own the coast from Charleston lies the pristine jewel of Beaufort, South Carolina’s second oldest city. Known for it’s gracious architecture and rich history, this enchanting city with a small-town feel, is one of three national landmark districts in the state. Last year seven homes sold “north” of $1 million, an increase from the previous year, and this year’s upscale home sales are also strong.

According to Edward Dukes, co-owner and Realtor of Lowcountry Real Estate in Beaufort, homes sales for a million and up don’t shock people anymore.

“We’ve seen the market come up in recent years,” he says. “A million dollar house doesn't make people’s eyes bulge out anymore. The historic Old Point has a number of houses on the market for over a million and last year at least three traded for over $1.2 million.

“Water is the key,” Dukes says. “Any home located on deep water, with a view or access to the water usually brings over $1 million.”

According to Shayne Bell of Tideland Realty, it’s not uncommon to see $1 million home sales in the outlying islands of Beaufort, such as Fripp Island and Lady’s Island, as these areas become more developed.