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Supplements: A love letter to Rivière House, from current owners Mr. and Mrs. Gates:"I can still recall the breathtaking view that greeted me as I brushed aside the low hanging vines from the hundred year old live oak trees that populated the point where our home in Colleton River now stands. The vast expanse of golden marsh grass waving in the gentle breez ... (Read more) A love letter to Rivière House, from current owners Mr. and Mrs. Gates:"I can still recall the breathtaking view that greeted me as I brushed aside the low hanging vines from the hundred year old live oak trees that populated the point where our home in Colleton River now stands. The vast expanse of golden marsh grass waving in the gentle breeze bordered by the deep blue waters of the Colleton River were a scene that my wife and I would come to enjoy every day for the next 20 years. On the far side of the river a dense forest of trees stood as a backdrop for the marsh, and stretching above them, white pillow clouds gently floated in the sky. It was so tranquil that I sat down beneath one of the oak trees that are presently in the court yard and took in the amazing sights and sounds that surrounded me. As the sun began to set I was mesmerized by the palette of colors that were cast upon the river and marsh. The scenery began to take on life. Birds began their search for an evening meal and fish could be heard jumping in the still water of the slack tide. A family of Dolphins gracefully plied their way up river and a mother raccoon with three little ones worked their way along the riverbank.This was our second house in Colleton River. Not a day has gone by that we were not thankful to own this pristine property and call "Rivière" our Home.Having lived in the Hilton Head area we had become familiar with Kermit Huggins unique architecture. His signature use of standing seam hip roofs atop a free flowing contemporary design always seemed to blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Each of his homes is an original creation designed to complement the natural features of the property. To that end Kermit placed the house around the two live oaks in the courtyard, leaving two others as sentry's along the driveway. The orientation of the house minimizes exposure to the afternoon sun yet preserves the spectacular view of our low country sunsets. The elevation of the home, as seen from the water, is an imposing landmark identifying the entrance to the Colleton River.Our only guidance to Kermit was to have an impressive entrance and panoramic views wherever you walked in the house. Kermit's ideas of free flowing space with high ceilings made the house very comfortable and accommodative for social gatherings. For us, the size of the property, the siting of the home and its design features, gave us unprecedented privacy to enjoy the low country lifestyle at Colleton River.Mornings were always my favorite time of day. I would make a cup of coffee, grab the morning paper and go sit on one of the courtyard decks. As the morning sun filtered through the oak trees I would watch the squirrels scurry through the branches, chattering as they foraged for a morning meal. Soon Osprey and Eagles would dot the sky, soaring effortlessly over the marsh looking for their prey. It was a quiet time to observe and enjoy nature awakening.Afternoons were a time to decompress from the day's physical activity by lounging poolside. The orientation of the house afforded maximum privacy, a panoramic view of the water and a constant breeze that gently flowed across the property. Occasionally a tropical thunderstorm could be seen building on the unobstructed horizon. Cumulus clouds would stack high in the sky to form thunderheads. Bolts of lightning would flash to earth followed by a distant crack of thunder. At night these storms would light up the sky offering a visual display of nature's power all of which we could witness from any room in our home.Rain or shine, "Rivière House" provided our family the space and security to enjoy life in the low country. We have no regrets and we hope whoever purchases the property enjoys it as much as we did."