Unique retreat: Winyah Bay Club boasts cottages, amazing waterfront views

Unique retreat: Winyah Bay Club boasts cottages, amazing waterfront views

Published July 11, 2025

When Buddy Hucks and Perry Collins bought scenic waterfront property on the Pee Dee River in Georgetown 23 years ago, they had a vision of creating a fishing village with detached cottages and boat slips.

Over the years, that vision evolved into the Winyah Bay Club, the just-opened and the latest vacation-rental property on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®. The new family-friendly retreat includes 17 two-story cottages, an outdoor cookout/entertainment area, a pool, a dock with a gazebo, and, of course, boat slips. With its opening, even more accommodations are available on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®, which Travel+Leisure Magazine calls an “underrated coastal region in South Carolina with pristine beaches, tasty local seafood … that’s still uncrowded.”

“Our vision for the property drifted away from the fishing village concept and became more family-oriented,” Hucks said. “It’s still great for boaters and fishermen, but it appeals to a much broader market and is also perfect for weddings, family reunions, golf groups, and company retreats.”

Hucks, who grew up in Georgetown, and Collins, who lives in Georgetown, are co-owners of the property with Billy Owens, also of Georgetown, Dan Mace, Sachin Patel, and Amit Patel. Owens says they are all excited to offer the public this unique and versatile option where people can create their own experience.

“Our cottages offer breathtaking waterfront views and boat slip access to embark on your boating adventures,” Owens said. “On-site amenities, including a private dock, concierge services, and a relaxing outdoor lounge, ensure your every need is met.”

He said that the Winyah Bay Club can be accessed by land (Highway 17) and also by water (the Intracoastal Waterway). Cottages can be booked nightly, and walk-ins are welcome, when vacancies allow.

The Winyah Bay Club is the latest in new and imaginative accommodations to open in or near Georgetown. In 2024, The George, a boutique hotel, opened on Front Street on the site of the former offices of The Georgetown Times. It’s the first Front Street hotel in nearly 60 years. Earlier this year, Wicklow Hall, an eight-room boutique bed-and-breakfast nestled beneath centuries-old oaks on an 11-acre historic property once owned by the DuPont family that features a main inn, three cottages, and sprawling gardens.

All three properties – The George, Wicklow Hall and the Winyah Bay Club – offer unique accommodations and can cater to groups and wedding parties.

Al Joseph, Main Street director for the City of Georgetown’s Planning and Community Development Department, said Winyah Bay Club is a welcome addition to Georgetown.

“With the redevelopment of the Steel Mill and the future dredging of the inner harbor, we will see a steep increase in maritime visitor traffic and the Winyah Bay Club fits in perfectly with this,” he said. “By offering short-term rentals at a property right on the water, it appeals to multiple visitor demographics.”  

Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and the Hammock Coast, said he is thrilled about Winyah Bay Club opening in historic Georgetown.

“Visitors to the Hammock Coast have so many wonderful options when choosing a place to stay on vacation, including rental houses, condominiums, and hotels,” he said. “With the new addition of Winyah Bay Club, there’s another new and exciting choice near historic Georgetown to make their stay a memorable one.”

Cottages

Each of the 14 waterfront cottages offers amazing waterfront views. On the bottom floor, there are two master bedrooms with private bathrooms. The top floor of each cottage has a kitchenette, a half-bath, a living room area and a large porch overlooking the river. The three non-waterfront cottages look out onto the pool and deck but have no porches. They have two master bedrooms downstairs, but those rooms share a bathroom. Upstairs has the same layout as the waterfront cottages.

“The inverted floor plans are designed to give the living rooms the best view from the porch,” Hucks said. “The sunset is beautiful over the river.”

Cottages rent for $400-500 per night and include boat-slip access and use of the outside cookout area. All 17 cottages can be rented altogether at a lower cost per unit. The sleeping capacity is about 75, Hucks said. Rentals are handled through Peace Vacations.

Outside cookout area

The outside cookout area features a kitchen that can be used by guests or local caterers, as well as grills and a griddle that can be fired up for a wide array of cuisine, including steaks and burgers. The outdoor area can accommodate 40-50 people, so it is ideal for family reunions, business groups, and wedding receptions.

“There is just something about eating outside in the coastal environment,” Owens said. “This outside area gives guests the ability to have cookouts and enjoy their food while feeling the light breeze coming off the river.”

He said that the Winyah Bay Club partners with local caterers, including Frank’s on Front and Get Carried Away Southern Market and Takeout, both in Georgetown and, like the Winyah Bay Club, members of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. And they are open to working with other local caterers, too.

Dock and gazebo

The Winyah Bay Club has a large dock that leads to more than 20 boat slips, each equipped with water and electricity. There is also a large gazebo with fish cleaning stations and comfortable seats to take in the spectacular view, Owens said.

Hucks said the club will host two inshore fishing tournaments this year: the Elite Redfish Series on Sept. 28, 2025, and the Southern Redfish Cup on Nov. 8, 2025.

“We are proud to host those tournaments, which will be big events for Georgetown,” Hucks said. “And that is just the beginning.”

Stevie Owens, daughter of Billy Owens, is in charge of marketing for Winyah Bay Club. She said with Winyah Bay Club’s close proximity to historic Georgetown and easy access to the Pee Dee River, local shops, dining, and other attractions, it strikes the perfect balance of charm, comfort and convenience.

“Just minutes from the area’s most popular event venues, Winyah Bay Club is ideal for weddings, reunions, or group getaways,” she said. “And don’t forget, the entire property can be rented for a truly immersive Hammock Coast experience.”

Winyah Bay Club is located at 114 Church St., Georgetown. For more information about Winyah Bay Club, click here. For rentals, call Peace Vacations at 843-979-2700.

By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®