Women's Clothing Boutique in South Mount Pleasant, SC

This streamlined Lowcountry home is set off Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, SC. See how the family of 6 made it a perfect fit for them.

Shrimp boats, kayaking outfitters, and lively bars and restaurants line the commercial side of Shem Creek, the gem of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina's Old Village Historic District. But north of the Shem Creek bridge, the waterway winds through quiet neighborhoods where children roam on bikes and go crabbing off backyard docks. "My husband dreamed of being on the water, and we fell in love with this lot. We're drawn to older areas where kids can run around," says owner Maggie Bullwinkel. She and husband George, a Charleston native, had two young children when they began renovating this 3,200-square-foot house that was built in the 1970s. Their third child was 9 months old when they moved in. Maggie refers to her then-infant sidekick as "my design assistant."

While the Bullwinkels had renovated and sold houses before, this one would be a keeper. "It had great bones. We loved the back porch and knew this could be our forever home," Maggie says. Working with architect Hunter Kennedy and designer Sidney Wagner, they spearheaded family-friendly changes to the four-bedroom abode that have definitely paid off. Today, the Bullwinkels have four kids under age 10 and plenty of yard, a great porch, and a frequently used outdoor kitchen to accommodate their active lifestyle.

"Overall, the footprint didn't change much," says Sidney, who squared off the kitchen to make it more functional. As the home's command center, it now opens up to a bright eating nook, which is one of Maggie's favorite spots. "Family dinners are a priority," she says. What was previously a formal dining room, adjacent to the kitchen, became the kids' playroom. They removed an attached garage to make way for a new mudroom/laundry area off the kitchen. "It's basically where I live," quips Maggie. They also elevated and enlarged the back porch to be a seamless open-air extension of the family room, ground zero for entertaining during Clemson University football season. "I love that we really do live in each space," Maggie says. "We use it all."

Brighten It Up

A monochrome kitchen keeps Maggie happy. "It helps to have a clean look in a busy room," she says. Streamlined light fixtures by Cedar & Moss and vintage Lucite barstools scooped up at a local antiques mall add to the airy feel in the room.

Remember That Simplicity Rules

"With four kids, there is plenty of chaos," says Maggie. Namibia marble countertops and Benjamin Moore's Simply White (OC-117) paint make her kitchen a calming space. Plus, they allow the Hampton Faucet by Waterstone to shine as the statement piece.

Let the Landscape Lead

Reorienting the kitchen to open into a family dining area was Maggie's top priority. Hunter bumped out the eating nook to add windows on all sides, inviting in sunlight and creek views. A mid-century modern table and slipcovered chairs keep lines simple, and Roost's whimsical light fixture "softens all the hard surfaces," says Sidney. The fabric used for the curtains (Katana by Kelly Wearstler) is also on the barstools, where it's laminated to be indestructible.

Choose Flexible Design

"We needed comfortable pieces that are easy to rearrange," says Sidney, who was mindful of not blocking the French doors that open to the porch. "I love how the vintage-reproduction chairs are movable and sculpturally interesting from whatever angle." A sofa slipcovered in Crypton fabric is ultrapractical, and bare windows keep things light and airy while connecting well with the porch, she says.

Lean On A Natural Palette

Sidney painted the porch floor in Benjamin Moore's Kennebunkport Green (HC-123), the same color that's used on the exterior trim, and added soothing blue accents to complement the surrounding outdoor hues. "We didn't want to distract from the view," she says. Wicker chairs from CB2 add natural texture, and a fun Annie Selke rug anchors the blue tones. Floor-to-ceiling screens and a vaulted ceiling help the porch feel cool in summer.

Prioritize All-Purpose, All-Season

Two years after moving in, the Bullwinkels worked with architect Chris Heinlen of Heinlen Design to add a backyard shed with a full attic to supplement the home's limited storage. Adjacent to that, they created an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area. "This is our favorite spot for birthday parties, neighborhood suppers, or sometimes sunset sips after the kids have gone to bed," says Maggie. A metal roof, green trim, and white siding tie the shed to the main house.

Stretch Family Space

"I love the playroom right off the kitchen. It's our cuddle area," says Maggie. A big barn door can be closed to contain toys and messes. Commissioned pieces by local artist Michelle Owenby add grown-up flair to the room, designed to one day transform into a family hangout space.

Control Clutter

Maggie believes that tidiness is key, even in the playroom. Each child has (and uses!) a designated toy-and-book basket, and a rotating gallery helps solve the what-to-do-with-endless-kids'-art dilemma.

Invite Some Drama

" 'Are you sure about going this showy?' my husband asked about the paint color, and I was—including covering the ceiling," says Maggie of the vibrant Benjamin Moore Slate Teal (2088-20) she chose for the laundry room. "I love how the boldness brings you in." Custom cabinets add extra pantry space.

Be Bold And Functional

Next to the laundry room, the bold color continues in the mudroom with an added touch of graphic wallpaper. Each kid has their own space for coats and bags in the blue storage wall.

Mount Pleasant is one of South Carolina's top five agglomerations. The town's atmosphere is less focused on tourists and more on the communities, particularly the adjacent beaches at Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms. The city is considered one of the best locations to live in by various social and economic indicators. Mount Pleasant embraces the Holy City's laid-back low country way of life.

Geography And Climate Of Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is a big suburban town situated in Charleston County in the US State of South Carolina. The town is well positioned on the east and northeast sides of Charleston Harbor and the tidal Wando River. The distance between the town and Charlotte, North Carolina, is 177 miles south and 4 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina. The town is situated in the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan region. Mount Pleasant covers a total area of 151.87 sq.km, of which 128.27 sq.km is occupied by land and 23.60 sq.km is covered by water.

The year-round weather of Mount Pleasant is rainy and partially gloomy, with hot, stifling summers and chilly, windy winters. The average yearly temperature ranges between 43°F and 88°F, rarely falling below 30°F or rising above 93°F. The year's hottest month is July, having an average daily high temperature exceeding 83°F. With an average daily maximum temperature below 65°F, January is the year's coldest month. The average annual rainfall is 48 inches, while the average annual snowfall is 0 inches in Mount Pleasant.

Brief History Of Mount Pleasant

The Sewee Indians had previously inhabited Mount Pleasant when the first European settlers under Captain Florentia O'Sullivan left England on July 6, 1680. The 2,340 acres that Captain O'Sullivan received contained both the island bearing his name and the land that would eventually become Mount Pleasant. This region was labeled "North Point" on the earliest maps available at the time. Mount Pleasant was essential in the Revolutionary War's first significant military victory. The area was formally constituted as the town of Mount Pleasant in 1837. After the Civil War, numerous freed slaves moved to the region. Robert Scanlon, one of them, went on to develop and lead Charleston Land Company. As a result of the division of Charleston County in 1882, Mount Pleasant became the first county seat in Berkeley County. After fifteen years, it was decided that Moncks Corner would serve as the county seat, and Mount Pleasant returned to its original boundaries in 1897, once more being under the jurisdiction of Charleston County.

The Population And Economy Of Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant has 95,393 residents, making it the fourth most populous city in South Carolina out of 472 communities, despite being considered a suburban town in concept. The population of Mount Pleasant has declined since the most recent census, which showed a population of 90,801 in 2020, and is currently rising at a pace of 2.47% annually. White (non-Hispanic) (89.6%), Black or African American (non-Hispanic) (3.98%), Two+ (non-Hispanic) (1.93%), Asian (non-Hispanic) (1.83%), and White (Hispanic) (1.78%) make up Mount Pleasant's top five ethnic groups. Mount Pleasant has a 5.11% poverty rate and a $138,416 average household income. The median cost of rent is $1,702 per month, and the median value of a home is $472,900. In Mount Pleasant, the median age is 40.9 years, with men being, on average, 38.7 years old and women 42.7 years old.

The service sector and port shipping are the two main economic drivers in Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant is becoming a popular location for technology and office-related businesses to locate their operations. Of the nearby cities, Mount Pleasant's average annual job growth from 2010 to 2019 was 5.2%. Great long-term plans are in place for Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant was recently ranked among the best 75 American cities to live in by Money Magazine.

Top Attractions In Mount Pleasant

One of the country's oldest active plantations, Boone Hall Plantation, dates back at least three centuries to the 1680s. Since 1956, the plantation has been operating as a living history facility and has continuously raised crops for over 320 years. The plantation welcomes visitors for special occasions like the Boone Hall Farms Market and the yearly Lowcountry Strawberry Festival, in addition to guided home tours.

The majority of the town's neighborhoods, including Coleman Boulevard, are traversed by this small creek before it empties into Cooper River. Even though the creek isn't very long, the banks make for one of the ideal locations for some peaceful outdoor activities. You can locate dining establishments and sites along the creek. At the end of it, there is a boardwalk and a covered area where you may relax and go fishing.

The first bridge connecting Sullivan's Island and Mount Pleasant was constructed in 1898. When the Ben Sawyer Bridge, the present access point to the island, was built, the old bridge was closed.

The 2.3-acre Patriots Point Cold War Submarine Memorial is close to Mount Pleasant's Charleston Harbor. A full-sized replica of a Benjamin Franklin Class Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine, which was instrumental in South Carolina's participation in the Cold War in the middle of the 20th century, sits atop the memorial. It preserves pieces of the USS Lewis and Clark SSBN 664 submarines. The memorial also serves as a homage to those who operated submarine ballistic missiles and served in submarines throughout the battle.

This 945-acre nature-focused park was designed with families and groups in mind above everything else. It has a tropical setting with boardwalks and bike trails. You can cook great meals while relaxing here in the picnic area, which features a grill. A water park is another option for you and your friends to cool off during the summer.

In addition to being close to Charleston, Mount Pleasant also exudes a vibrant charm. This wonderful town has a lot to offer, from its historical significance to its scenic beauty. If you're planning a trip, think about visiting Mount Pleasant.

When you ask Charleston residents about their favorite places to eat, Page’s Okra Grill comes up often. Although technically in the nearby suburb of Mount Pleasant, Page’s has cemented itself as a standout restaurant in a city full of destination-worthy dining. Once you visit, it’s easy to see why. The restaurant combines down-home charm with an irresistible menu of elevated but familiar Southern staples.

Many of the dishes were created by co-owner and chef Ashleigh Sbrochi, who dreamed up the menu with the help of her father, Tony Page. She also consulted the hundreds of cookbooks she has read over the years, including her copy of Charleston Receipts, before opening her spot in 2006.

Almost immediately, locals began buzzing about the food. “We’ve been super lucky to have this community,” says Chase Page, part of Page’s founding family. “We have people still eating with us today who were here when we started over 15 years ago.”

When the weather is balmy, Page’s expansive covered patio is the hottest spot in town. If you’re just visiting and have time for only one meal, weekend brunch is the way to go. It typically includes live music, so you’ll have something to tap your toes to. We suggest starting with Page’s Sampler Platter (fried spring rolls filled with barbecue and pimiento cheese, fried green tomatoes with roasted red pepper-and-peach jam, and a shrimp bacon-chipotle cheese dip). Follow that with Page’s Famous Chicken & Waffle (loaded with Cheddar cheese, sage sausage, roasted corn, and jalapeños) or Ashleigh’s Shrimp & Grits (the grits take shape as fried Cheddar cheese cakes and come topped in a smoked andouille sausage cream sauce).

As Page’s Okra Grill expands its fan base, the restaurant is finding even more opportunities to feed the community. After a two-year stint with a food truck in Summerville, they plan to open a brick-and-mortar location there this year. And if their Mount Pleasant outpost is any indication, there will be a whole new batch of regulars to keep the business thriving for many years to come.

pagesokragrill.com, 843-881-3333, 302 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Some may recognize the Old Village Historic District in Mount Pleasant by its extravagant historic homes, stunning views of the Charleston Harbor from Alhambra Hall, or even the neighborhood’s infamous Pitt Street, which was even featured on the latest Netflix hit “Outer Banks.”

But did you know that situated in Old Village is the oldest home in Mount Pleasant, which is actually the home that gave Mount Pleasant its name?

Built in 1755 on 67 acres of land by Charleston City Treasurer Jacob Motte, the Hibben House served as headquarters for the British during the Revolutionary War. Motte called the land that this home was situated on Mount Pleasant, which, as you can guess, gave way to the name of the town today.

Rumor has it that General William Moultrie (yes, the one Fort Moultrie is named after) and others were held captive in this home during the war. Yet, William Moultrie isn’t the only prominent person said to have been in the Hibben House. The General’s memoirs also place Lord Cornwallis and General Patterson in this home during June of 1780.

In 1803, the plantation changed hands from Jacob Motte to James Hibben, who would go on to design the entire village of Mount Pleasant. Once the plantation was purchased, Hibben divided the land into 35 separate lots on five streets, which became the town. Fun fact: after subdividing the land, Hibben decided to provide 10 of his children plots of land. (He had 12 kids in total, but two did not survive to maturity.)

Amongst other influential historical individuals to reside at 111 Hibben Street falls Petrona Royall McIver, who served as historian for the town of Mount Pleasant and even published a book called “History of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina” in 1960.

Whew, have you had enough of today’s history lesson? Let’s fast forward through the 200-something years of history that we touched on to take a look at the home today.

The Hibben House is now a frequent stop on the list for tourists, especially Segway tours that ride by the house numerous times per day. Whether it be the hundreds of years of history within the walls of the home or its well-preserved original details – such as the grandeur rectangular columns with recessed paneling and the hipped metal roof – this home is sure to catch your eye.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — Baltimore-based Continental Realty Corp. (CRC) has purchased Sweetgrass Corner, a nearly 90,000-square-foot neighborhood shopping center in Mount Pleasant. New Market Properties, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Preferred Apartment Communities Inc, sold the property for $17 million. The buyer purchased the property on behalf of Continental Realty Fund V L.P., and a co-investment vehicle related to Fund V, which are both managed by CRC.

Built in 1999, Sweetgrass Corner features 13 tenants offering a mix of medical and personal care services, as well as sit-down and fast-casual restaurants. The site was formerly anchored by a BI-LO supermarket that was shuttered as part of a strategic decision by its parent company in 2019.

Located at 1909 N Highway 17, the center is adjacent to Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, a 510,000-square-foot regional shopping venue acquired by CRC in 2020. The property is also situated on approximately 10 acres between North Highway 17 and Hungry Neck Boulevard.

LAS VEGAS — RealComm Advisors has arranged the sale of an industrial property located at 4750 W. Sunset Road in Las Vegas. Oulette DS acquired the 42,000-square-foot building for $10.7 million.

Greg Pancirov and Paul Hoyt of RealComm handled the transaction.

VACAVILLE, CALIF. — Nella Holdings and Tower Investments, two local family-owned companies, have acquired Nut Tree Plaza in Vacaville. A partnership managed by Dallas-based Dunhill Partners sold the asset for $124.5 million.

Located at 1621 E. Monte Vista Ave, the 371,114-square-foot Nut Tree Plaza features 68 retail stores, 17 restaurants and outdoor attractions, including a kiddie train. Current tenants include Nordstrom Rack, ULTA Beauty, Best Buy, PetSmart, Five Below, Cost Plus World Market, HomeGoods, Old Navy, Buffalo Wild Wings, Michaels, Bevmo!, Panera Bread, Peet’s Coffee, See’s Candies, Jelly Belly Candy Store and Jamba Juice. At the time of sale, the property was 96 percent occupied.

Dunhill Partners will provide property management services for the retail center.

Jimmy Slusher, Philip Voorhees and James Tyrrell of CBRE’s National Retail Partners – West represented the seller, a partnership managed by Dallas-based Dunhill Partners, while DCA Partners facilitated the relationship between the buyers. Citibank and Wells Fargo financed the transaction.

SHORELINE, WASH. — CBRE has secured an $85.5 million construction loan for the development of Ion, a 252-unit apartment community in Shoreline.

Bill Chiles, Scott Peterson and Morgon Fraser of CBRE’s Capital Markets Debt & Structured Finance team arranged the loan for AAA Management, the developer.

Located at 345 NE 149th St., Ion will feature seven stories of residential space above three levels of subterranean parking with 241 parking spaces. Tenant amenities will include a fitness facility, rooftop deck and bike storage. Completion is slated for April 2024, with an opening scheduled for July 15, 2024.