Cliffwood, known as Cliffwood Estates, is a small gated luxury enclave of custom homes set on large lots along the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach’s north-end Dunes corridor. With only about a dozen estate properties on lots of roughly 1.5 acres and larger, it is one of the most private and exclusive addresses on the upper Strand, drawing buyers who want acreage, water frontage, and a gated setting in a community small enough that no two homes feel alike.
About Cliffwood
Cliffwood Estates is defined by scale and scarcity. Where most Grand Strand communities are measured in hundreds or thousands of homes, Cliffwood holds only about twelve, set on estate lots that run from roughly 1.5 acres to more than two acres along the Intracoastal Waterway near Grande Dunes Boulevard. That low density is the entire point: the community offers a level of privacy and lot size that the denser gated resorts cannot match.
Cliffwood sits on the far north end of the city of Myrtle Beach, in the upper Grande Dunes and Dunes corridor near the North Myrtle Beach line. The enclave is minutes from the Dunes Club and Pine Lakes courses, the Grande Dunes amenities and Marina, and Restaurant Row, while keeping North Myrtle Beach an easy drive up Highway 17. Buyers should confirm the precise municipal address and tax jurisdiction for any specific lot.
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.
Cliffwood Estates (Q2 2026)
Large custom estate homes, traditional in style
Intracoastal Waterway corridor, heavily wooded
Figures reflect early-2026 market conditions and are updated regularly, so ask Phil about current availability. With only around a dozen custom homes, Cliffwood Estates rarely has properties on the market. Home values are influenced by lot size, proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway, and the quality of the home’s design, finishes, and updates. Since every property is unique, buyers should evaluate each home on its own merits. The luxury buying guide offers helpful tips for evaluating custom luxury homes like these.
Schools
Cliffwood is served by Horry County Schools on the Myrtle Beach-area attendance track. Its location near a boundary between attendance zones means families should confirm current zoning for a specific address directly with Horry County Schools before buying.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- Large estate lots on the waterway corridor — roughly 1.5-acre and larger lots with mature landscaping and tree canopies, several with Intracoastal Waterway proximity, delivering privacy that denser communities cannot.
- Gated entry and exclusivity — a small gated enclave of about a dozen homes keeps the community private and quiet.
- Surrounded by top golf and minutes from the beach — the upper Dunes corridor places Cliffwood near several of the region’s best golf courses, with the oceanfront a short drive away.
- Grande Dunes and Dunes Club proximity — minutes from the Grande Dunes Marina, the Dunes Club and Pine Lakes courses, and Restaurant Row.
HOA and community details
Cliffwood Estates is a small gated community with a simple HOA that maintains the entrance and shared common areas. Since each home sits on a large custom homesite, buyers should focus as much on the individual property as the community itself. Before closing, review the HOA details, along with any information about waterway access, dock rights, lot boundaries, and septic or sewer service, where applicable.
Buying in a market this small
With only about a dozen custom homes, Cliffwood Estates rarely has properties available for sale. Home values depend more on lot size, privacy, waterway access, and the quality of the home’s construction and finishes than on recent comparable sales. Because every property is unique, buyers should carefully evaluate features like outdoor living spaces, landscaping, and any waterfront or dock rights. If you’re considering Cliffwood, it’s best to check current availability with Phil, as homes don’t come on the market often.
Why buyers choose Cliffwood
Cliffwood Estates appeals to buyers looking for privacy, larger homesites, and custom luxury homes in a gated setting near the Intracoastal Waterway. Its limited number of homes and spacious lots make it one of the most exclusive neighborhoods along the Grand Strand. Buyers often compare Cliffwood with the established luxury of The Dunes Club or the historic golf community of Pine Lakes. If you’re exploring private luxury neighborhoods across the area, the gated and golf communities guide is a helpful resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
