Have you ever wished you could make the world go away? Close your eyes and imagine an island unspoiled by man and machine. Picture a beach, quiet and uncrowded, where you can delight in the sights and sounds of nature. Just a hop, skip and a boat ride from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, lies just such a place—a little piece of paradise called Daufuskie Island. There are no interstate highways or high-rise hotels. The closest thing to a traffic jam is a school bus and a pedestrian passing along the same dirt road. Yet, here you will find some of the finest resort-style living on the East Coast, minus the hustle and bustle.

With a full-time population of around 429, the five-mile-long, two-and-a-half-mile-wide island can be divided into five neighborhoods, including three planned communities: Melrose, Haig Point and Bloody Point. A look beyond protective gates reveals gracious homes in a country club setting, surrounded by manicured landscapes and lush golf courses, with breathtaking views of Calibogue Sound. Other island amenities include restaurants, tennis courts, swimming pools, an equestrian center, fitness center and the fabulous Daufuskie Resort and Breathe Spa.

Traveling to and from Daufuskie Island requires a ferry ride or personal boat as there is no bridge to the mainland. Upon arrival, residents and visitors get around via electric cart, shuttle bus, bicycle or a good pair of walking shoes.

Adding to the charm are many historic landmarks, including The First Union African Baptist Church, built in 1881—the oldest building on Daufuskie Island; the Billy Burn Museum, a converted church filled with artifacts; the Mary Dunn Cemetery, established in 1790—one of the oldest cemeteries in the South; and the Mary Field School, made famous by best-selling author, Pat Conroy, in his novel, The Water is Wide.

Real estate opportunities include elegant Lowcountry homes and condominiums as well as oceanfront and ocean-oriented estates and home sites.

If you’re looking for secluded living or just a place to escape the weight of the world, Daufuskie Island is the answer. Take a step back in time and a step toward a simpler, more peaceful way of life.