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About this home
This quintessential Johns Island home has some of the best sunsets on Johns Island, while also being convenient to everywhere. It has a massive 2 car garage/shop, large enough for your bay boat or to run your business from,limehouse boatramp is less than .5 mile away. The garage has been stubbed for plumbing. Recent renovations; the kitchen and primary bath were updated in '25. Metal roof takes away the worry of how fast the lowcountry weather can wear out shingles. Tucked against the marsh, watch the wildlife right outside your door. The construction going on to reduce traffic is the only thing keeping this home on the market, dont let this one get away. Not many opportunities to own a home on Johns Island with a water view for under $1mm that doesn't take an hour to get anywhere else.
Johns Island, located between the Ashley River and the Stono River, is a rural and coastal Charleston neighborhood with live oaks and tidal creeks. The Lowcountry landscape sets the pace, with marsh views, farm stands, and long two-lane roads leading to waterfront landings. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around the Maybank Highway corridor near River Road, where seafood counters, local markets, and casual patios cluster in a steady hum. Community pillars include The Royal American (on the island’s edge), Low Tide Brewing, and the Charleston Tea Garden. Architecture ranges from older cottages and ranch homes to newer elevated builds designed for floodplain living. Trails and boat ramps shape daily routines, with sunsets often framed by spartina grass and wide skies.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Market insights
538 River Rd · $550,000
DAYS ON MARKET
82 days
The average home goes pending in 76 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
97.3%
Most homes are selling 3% below list price.
LIST PRICE
$550,000
Median list price in this area is $709,299. (29% higher than this home)
PRICE DROP
3 price drops
22% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Interior features
Ceiling fans
Eat-in kitchen
Office
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Primary bedroom on lower level with walk-in closet(s)
Bathrooms
2 bathrooms
Kitchen
Built-in electric oven
Electric cooktop / range
Range hood
Dishwasher
Disposal
Refrigerator
Laundry & utility
Laundry room with washer hookup and electric dryer hookup
Washer included
Dryer included
Flooring
Carpet
Wood
Heating & cooling
Central air conditioning
Electric heating
Exterior features
Wood fencing
Marshfront and tidal creek waterfront; shallow waterfront
Home design
Single family detached residence
One story (ground-level entry)
Parking
Detached 2-car garage
Total parking for 2 vehicles
No carport spaces
Construction
Metal roof
Fee simple ownership
Workshop on property
Utilities
Septic tank
Electric service by Berkeley Electric Co-Op
Water service by John IS Water Co
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Welcome to your newly renovated low country paradise. Full list of upgrades in documents. Updated primary bathroom and kitchen, appliances, insulation, encapsulation and the list goes on and on. This lovely 3b/2b home was a former schoolhouse that was converted to a home in the 90's. Not only does this home have some of the best sunsets on Johns Island, but you will be owning a piece of history. Massive 2 car garage, large enough for your bay boat or skiff to enjoy the Limehouse boat ramp, less than .5 mile away. The garage has been stubbed for plumbing. The primary bedroom, boasts a custom bath as well as a screen porch for enjoying nature right out of your bedroom. Tucked against the marsh, watch birds, deer and fish from right outside your door.
Charleston Trident MLS #24010603
Sep 17, 2024
Sold
$517,300
$341/sq ft
Aug 8, 2024
Contingent
—
Jul 25, 2024
Price Changed
$550,000
$362/sq ft
Jun 27, 2024
Price Changed
$575,000
$379/sq ft
Jun 19, 2024
Relisted
—
Jun 17, 2024
Contingent
—
May 12, 2024
Price Changed
$599,000
$394/sq ft
Apr 27, 2024
Listed
$625,000
$411/sq ft
+60
This beautiful, three bedroom two bath is situated on the marsh and nestled among 3 grand oaks at the head of Johns Island. This home was originally a schoolhouse that was converted into a beautiful oasis. The primary bedroom, boasts a custom bath as well as a screen porch for enjoying nature right out of your bedroom. The large back deck is great for barbecuing and enjoying the Lowcountry sunsets. Just across the road is the Limehouse boat launch and the oversized garage is the perfect place to store your boats, and cars while still having a workshop. Don't let this one get away from you, it is truly a Lowcountry gem
Public Records
Jan 17, 2001
Sold
$65,000
$43/sq ft
Public Records
Apr 5, 1991
Sold
$44,500
$29/sq ft
Public Records
May 11, 1989
Sold
$37,000
$24/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$7,432 (+1,336.6%)
$117,000 + $400,000
$517,000
2022
$517 (−4.1%)
$59,107 + $41,978
$101,085
2021
$540 (−2.2%)
2020
$552 (+10.8%)
2018
$498 (+1.6%)
2017
$490 (+4.3%)
2016
$470 (−2.7%)
2013
$483
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
3
Baths
2
Stories
1
Lot width
112 ft.
Lot depth
130 ft.
Lot size
0.32 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
939
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
939
Year built
1953
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Charleston County
APN
2830000231
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 14, 2026.
RR
Rural Residential District
The RR, Rural Residential Zoning District implements the Rural Residential policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Group
Housing-Single unit
Infrastructure
Educational/school
Fire house
Library
Museum / gallery
Police station
Climate risks
8/10 Flood Factor
Estimated 80%+ chance of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
3/10 Fire Factor
0.15% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
9/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 106° expected this year, 18 days in 30 years
9/10 Wind Factor
99% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
2 unhealthy days expected this year, 2 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Johns Island, SC • 29455
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
56
37
61
44
71
52
76
60
81
68
87
74
90
78
85
74
82
70
75
60
70
53
60
43
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
95/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
8.7 hrs
5.5 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 538 River Rd
$536,775
$13K under list price of $550K
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $398K to $730K.