Black Creek Plantation is a gated estate community of roughly 250 acres off International Drive in Carolina Forest, built around home sites of one to five acres — with some parcels larger. It enforces a minimum home size of 2,200 square feet, allows horses on lots of two or more upland acres, and borders the Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve. Custom estate homes here generally start in the high $700Ks and run well past $1 million as of Q2 2026.
About Black Creek Plantation
Black Creek Plantation is the rare Grand Strand community built on acreage. While most of Carolina Forest is master-planned at suburban densities, Black Creek occupies about 250 private acres divided into estate lots of one to five acres, with some sites larger still. The result is a gated community that feels more rural than coastal — homes sit well apart, mature trees screen one parcel from the next, and the buyer is purchasing land as much as a house.
The community’s rules reinforce that estate character. A minimum of 2,200 square feet of living space keeps homes substantial, and owners with two or more upland acres may keep a horse — an allowance almost unheard of this close to Myrtle Beach. Black Creek borders the Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve, established in 1989 when roughly 9,000 acres of surrounding timberland were placed into permanent state protection. That conserved border means the green edge along one side of the community is not at the mercy of the next development cycle, and it is a major reason buyers willing to pay for acreage choose here over a larger lot in a conventional subdivision.
The buyer profile is distinct from the rest of Carolina Forest: people who want privacy, land, and a custom estate — often with room for horses or outbuildings — while staying minutes from the beach and the Highway 31 corridor. Many are move-down or move-over buyers from larger Northern or Midwestern properties who are not willing to trade their acreage just to be near the coast.
Real Estate Market
The figures below describe the Aynor market as of Q2 2026. On land and acreage especially, each parcel is distinct; treat these as orientation and ask Phil for the current week’s numbers and a parcel-specific analysis.
Black Creek Plantation (Q2 2026)
~High $700Ks to $1M+ (custom estates)
1 to 5 acres; some parcels larger
2,200 sq ft minimum living space
Horses permitted on 2+ upland acres
Gated; ~250 acres; borders Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve
Home values in Black Creek Plantation depend largely on lot size, acreage, and the size and quality of the custom home. Because there are few comparable estate communities in the area, each property should be evaluated individually rather than by average price per square foot. The luxury buying guide explains what to consider when buying custom homes and large acreage properties.
Since homes in Black Creek Plantation rarely come on the market, buyers should also verify details that can significantly affect value, including whether the property is served by public utilities or well and septic, and how much of the land is usable upland versus protected wetlands. These factors can influence future building plans, outbuildings, and the overall value of the property.
Schools
Black Creek Plantation is served by Horry County Schools within the Carolina Forest attendance cluster: generally an area elementary (River Oaks, Ocean Bay, or Carolina Forest Elementary, depending on the address after recent rezonings), Ten Oaks Middle, and Carolina Forest High. Horry County opened Pine Island Elementary and Ten Oaks Elementary for the 2025-26 school year and redrawn boundaries, so confirm the current assignment with the district before buying.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- Estate acreage — home sites of one to five acres, with some parcels larger, provide genuine space and separation rare on the Grand Strand.
- Equestrian allowance — owners with two or more upland acres may keep a horse, a defining feature that almost no coastal community near Myrtle Beach can offer.
- A protected preserve border — the community adjoins the Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve, a large state-protected wildlife and forest area that buffers it from future development.
- Convenient access — located off International Drive, the community sits minutes from Highway 31 and the Myrtle Beach oceanfront is roughly 15 to 20 minutes away.
Location and what is nearby
Black Creek Plantation offers a peaceful, rural setting while remaining just minutes from Highway 31 via International Drive. Residents enjoy convenient access to Carolina Forest shopping, restaurants, schools, Tanger Outlets, Myrtle Beach International Airport, Conway, and the Grand Strand beaches. It’s one of the few places where you can enjoy several acres of land without being far from everyday conveniences.
HOA and community details
Black Creek Plantation is a gated community with an HOA that maintains the entrance, common areas, and architectural standards. Because homes sit on large custom homesites, property details such as utility service, acreage, fencing, outbuildings, and equestrian use can vary. Before buying, review the HOA guidelines, current dues, and any restrictions that apply to the specific property.
Why buyers choose Black Creek Plantation
Black Creek Plantation is ideal for buyers looking for acreage, privacy, and custom homes in a gated community close to Myrtle Beach. Large homesites and the option for equestrian living make it one of the area’s most distinctive neighborhoods. Buyers often compare it with Waterway Palms Plantation or The Bluffs on the Waterway when deciding between larger estate lots or waterfront living. If you’re comparing gated communities across the Grand Strand, the gated and golf communities guide offers a helpful overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
