Sea Island real estate guide
A private island community built around The Cloister, with a small and highly selective home market.
A short history
Automotive pioneer Howard Coffin bought Sea Island in 1926 and hired architect Addison Mizner to design The Cloister, which opened in 1928. Coffin’s cousin Alfred W. Jones led the Sea Island Company for decades, and the Jones family guided it for generations. After the 2008 financial crisis the company went through bankruptcy in 2010 and was purchased by a group of investors; Anschutz Corp. became the sole owner by 2016. The company also helped preserve coastal history, including the creation of Fort Frederica National Monument.
Buying on Sea Island
Sea Island homes rarely come to market, and each sale is different, from cottages to oceanfront estates. Because so few homes trade, a single sale can swing the monthly median by millions of dollars. Buyers should review club membership options, architectural review rules, insurance and flood requirements and any private road or gate policies. Many sales happen quietly, so it pays to work with an agent who watches the market closely.
Sea Island at a glance
| Location | East of St. Simons Island, Glynn County |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 by Howard Coffin; The Cloister opened 1928 |
| Ownership today | The Sea Island resort is owned by Anschutz Corp. |
| Sales, past 12 months | 38 |
| Active listings (Sept. 2026) | 21 |
| Price range | Monthly medians from about $1.7 million to over $17 million, depending on the few homes sold |
Source: Golden Isles MLS data via Flexmls, residential property, October 2025 through September 2026. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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Can anyone buy a home on Sea Island?
Yes. Homes on Sea Island are privately owned and can be bought and sold through the MLS like other homes. Club membership and resort access are separate from owning a home, so review those terms with your agent.
How many homes sell on Sea Island each year?
About 38 residential properties sold on Sea Island from October 2025 through September 2026, according to Golden Isles MLS data.
Who owns The Cloister at Sea Island?
The Sea Island resort, including The Cloister, has been owned by Anschutz Corp. since 2016.
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