The Cottages at Cypress Point is not your typical Kiawah Island neighborhood.

Yes, like other Island enclaves, these luxury cottages enjoy golf course views, serene lagoons, and a central Island location that’s close to the beach. But the essence here is different.

A community of people happily immersed into the environment that flourishes in Kiawah’s grand trees, the development is the embodiment of responsible building—and one that left the landscape “better than we found it,” according to architect and developer Mitch Laplante.

Before breaking ground, Cypress Point’s natural setting included an amazing overstory of treetop canopies filled with birdlife. Yet little was happening in the understory below. A self-confessed tree-hugger, Laplante worked with the Kiawah Island Nature Conservancy to create a residential level that ensured the habitat for native animals was better than what existed pre-development.

The end result: sophisticated, small footprint homes that have turned the dream of living in a tree house into a smart idea. Maintenance-free exteriors include hurricane-rated windows, pressure treated wood trims, and standing seam copper roofs warranted for 200 years. Interior materials include select ipe flooring, hand-scraped Caribbean pine doors, hand hewn wrought iron railings, and sculptural walls that evoke an English cottage feel.

A superb example: 5550 Cypress Cottage Lane

Built around a noble oak, 5550 Cypress Cottage Lane is a remarkable home that celebrates this connection to the trees and to nature from every room, every window, and every outdoor space.

Located in Cypress Point, this four-bedroom home is within a bike ride to Kiawah’s beach and world-class amenities. Just off the private driveway, an iron gate leads into a walled courtyard garden laced with ivy, flowering plants, and a noble live oak. The private community tranquility pool and garden is within walking distance.

Custom-built, the three-season outdoor living room looks out to the courtyard. Protected from the elements, it offers a perfect place to entertain, relax, and reconnect with Kiawah’s natural vistas and unspoiled wildlife.

Gorgeous interiors include select ipe flooring, solid mahogany doors, stone and marble appointments, arched hallways, plantation shutters, handsome trims and moldings, custom finishes, and designer fabrics and furnishings.

The main floor’s coastal-inspired living room and formal dining room are open to each other. Featuring 10-foot coffered ceilings and a magnificent treetop vantage point, the shared living spaces are elegantly understated. The shiplap-wrapped sunroom (to the right in the photo above) is exclusive to this home.

The gourmet kitchen offers custom soft-close cabinetry, glazed beveled subway tiles, and high-end Bosch stainless steel appliances. The oversized marble island provides casual seating for four, plus a flexible focal point that accommodates prep, service, and entertaining.

The main level master suite enjoys its own wing, custom built-in furnishing and storage, and floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light. Beyond the dressing room and walk-in closets, a secluded, spa-inspired en suite bathroom awaits. Upstairs, three additional guest bedrooms offer every comfort.

5550 Cypress Cottage Lane is a move-in ready Distinctive Property available now. Discover more about 5550 Cypress Cottage Lane: click the link to browse its full photo gallery and download floor plans.

For details or to see it in person, please contact your Kiawah Island Real Estate sales executive.