The mansion sits on a 16.5 acre estate on the edge of the Kiawah River. Named for Arnoldus Vanderhorst, the former governor built the house around 1800 to replace the old residence that was burned to the ground during the Revolutionary War. Vanderhorst died in 1815 and the property remained in the family until 1950. The infrequently used home fell into disrepair during this time and in 1973 was added to the National Register of Historic Places to help protect it. 

Between 1950 and the 1970s the island was used for logging and timber. In 1974, a master plan was created by the Kuwait Investment Corp., who opened Cougar Point Golf Course and began real estate sales.

Charles Darby III, of The Beach Company, along with others, purchased most of Kiawah Island in 1988 and the mansion came with the purchase. In 1993, siblings of the Darby family acquired and restored the mansion. Between $3-$4 million was spent on the restoration, which included installing modern conveniences like electricity and plumbing.

In 2008 the Creek House was built for family gatherings. Like a large screened, outdoor porch, it features a kitchen, a wood burning fireplace, deck, full bathroom, and a bar. The perfect place for entertaining!

With an entitlement to build 28 houses along the estate, the question remains, what will the new owners do with the property?

Vanderhorst Mansion is a stunning piece of history and we congratulate our clients, Kiawah Island Real Estate, on this record sale.

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