Family Law Attorney in John's Island, SC

A Resilient Luxury Market Driven by Limited Inventory and Buyer Demand

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C., Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pam Harrington Exclusives Real Estate reports that Johns Island, South Carolina continues to stand out as one of the Charleston region's most resilient luxury real estate markets, supported by limited inventory, protected land, and sustained buyer demand. The firm's Johns Island Specialist, Cortney Franklin, notes that as the 2026 market unfolds, indicators suggest continued stability and opportunity, particularly within the island's high-end residential sector.

High-End Properties Remain in Demand:

Luxury properties on Johns Island — including waterfront estates, gated golf communities, and private acreage — remain highly sought after despite broader national market fluctuations. Buyers are increasingly drawn to the island's blend of privacy, natural beauty, and proximity to historic Charleston and the beaches. Strict zoning regulations and limited new development reinforce long-term value, positioning Johns Island as a mature and enduring luxury market. View current luxury listings for sale.

2026 Market Outlook: Stability and Selective Appreciation:

Forecasts for 2026 indicate that while appreciation may moderate, demand for well-located, high-quality luxury homes remains strong. According to Pam Harrington Exclusives Real Estate:

The data underscores sustained buyer confidence in the island's high-end segment despite broader national market fluctuations.

Buyer preferences continue to emphasize turnkey residences, modern coastal design, and communities that offer both exclusivity and lifestyle amenities. Homes that demonstrate thoughtful architecture, quality construction, and long-term livability are projected to outperform the broader market.

Recent activity within Briars Creek, one of Johns Island's most exclusive gated communities, reflects these trends. Pam Harrington's successful sale of 4265 Wild Turkey Way, a luxury residence within this coastal enclave, underscores continued demand for refined homes in established luxury settings. Briars Creek is known for its championship golf course, expansive conservation lands, and low-density development, making it a premier destination for discerning buyers. 4121 Golf Cottage Lane is currently the best buy in the neighborhood, listed at $2,999,999.

As Buyer Expectations Rise and Appreciation Moderates, Expert Guidance Becomes Essential:

Navigating this competitive landscape is Cortney Franklin, who has been named the Pam Harrington Exclusives Johns Island Specialist. Franklin brings focused local expertise, strategic pricing insight, and access to Pam Harrington Exclusives elevated luxury marketing, delivering tailored representation for both buyers and sellers.

"Johns Island has developed into a highly sophisticated luxury market," said Franklin. "Today's buyers are informed and intentional, prioritizing privacy, quality, and long-term value. Strategic representation is critical to achieving successful outcomes. As the spouse of a Lowcountry custom home builder, I offer a distinct advantage to buyer and seller clients. My close connection to the building side provides valuable insight into construction quality, design decisions, and sustained market appeal."

As Charleston continues to attract lifestyle-driven buyers, Johns Island is expected to remain a cornerstone of the region's luxury real estate performance throughout 2026.

About Pam Harrington Exclusives Real Estate

Pam Harrington Exclusives is a local luxury real estate firm specializing in distinctive properties throughout Charleston and the Lowcountry, recognized for its market leadership and high-touch client service.

View current Johns Island luxury listings, or visit our website to explore all Johns Island homes for sale across every price point.

Pam Harrington Exclusives - (843) 768-3635 or visit the website. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

SOURCE Pam Harrington Exclusives, Inc.

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JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (Palmetto Life) —The Red Barn Art Studio is a place where you can explore your creativity and develop some new skills in a fun and inspiring environment. They host classes, teaching people how to paint, make acrylic artwork, and craft some handmade pottery.

Owner Pascale Sexton opened the barn about four years ago and originally wanted to have a studio for children to come and create because children have a lot of imagination. But Pascale realized that adults are big children, and adults need to come and play, too.

“It’s very therapeutic for adults to come and just do the wheel, build whatever they want to build,” Pascale said.

When people come to the studio, Pascale asks them what they want to do and what they want to build. Classes typically start with trying the pottery wheel to see if students like it, then move to hand-building techniques around a table.

Projects can include birdhouses, trays, mugs, bowls, and other functional pottery items. The studio teaches both wheel throwing and hand-building methods, allowing students to create pieces that will shrink during the firing process.

Pascale demonstrates proper techniques, including centering clay on the wheel, using proper pressure with the left arm, and keeping legs steady while working. Students learn to shape clay from the center outward and flip pieces as needed during the building process.

The Red Barn Art Studio caters to people looking to try new hobbies, particularly those interested in creative stress relief. Pascale compares pottery to other therapeutic hobbies like knitting or writing.

“It’s one of those kind of hobbies that people love,” Pascale said. “They make great gifts.”

The studio creates custom pieces, including mugs with logos and palm leaf designs. Students sign their finished pieces before the firing process.

People interested in pottery classes can contact Pascale through the studio’s website at www.theredbarnartstudio.com

The Red Barn Art Studio is located on Johns Island and offers classes for both adults and children in pottery, painting, and other creative arts.

Copyright 2026 WCSC. All rights reserved.

JOHNS ISLAND — The owners of a Blackfish Road home dumped so much trash and debris on a city of Charleston-owned lot behind their house that it cost Charleston more than $140,000 to remove it all, according to a lawsuit.

Now the city is suing Jose and Rosalinda Martinez for that amount and potentially more, saying they made the mess and should be held responsible. The complaint was filed Jan. 30.

“I don’t know how I’m going to pay this,” said Jose Martinez, who told a reporter he’s a disabled man in his late 50s. “It’s way, way too much.”

Martinez returned a Post and Courier reporter’s phone message left at a number listed for J & J Masonry Contracting, which is registered at the same Blackfish Road address in a residential subdivision on the north side of Maybank Highway.

Behind that property sits about six acres of city-owned vacant land where Charleston is working on the $5.8 million Barberry Woods Drainage Improvement Project. When work began on the project in 2025, the city discovered the construction debris and trash.

On aerial images included in Charleston County’s property records system, tire tracks and piles of debris are clearly visible, going back years.

The county had received complaints about the same property in 2014 and code enforcement found construction debris on the Martinez’s property, which was prohibited. That case ended with the county mailing a violation letter.

According to the 2026 legal complaint, Charleston County put Martinez on notice more than a year ago and issued a ticket, and he removed some of the waste from the city’s land. County records show the process was delayed because of Martinez’ health, the amount of waste and a family medical emergency.

The ticket the county issued was dismissed in May 2025 and the case was closed. But then the full extent of the waste was discovered as the city cleared its adjacent property for the drainage project, according to the county and the city.

It was a roughly 10,000-square-foot area where the waste was between two and eight feet deep, the city claimed.

A contractor hauled it all away, finishing in September 2025, at a cost of $140,862.61, according to the lawsuit.

“I don’t know why they are claiming it’s all my debris,” Martinez said. “Some of it is.”

He said one of the city’s contractors told him not to worry about it, that they would clean it up.

On Jan. 30 the city filed the lawsuit seeking to recoup the cost, plus legal fees and potentially additional damages, along with an injunction barring the couple from trespassing and dumping on city property.

Charleston’s attorney Julia Copeland said the city expects to win a judgment and put a lien on the Martinez’ property, so that the government would get the money it expects to be owed when the property is eventually sold.

The Barberry Woods drainage project is expected to be finished this year.

Drivers along Maybank Highway on Johns Island have been passing a bright green, retro-style sign promising miniature golf is “coming soon.”

The wait is almost over.

Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade is slated to open in late February, bringing two full 18-hole micro-layouts and a large indoor arcade with several dozen games.

The family-friendly entertainment hub at 3414 Maybank Highway features two separate courses — Alligator Alley and Swampville — complete with fountains, sand traps and mini bridges behind a warehouse-style building and parking area.

More than 40 arcade games will be installed indoors, along with multiple televisions for watching sports, including golf and a concessions counter inside will serve up soft pretzels, ice cream, slushies, nachos and pretzels.

Pending a permit, the food truck will offer pizza, fries and chicken fingers. The owners have also applied for a beer and wine license.

Each hole on the courses is sponsored by a local business, and the first nine holes on each course are wheelchair accessible. The design allows players to complete a full 18-hole round by combining accessible holes across both courses. A practice putting green is included on site.

Co-owners Sandie and Michael Albenesius, who also own and operate St. John’s Kayaks and Boat Tours, said the idea grew out of a desire to offer more activities for teens and families on the island and nearby James Island. They own the Sea Island Mini Golf with two additional co-owners.

Transforming the former storage warehouse took several years.

Players on the mini golf course will receive putters, golf balls, a scorecard and a tiny pencil upon signing up to play the courses.

Outdoor seating, picnic tables and televisions — including coverage from the Golf Channel — are also part of the setup.

Initially, Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade plans to operate Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. but will fluctuate based on weather or demand. The owners said hours will likely expand as demand grows, particularly heading into the summer season.

Beyond casual play, the venue plans to host birthday parties, corporate events, themed nights and group outings for kids and adults alike.

Rural retail

A national retailer of farm and rural lifestyle supplies is eyeing a new stire at Foxbank Plantation in Moncks Corner, near a community slated for nearly 3,000 homes.

Tractor Supply and PetSense by Tractor Supply have submitted plans to the S.C. Department of Environmental Services for a 21,930-square-foot retail outpost at 219 Foxbank Town Center. The project’s owner and developer is Twin Rivers Capital.

Tractor Supply carries farm supplies, pet and animal feed, clothing, tools, fencing and other rural essentials. PetSense offers grooming services and pet prescriptions.

Brentwood, Tenn.-based Tractor Supply is described as the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S. The chain operates 2,364 namesake stores in 49 states, along with 206 PetSense locations in 23 states.

The company has opened seven stores in the Charleston area since expanding to South Carolina in 2007.

Gold rush

Gold Digger, an antique jewelry store, repair shop and jewelry design studio, will open Feb. 7 in North Charleston's Park Circle area.

The address is 1080 E. Montague Ave.

Gold Digger is owned by Lisa Thomas and daughter Emma, who source pieces during their travels. Each item is inspected and prepared by a master jeweler.

Thomas also owns DIGS Charleston and DIGS Imports, a curated furniture shop located at the same address, as well as Out of Hand in the Old Village in Mount Pleasant.

In addition to antique and vintage jewelry, the shop will offer repair services and custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry design.

Get crackin’

A Cajun-style seafood boil restaurant has opened near Tanger Outlets in North Charleston. Happy Crab Seafood is now serving at 4950 Centre Pointe Drive.

Restore more

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on the peninsula is now open on Mondays.

The home goods-focused shop at 731 Meeting St., accepts donations and sells discounted building materials, furniture and home products, with proceeds supporting affordable housing efforts in the Charleston area.

Updated store hours are Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunrise arrives

The wait is over for diners in Goose Creek to get their own outpost of a Johns Island-based diner.

Sunrise Bistro officially opened Feb. 3 at 216 St. James Ave., in the former Ti-Ney Bangkok II Restaurant.

Co-owner Brian Appelt launched the eatery in 2009 with business partner Jessica Welenteichick after the pair spent years working together at Hege’s Restaurant on Johns Island. Other Sunrise Bistro locations are in Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, Aiken and Summerville.

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) — The city of Charleston encompasses many different areas of the Lowcountry, including Johns Island, but residents say they sometimes feel left out, and that could change.

The piece of land on the 3500 block of Maybank Highway might not look like much off Maybank Highway, but soon it plans to be Johns Island’s very own recreation center.

“The gap is evident. If you just look at the city’s own map of parks around the city of Charleston, there’s a huge gap on John’s Island,” District 3 City Council member Jim McBride said.

“This is an answer to what we heard from the community,” Robert Summerfield, director of planning and preservation for the City of Charleston, said.

This recreation center, residents say, has been a long time coming.

“Everyone always just thinks of us as, “Well, we’re part of the city, but we don’t really participate in getting any of the benefits of the city.” So, having all of these programs going and starting now is a big deal. And I think it’s great for the community that we’re finally seeing that we’re part of the city and not just, you know, part of the county or just over the bridge,” Peter Rubino, vice chair of the Johns Island Council, said. The recreation center will include a range of amenities for the community, from a multi-use gym to pickleball and even an aquatic center."

“We’re surrounded by water here. There are a lot of kids who don’t know how to swim, but if we have a program that’s affordable for those kids to be able to get swimming lessons, I think it’s a tremendous value to this community,” Rubino said.

And to some, the most valuable aspect of this center is not having to leave the island.

“Create amenities on John’s Island that people want to use on John’s Island and to work at on John’s Island. The more people can stay on John’s Island without having to drive and add to the traffic,” McBride said.

“Anything we can do to reduce traffic coming on or off the island is always a plus,” Summerfield said.

Plans also include a basketball court, playground, and splash pad, bringing all the family fun, all in one space.

“provides an opportunity to bring the community together. So having people from different neighborhoods who’ve never met each other before, come to one place,” McBride said.

This recreation center is designed to be a big and strong civic building to represent and support the community.

“It gives everyone an opportunity to engage and exchange ideas and stuff, which is, I think, tremendous,” Rubino said.

City officials say this project is being fast-tracked to provide this center to the community as soon as possible.

“Mayor Cogswell put a top priority on this Johns Island recreation center for both the speed of it and putting it first in line and also the quality of it. When it’s built in about a year or so, it’ll be the best recreation center in the city of Charleston,” McBride said.

Whether you need a place to work, get some exercise or play with your family, this recreation center could be your next one-stop shop.

“Break ground on it this year and then ideally have it up in 18 to 24 months,” Summerfield said.

The design review board for the city of Charleston approved the conceptual designs of this recreation center project, and now the project heads to the board of zoning appeals.