When you buy a home in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton SC area’s best gated communities, they have been through an architectural review process for which Hilton Head Island and Sea Pines Founder Charles Fraser are famous. Homes are reviewed for the pleasing appearance of their style, color, size, materials, landscape and many other factors. Homes must be in harmony with the environment and with the other homes nearby. Landscaping must enhance and contribute to the park-like setting of the home. Trees over six inches in diameter are preserved whenever possible. All details regarding the utilization of the site for living purposes are considered. 
 
Charles Fraser’s Sea Pines Plantation has received national recognition for its superior design and blend of golf, real estate and the environment. The Urban Land Institute gave its first award for "Excellence in Large-Scale Recreational Development" to Sea Pines Plantation in 1985. Charles Fraser’s vision has influenced the design of many other planned and gated communities in the area and the town planning of Hilton Head Island for its dedicated open spaces, parks and forest preserves.