Two Charleston-area homebuilders broke ground this week at Kiawah River, a new waterfront community under development on Johns Island. Both Saussy Burbank and New Leaf Builders began construction on the community’s much-anticipated first home offerings.

From completely custom home designs to turnkey floorplans, Kiawah River offers a diverse variety of properties starting at $600,000. The community has been carefully planned to embrace outdoor living, as only half of the property’s 2,000 acres will be developed and the remaining 1,000 acres will remain open green space for the community. Kiawah River will feature an array of amenities and services, including a roadside farm stand, a chapel and community hall, a swim and fitness club, and an outdoor learning center. With 20 miles of waterfront, residents will also have access to several launch points for fishing and exploring the pristine Kiawah River and inland waterways.