The Lowcountry has always been a place of refuge — where Spanish moss drapes from centuries-old oaks, tidal marshes stretch endlessly toward the horizon, and time itself seems to slow (in the best way).
Imagine mornings on the porch with coffee in hand, watching the marsh gently come alive with the sun. Picture evenings where the only agenda is soaking in the quiet beauty of nature while the fireflies dance.
Here, coastal living is all about honoring the rhythm of the shore life, gathering families, and deeply rooted traditions. It’s where lasting memories grow and flourish.
At Cook Bonner Ebeling, we build custom coastal homes that do more than showcase beautiful views. These Lowcountry homes are designed with intention, blending timeless craftsmanship with thoughtful details that reflect how families truly live. Each home tells a story shaped by its surroundings and the people who call it home.
Today, we’re taking you inside two coastal living home designs that embody the dream homes of the Lowcountry: the Brays Island Oasis, a rare and secluded escape, and the Wando River Retreat, a riverfront legacy home designed for generations to come.
Brays Island Oasis: A Hidden Lowcountry Haven
Tucked away on Brays Island, this custom home represents a rare kind of Lowcountry living — one defined by privacy, natural beauty, and an unwavering sense of peace.
While Brays Island isn’t as widely known as other coastal destinations, that’s precisely what makes it special. It’s for those seeking true escape, where the outside world fades, and the only soundtrack is birdsong and rustling palmettos.
The Brays Island Oasis is a retreat in the truest sense, a place to unplug, restore, and reconnect with what matters most. Every detail of this custom-built home was chosen to create harmony between structure and setting, ensuring the home feels as though it has always been there.
Design & Craftsmanship Highlights
The architecture of this coastal living property embraces the natural landscape rather than imposing upon it. Clean lines and thoughtful proportions allow the home to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, while carefully selected materials age beautifully over time.
This home is built to endure, both structurally and aesthetically. You’ll walk in 10 years from now, and it still won’t feel dated.
Indoor-outdoor living is at the heart of the design. Expansive porches invite you to linger, while strategically placed windows frame water views and capture the ever-changing Lowcountry light. The craftsmanship is evident in every corner, from custom millwork to finishes that reflect the subtle palette of the coastal environment.
Wando River Retreat: A Home Built for Generations
From the seclusion of Brays Island, we shift to the banks of the Wando River, where another vision of Lowcountry living takes shape. The Wando River Retreat is a home designed for decades to come, where multiple generations can gather under one roof while maintaining the balance of togetherness and independence.
This multigenerational home is a legacy in the making. Creating a home that serves your family across time requires both vision and expertise. The Wando River Retreat embodies these principles beautifully.
Designed for Togetherness & Flexibility
One of the defining challenges of multigenerational living is creating spaces that feel both connected and private. The Wando River Retreat achieves this through a thoughtful layout that supports family life in all its forms.
An open kitchen, expansive living areas, and outdoor entertainment zones invite the entire family to come together for meals, celebrations, and everyday moments.
In the same breath, private retreats throughout the home ensure everyone has space to recharge. Upstairs, guest suites and flexible rooms adapt as family needs evolve, whether accommodating visiting adult children or providing long-term living arrangements.
This flexibility is what distinguishes Lowcountry home builders who truly understand family dynamics from those who simply design beautiful spaces. The Wando River Retreat proves that a well-designed home can grow and change alongside the people who live there.
Crafting a Legacy Home
Building a home meant to last requires quality materials, but it also demands intentional decision-making at every stage. From the foundation to the finishes, the Wando River Retreat was built with longevity in mind.
Cook Bonner Ebeling’s approach to coastal Carolina living emphasizes durability without sacrificing design. Every choice, from structural systems to material selections, was made to ensure this home stands strong against the Lowcountry’s unique climate challenges while maintaining its beauty for generations.
This is a home where Sunday dinners will become tradition, grandchildren will grow up spending summers by the water, and family stories will be passed down for decades.
Building Dream Coastal Retreats
The Brays Island Oasis and Wando River Retreat represent two different visions of Lowcountry living, yet both share a common thread: They were designed with purpose, built with care, and crafted to honor the owner’s way of life.
One offers a secluded escape where restoration comes naturally. The other provides a riverfront gathering place designed to strengthen family bonds across generations. Together, they showcase Cook Bonner Ebeling’s ability to tailor each custom home to its setting, its purpose, and the people who will call it home.
Whether you're dreaming of a quiet coastal hideaway or a multigenerational legacy property, the Lowcountry offers endless possibilities. With the right team, your vision can become a reality.
Dreaming of Your Own Coastal Retreat?
Explore what’s possible when thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and Lowcountry expertise come together. From selecting the perfect waterfront property to bringing your custom home vision to life, Cook Bonner Ebeling is here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to learn more, download our guide: Buying Waterfront Property in Charleston.
