In 1979, Ted Turner bought a 4,680-acre South Carolina barrier island to prevent development; 38 years later he sold it to the state for $4.9 million, about one-third of its appraised value, and it became state parkland

American media mogul Ted Turner has completed the sale of St Phillips Island, a pristine 4,680-acre barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, to the state government for a small part of its market value. The deal transfers ownership of the untouched coastal island to the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for $4.9 million. The purchase price is about one-third of the property’s appraised market value of $14.9 million. This means the remaining value represents a large charitable contribution to the public. The land is near Beaufort and just south of Saint Helena Island. It will now become part of the state park system. Under the agreement, the state plans to protect its sensitive ecosystems while allowing limited public access, educational programmes and eco-tourism opportunities.

Preserving a pristine island

Turner bought St Phillips Island in 1979 to protect it from commercial development. At the time, coastal areas across the American South were seeing rapid residential construction. For nearly four decades, the media mogul and conservationist used the island as a private family retreat. He kept most of the land completely undeveloped. The island has dense maritime forests, salt marshes, tidal creeks and ancient sand dunes. It is home to many wildlife species, including loggerhead sea turtles, fox squirrels, painted buntings and wood storks. According to official property records and statements from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Turner placed the island under a conservation easement held by the Nature Conservancy in 1983. The legal agreement permanently limits future commercial development. It ensures that the natural landscape will remain protected regardless of who owns the property.

Facilities and access plans

The main human structure on the island is a single-storey, five-bedroom home that Turner built for his family. The property also has a manager’s residence, a fishing pier and a small network of dirt trails. The state agency plans to keep these existing structures instead of building new ones. The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism said the main Turner house will be available for private rentals and retreat bookings. The money raised will help pay for the island’s management and upkeep. Public access will be tightly controlled to prevent damage to the environment. The state plans to run guided boat tours from nearby Hunting Island State Park. Small groups of visitors will be able to explore St Phillips Island using hiking trails and boardwalks.

Terms of the state acquisition

Turner and state officials negotiated for several months before completing the final transfer. Funding for the $4.9 million purchase came from a mix of state conservation funds, public grants and park revenue reserves. In a press statement released by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, agency officials confirmed that the deed contains strict conditions. These conditions ensure the island remains dedicated to public enjoyment and natural preservation forever. Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, praised the agreement. He said the acquisition adds a rare gem to the state’s public land network. Parrish noted that obtaining an intact barrier island of this size would normally be financially impossible for a state agency without major philanthropic support from the landowner. Turner, who founded CNN and TBS, has long been one of North America’s largest private landowners. He owns hundreds of thousands of acres across several states that are dedicated to conservation and bison restoration. Representatives for Turner said he was pleased that the island would remain untouched and available to future generations under public management. The park service plans to begin limited public ferry services and guided day trips after safety inspections and basic infrastructure checks are completed.