There is no doubt about the magnificence of the house at 5 Sea Court in John’s Island. As you walk into the grand 2-story oceanfront home, the power and beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and its soothing breezes sweep over you. The architectural detail and solid construction are highly noted.
Panoramic views and stately splendor are key experiences offered by the house, which is located on a private street near the south tennis courts, squash courts and south gate.
“This is a special house for a person looking for the ultimate in relaxation and privacy,” Jeannette Mahaney, real estate broker, said of the house listed by John’s Island Real Estate Company for $12,900,000.
The 11,300-square-foot house with 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms was designed by Scott Blakeslee Disher & Associates and built in 2008 by Island Building Company. It is carefully sited on a 0.88-acre lot with 125 lineal feet of ocean frontage.
“You can feel it here,” Mahaney said from the foyer overlooking the large living room with 2-story high ceiling and nothing but glass – multiple French doors and large stacked windows – to enable looking out at an emerald green lawn, with the spectacular sea beyond. “You can feel [the exceptional quality and grandeur of the house] in here looking out at that commanding view.”
Indeed, this majestic home ascends gracefully from its tropical surroundings. Southern magnolias and stately palms contribute to the impressive landscaping that greets visitors when they turn into the circular driveway.
Looking out from inside, the inspiring ocean vista takes your breath away. From almost every room in the house, there is a view of the ocean and sky above, including a second story perch overlooking the living room and ocean to the east and the western sky in the opposite direction.
Owner Mike Wimmer said he first saw the house at 5 Sea Court on a gorgeous day when the sea was a magnificent turquoise color and waves were curling smoothly onto the shore.
He bought it and made it a showplace for his art collection. He planted an abundance of bright flowers to add splashes of color to the serene backyard and tall hedges in front.
“During the season, it’s like a botanical garden,” he said with delight.
But he was also drawn to the house because of its size, which can accommodate multiple family members and guests all at one time. Yet the grand scale of the house does not compromise the cozy feeling of it.
“The house is a big home but it’s a very warm, friendly one,” he said. “It shows artwork well but the ocean view is the primary artwork. It comes right through. It’s the most valuable piece of artwork throughout the house.”
Every guest that’s stayed in the home over the years has felt right at home, he said. “They can’t wait to get invited to stay again.”
Two master suites, sprawling spaces and various guest suites provide for luxury, space and comfort.
Another asset is the privacy the home affords – and yet it’s located in the tony John’s Island community with all its amenities, making it ideal for people who like social and recreational activities as well as quiet interludes.
“It’s a very active social club with 3 tremendous golf courses,” Wimmer said. “The social scene is there if you want it. The food is great, really top notch. I can put on cuffed pants and go out to the club. But if I want to put on 18-year-old blue jeans and stay home and relax, watching ball games on a flat screen TV, there’s that too. It’s the best of both worlds.”
One of his favorite parts to the house and property is the backyard – a large grassy area rimmed with colorful tropical plantings. The ocean setting provides a beautiful backdrop to the patio where there’s a summer kitchen. Here, Wimmer enjoys entertaining friends and grilling Chilean sea bass prepared with his own special marinade.
“When you’re in the backyard, all you hear is the roar of the ocean.”
From the living room, grand arches lead to an adjoining dining room which also celebrates the ocean view.
The family room is one continuous space that flows into a gourmet island kitchen, breakfast area and large sitting area with bookshelves, television and more. The kitchen has dual Sub-zero refrigerators, Thermador gas cooking system, three sinks and two dishwashers.
Pristine white marble countertops and white cabinets give it a fresh feeling and provide plenty of space for storage and meal preparation.
The family room opens onto the covered terrace with summer kitchen. And this “smart home” built with the finest quality construction has its own private dune walkover for easy access to the beach, just beyond its large patio area and inviting rectangular pool.
Back inside, the downstairs master suite occupies the entire length of the first floor with its own double entry door, private foyer, and dual bathrooms with Roman tub and adjoining walk-in shower.
A handsome library or office with tongue and groove ceiling and ocean view is also on the first floor, along with a laundry room, powder room and access to a lower level storage area and 4-car garage.
The second story is accessible by a handsome staircase and handy elevator.
The upstairs houses a grand hall that overlooks the living room and opens up to the front terrace and four guest suites overlooking breathtaking treetop views. A wet bar at the end of the hallway is right at hand.
A second-floor master suite occupies an entire wing, and features a breakfast bar, master bath and covered seaside balcony.
“There are so many extras here,” said Mahaney. “You have to keep coming back to really absorb all of the features.”
She adds: “When you walk in here, it’s the strength of the house that hits you right away. The architectural detail in here is unbelievable. They didn’t spare any expenses.”
The house is well suited for a family that loves casual living, or a couple that enjoys guests and entertaining.
“It’s not intimidating,” Mahaney said. “It’s awesome and it strikes you but it doesn’t overwhelm you.”
