$21 Million South Carolina Beach House With a Fascinating Tie to President Biden Becomes State’s Most Expensive Listing

A Kiawah Island, SC, mansion that boasts a staggering price tag and an intriguing link to President Joe Biden is the most expensive home listing in the Palmetto State after hitting the market for $21 million.

The 10,500-square-foot, oceanfront property is owned by Maria Allwin, widow of late hedge fund founder James Allwin. This remarkable spread offers every imaginable presidential-caliber amenity, which came in handy when the current president jetted into South Carolina on Air Force One for a stay at the luxury residence back in the summer of 2022. He arrived with his scandal-ridden son, Hunter, the New York Post reported.

But if the presidential seal of approval doesn’t tickle a deep-pocketed buyer’s fancy, the property’s close proximity to several of South Carolina’s most exclusive golf clubs and beach resorts might get the job done.

Located about 25 miles from Charleston, Kiawah Island is home to a number of other multimillion-dollar estates. A current count shows eight other homes with price tags of at least $10 million, all within walking distance of this property.

This particularly pricey estate, which was built in 1993, boasts nine bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms, and a seriously grand great room.

The design bona fides are legit here as the dwelling was created by well-known architecture firm Shope Reno Wharton, whose work has appeared in Architectural Digest.

No detail was overlooked. From the copper roof and twin chimneys to the limestones stairs and piazzas, the design is exquisite. The 2.5-story great room is breathtaking, with its barrel-shaped cathedral ceiling, fireplace, white-oak flooring, and huge windows showcasing the Atlantic.

One side of home is for the public, and the other side is for staff.  As the listing details state, “The east wing of the main level is devoted to the home chef and entertaining areas, along with an au pair bedroom suite and a spacious, sunlit breakfast room with floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides overlooking the sea and terrace.”

Avid home cooks will be thrilled by the Viking cooktop with a griddle and six burners, a Traulsen commercial-grade refrigerator, hidden Bosch dishwasher, a butler’s pantry, and multiple sinks—even one just for veggies!

There’s a private side staircase that leads to the primary suite, but the three-story home is also equipped with an elevator. On the western side, there’s a home study with another fireplace and glass-front, lighted, built-in cabinets. Some of the guest suites on this side, and all the bedrooms, are large enough to accommodate king-size beds.

Outside, a private boardwalk leads to the beach and ocean, but you can easily wile away the hours closer to the mansion by the pool and large cabana.

But buyers should be aware, the pricey home’s also been the subject of litigation regarding potential mold damage and defects in the construction. For a buyer willing to spend $21 million, it’s likely worth splurging on the best home inspector money can buy.

The property first rose to prominence in 2022, when it was reported that Biden had asked owner and Democratic donor Allwin if he and his son could stay at her the property—having previously been invited as a guest in the past.

“They stayed [there] before and they’re not paying,” a source told the Post at the time. “They’ve never paid. They’re just friends.”