I know I shouldn't complain about it Freezing down South as you folks North and West of us have it much worse. Ya'll keep warm out there and Happy New Year!