IslandVibesIOP.com 22 of the hustle and bustle of things in my eyesight anywhere else, it is like a meditation to be able to look in the distance and just see the blank canvas of the ocean, the sky and clouds. I especially love spending time at the beach with my family and our dog, Bailey.” Erin is a realtor with The Boulevard Company and she and Donovan keep a close eye on all things real estate on the island. She mused, “It is very exciting to think about owning a house on the Isle of Palms that we could invite our friends and family to visit, just like we have rented so many over the years for vacations and staycations. We have had people travel in from California to Texas to inland South Carolina to join us at the Isle of Palms.” Erin described her family memories at the Isle of Palms as amazing, including spending time at Breach Inlet, where she feels especially connected to her late mother, Eloise. “It is truly a sacred spot for me. It was one of our favorite places to spend time together. We used to love to go and feel the breeze in our hair, put our feet in the sand and look for dolphins and other marine life. I feel truly grateful to live so close to a place that means this much to me and my family. Although I am originally from Houston, Texas, I am so grateful the Coast Guard brought me to this beautiful place.” Erin discussed the differences she has noticed on the island since first discovering it. “The crowds may be larger, but the ocean is still the same. She still feels like home. She is like a best friend waiting for me to visit. The salty air, the sound of the waves breaking along the shoreline, the Erin served in the Coast Guard for 21 years, and after being stationed in Charleston and visiting the Isle of Palms for vacations, she and her husband Donovan decided to put down roots in Mount Pleasant in 2013 and have never looked back. Erin explained, “Mount Pleasant and the barrier islands are our home.” The Ledfords’ children, Vaughn and Liam, have been visiting the island since they were babies. Vaughn, 17, and Liam, 15, enjoy boogie boarding, body surfing and spending time at the beach with their friends. Erin continued, “Anytime I visit any new place, I like to find the local beaches. Although we are blessed with many great beaches in the Charleston area, Isle of Palms is my personal favorite. I love that you can find areas of the beach that fit any mood you are in. If I am feeling more social, I love going to the Front Beach area. If I am looking for a bit more solitude, I love walking along the Breach Inlet area or farther down the island toward Wild Dunes. I love walking on the beach regardless of the season and just taking in the sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean air and feeling the breeze on my skin. I find looking across the ocean to be therapeutic. It is like taking a visual break. Instead seagulls hoping I will accidentally drop a piece of my sandwich, the excitement of spotting a dolphin, the flights of pelicans up above, the sound of kids laughing and having fun, meeting dogs out for a stroll; there is nothing like island life! I am beyond grateful for all of my past memories and future experiences at IOP.” Erin Healey Ledford, retired United States Coast Guard commander, spoke of her time on the Isle of Palms with a quiet reverence. “I first visited the Isle of Palms during the summer of 1997 when I was assigned to the United States Coast Guard cutter Madrona. I had just graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy and received two-year orders to the cutter. Madrona was stationed in Charleston along Tradd Street, and I loved visiting the various beaches when I was not on duty or underway on the ship.” REAL ESTATE Protecting Paradise Coast Guard retiree calls Charleston home base By Laura Fogarty Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, 3 Cross Lane is a short walk to both the beach and marina. Immaculately landscaped on a corner lot, this home is built with insulated concrete form construction (ICF), which offers superior strength, energy efficiency, exceptional durability and hurricane resistance. With over 5,000 square feet, 3 Cross Lane features a mother-in-law suite with separate entrance, four bedrooms, three full baths, two half baths and a dedicated office. In the gourmet kitchen you will find an expansive quartz island, Thermador appliances, custom cabinets and a walk-in pantry. Step into the living room to enjoy the remote-controlled fireplace and an updated wet bar. The upstairs primary suite feels like a private retreat with a secluded balcony, spa-like bathtub and a custom walk-in closet. Outdoor relaxing and entertaining are peaceful and easy with a heated saltwater pool, putting green and plenty of outdoor living space complete with a 2,500-square-foot rooftop terrace. Offered at $3,495,000, this fully furnished, turnkey home is ready for its new owners. 3 Cross Lane is presented by Annmarie Bailey of The Boulevard Company. To schedule a private showing of this stunning, quintessential coastal home, please contact Annmarie at 631-338-1884 or closedbyannmarie@gmail.com. Coastal Comfort 3 Cross Lane By Laura Fogarty Donovan and Erin Ledford
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