Real EstateSouthern Living in Historic Summerville SC

By Sebrina Leigh-Jones, Founder, Luxury Simplified Real Estate

When I think of southern towns, it always evokes a vision of beautiful historic homes, surrounded by Spanish moss-draped trees, with gardens full of azaleas and a town square just a few blocks away.  While we often think of the historic district of downtown Charleston, nearby there is another amazing alternative to living that quintessential southern lifestyle. In fact, Charlestonians have been in love with this little southern town for over a century!  

This quaint town, situated on a pine-forest ridge, and thus, originally was called Pineland Village. In the late 18th century it quickly became a summer playground for some of the wealthiest in the Lowcountry, who were seeking respite from the summer heat, mosquitoes, and disease.  From May to September, plantation families from along the nearby Ashley River, and other coastal areas, headed for higher elevation to spend the summer months in this tiny forest colony soon dubbed, ‘summer’ ville. 

Ultimately the name would stick and Summerville, SC officially became a town in the year 1847.  In that same year, the town passed laws against cutting down trees of a particular size, the first of such laws passed in the United States.  Shortly after the law was passed the town would adopt the motto, ‘Sacra Pinus Esto’, which means The Pine is Sacred, and it would ultimately become the official seal.  It is exactly this, the profusion of pine trees, the masses of blooming flowers and the nostalgic feel of Summerville’s historic town square that make this a favorite among small towns of the South. 

Today, Summerville is aptly named the “Flower Town in the Pines” for its blossoming multi-colored azaleas, and where charm and Southern hospitality blend gracefully with modern and progressive outlook.  The old adage, “the more things change, the more they stay the same, ” is more than applicable to this beautiful town. With its close proximity to Charleston and vast expanses of undeveloped land, it has rapidly become one of the most sought after areas for those relocating or retiring to the lowcountry. While it’s true, Summerville is growing and ever changing, it remains true to its important role in history and the small-town values that make it a truly charming place to live.