This James Island custom home is a haven situated on the Stono River Proper. Built for empty-nesters moving from Chicago, it is the ideal blend of modern construction with natural touches, accenting the intercoastal landscape and bordering farmland.
Designed to fit seamlessly into the surrounding area while respecting the ecosystem and local taste, Grimball Farms makes the perfect home and gathering place in the Lowcountry.
With so many more details to discover and fall in love with, this James Island home became the ideal retreat for our clients who were ready to enjoy life in Charleston.
Life in the Lowcountry
James Island, SC, embodies true Lowcountry charm. With its expansive tomato farms, vibrant live music scene, and proximity to Charleston’s renowned culinary landscape, it offers a perfect retreat from the harsh winters of Chicago.
The Grimball Farms property was situated on old family farmland, where some of the original farmers still reside. It was crucial that the new home would be appreciated by the existing residents. As a result, careful consideration was given to factors like the size, aesthetics, and placement of the home on the lot to respect the history and character of the land.
Southern Construction Expertise Complementing Northern Design
For this project, we collaborated with our client’s chosen architecture firm, which had a satellite office in Chicago, to adapt their design to the unique challenges of South Carolina's Lowcountry.
While the firm’s architects had extensive experience and an impressive portfolio of gorgeous properties, it lacked knowledge of Charleston's climate and weather considerations, such as flooding and hurricanes. This is where our local building expertise really shone through.
Our involvement began early in the design phase, focusing on critical elements such as flood zone regulations, seismic standards, and structural requirements specific to hurricane resilience — a vital consideration in our region, where hurricane threats are frequent. Over the span of a year, with regular updates, Grimball Farms came to life.
“Once every two months, the project manager would fly in and we would spend a day or two meeting in person and reviewing the progress set for the house. I would weigh in on things like material selections, availability, costs, and longevity.”
– David Ebeling, Principal
In addition to choosing materials suited for South Carolina’s weather and climate, we also helped navigate changing flood zoning in order to include an elevated backyard pool in the site design.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was in the process of updating flood maps in the area, and we were able to apply for a special exception, allowing us to build based on the forthcoming map rather than the current one. This exception gave us greater flexibility in the structural design of the pool and other elements that make Grimball Farms a true gem of a property.
A Hosting Haven
Grimball Farms is the ideal hosting hub for any family, especially our clients: an empty-nester couple with grandkids looking for a home and gathering place with plenty of space for leisure and connection.
With a spacious kitchen and outdoor grilling area, a lively main living space ideal for families — complete with an exercise area above — and a luxurious outdoor oasis featuring dock access, this custom home near Charleston, SC is designed for both comfort and entertainment.
Crafted Culinary Experiences
With both indoor and outdoor kitchens, grilling, and seating areas, this home is designed for ultimate culinary enjoyment.
Whether you're cooking with family or relaxing in the beautiful backyard with waterfront views and dock access, the space offers a seamless blend of functionality and leisure. Hosting holidays or casual weeknight gatherings is effortless, making it a perfect setting for memorable experiences.
Posh Pool and Patio
The outdoor living area is a standout feature of our Grimball Farms project, seamlessly blending with the natural beauty of James Island’s lush landscapes. The patio flows into a spacious seating and dining area, complete with a grill and a stunning pool.
Surrounded by iconic Southern trees and Spanish moss, the space offers a perfect retreat with a dock for waterfront relaxation and inlet access. Whether enjoying the views or taking advantage of outdoor activities, this serene setting provides a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
Perfectly Practical
Spacious rooms, inviting living areas, and indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces cater to guests of all ages, allowing for private relaxation or social gatherings. Unique elements, such as a hidden door in the powder room, an exercise area above the main living space, and a pickleball court in the front yard enhance functionality — emphasis on fun!
All in all, Grimball Farms beautifully blends Southern charm and luxury with practical features that simplify hosting and daily living.
Charleston’s Premier Custom Home Builders
Cook Bonner Ebeling is your ideal partner for custom home-building projects in the Charleston, SC area. With expertise in local climate and regulations, our dedicated team collaborates effectively with architectural firms nationwide, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Whether you're just exploring the idea of a luxury getaway or ready to start building, we’re here to assist you. For guidance, check out The Ultimate Guide to Preparing, Planning, and Building a Custom Home in the Lowcountry, or browse The Complete Charleston Luxury Home Lookbook.
