Hilton Head, Palmetto Dunes, Inverness, a cozy and fanciful retreat

This spacious, airy and bright Inverness villa (1450 sq. feet) offers a unique and cozy island vacation getaway that lets you feel you are far from ordinary life. Hints of Cape Cod, the western Irish coast, and Morocco's beaches blend with the palm, pine and Spanish moss delights of the South Carolina low country to create a fanciful retreat and base for adventure that makes your stay memorable.

The villa is fully equipped, air-conditioned and all on one level, with wireless high-speed internet access. The villa is an end unit with a sweeping view of the 3rd and 7th fairways of the Fazio golf course. There are 2 bedrooms (1 king in the master bedroom and 1 queen and 1 twin in the guest bedroom), and 2 baths, one with a newly installed walk-in shower. The villa accommodates up to 5 people and has parking in the front.

The combined living /dining area is bright, open and comfortable with new wood floors, a cathedral ceiling, ceiling fan and an atrium window over a reading nook. Open access to the kitchen allows the designated cook(s) to chat with friends and family on the couch. Decorated with works by local artists, the living area encourages relaxation and family time, with a modern comfortable sectional (ideal for reading and napping), large table for snacks, reading and games, wicker chairs, a SMART TV, and a selection of books and games for guests (time to revisit Scrabble and Monopoly!).

The room opens onto an intimate mid-century modern patio with lovely golf course views and opportunities for al fresco dining, morning coffee, writing, bird watching, stargazing, or grilling. (The resident family of cardinals really enjoys the bird feeder!)

The bedrooms are quiet and private, with pretty watercolors and paintings of the local marshes, the sea - and abstract fishes. The master bedroom has patio access, HD cable TV, a walk-in closet, and a desk/chair for the remote worker... or aspiring writer. Its bathroom has 2 sinks and a walk-in shower. The other bedroom has a roomy closet and a second bed that also can serve as a couch.

The large sea-green eat-in kitchen has good counter space, a view into the living area, and breakfast nook with a greenhouse roof, morning sunshine, and views of a pink crepe myrtle tree (depending on season). It is well-appointed, with generous pantry space, a range of cooking supplies, appliances, a rack for wine, and other bar items. Out front, a second patio area (or "surf shack") has cozy chairs and a bench for post-beach/golf relaxation or a private moment and a shed with beach, tennis and golf items guests may use during their stay, with beach chairs and plenty of children's sand pails for the sandcastle builder (including adults)!

The villa is equipped with washer, dryer, dishwasher, microwave oven and grill for outdoor cooking. Located a short distance away is a community pool and 3 clay tennis courts for renter use. If you fancy Pickleball, you are in luck, as Palmetto Dunes hosts lessons and courts for all ranges of players (including converts from tennis!) The lovely, wide beach is an easy walk or bike ride from the villa (renting bicycles makes your stay!) with parking and facilities (restrooms and outdoor showers) for villa guests. You may find yourself walking forever and pausing to sit beside the dunes or in the Hilton Head beach chairs (for a small fee) and stare out at the ocean and the pelicans diving for lunch. Beyond the local general store (which has a great deli and famous fried chicken) there are supermarkets close to the resort gate as well as other shopping and many restaurants. Try the Shelter Cove area for the charming marina life and exhibits at the non-profit Art League of Hilton Head, but also venture farther to explore the island's many treasures and activities - like yoga on the beach or kayaking!