St. Phillips Island is a 4-mile-long, 4,680-acre undeveloped barrier island off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina. This former private island can only be accessed by boat and is a true hidden gem of the Lowcountry. For nearly 40 years, it was owned by billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who purchased St. Phillips in 1979 to preserve its integrity as an unspoiled natural environment and protect it from development. In 2017, the State of South Carolina purchased the island, which is now operated in conjunction with nearby Hunting Island State Park.

The Turner House at St. Phillips Island was constructed shortly after Turner purchased the island in 1979 and served as the family’s beach retreat for decades. All construction materials for the 3,350 square foot house were brought by boat, and the design reflects Turner’s vision for a comfortable, rustic retreat in harmony with its setting. 

The Turner House accommodates 10 guests. It features one master bedroom and bathroom plus an additional guest bathroom on the main floor, and four additional bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs. A living room, kitchen, bar area, convertible dining room/game room, and den are also located on the main floor, plus an expansive 820-square-foot screened porch with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Amenities Provided

• Beach access
• Beach chairs, umbrellas, and pop-up canopies
• Fishing pier
• Fishing rods
• Hiking trails
• Fire pit & indoor fireplace
• Propane grill
• Pool table
• Binoculars, bird spotting scope & telescope
• Bicycles
• Kayaks
• Golf carts 
• Boat dock - guests are permitted to have one private boat at the island. The boat dock may be used for convenience.

Rental Information

All rentals require a minimum five-night stay.

Check-in time is 12:00 p.m. (noon) and check-out time is 11:00 a.m. for all rentals. Boat travel is required to reach the island, and both the arrival and departure boat shuttles are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. All guests must be present for the shuttle departure. We are not able to accommodate late arrivals or multiple arrival groups. Please note that all scheduled travel times to and from St. Phillips Island are tentative and may be adjusted as conditions require. Incoming and outgoing travel plans should be scheduled to accommodate the possibility of delays.

St. Phillips Island is a remote, natural barrier island and neither it nor the Turner House is fully accessible for guests with limited mobility. Please inquire about any accessibility concerns prior to booking.

Standard Rental

• Turner House rental only. St. Phillips Island remains open to scheduled day tours during your stay.
• Rental price is $11,000 (for five nights).
• Includes scheduled boat transportation to and from the island.

Exclusive Rental

• Rental of Turner House and St. Phillips Island. Island is closed to the public for tours.
• Rental price is $18,000 (for five nights).
• Includes scheduled boat transportation to and from the island.
• Includes optional ranger-led programs.
• Exclusive rentals must be booked more than 90 days in advance.

Booking Information

To book or for more information, please contact the St. Phillips Island reservations desk at  803-904-6220 or StPhillips@scprt.com. Reservations are taken Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you may leave a message after hours, and your call or email will be returned.