Ted Turner Sells Pristine Island for Fraction of Value

Media mogul Ted Turner has finalized the sale of St Phillips Island, a 4,680-acre barrier island in South Carolina, to the state government for $4.9 million. This price represents about one-third of the property's appraised market value of $14.9 million, with the difference considered a substantial charitable contribution.

Acquired by Turner in 1979 to safeguard it from commercial development, the island has been a private retreat for nearly four decades. It boasts dense maritime forests, salt marshes, and is a habitat for numerous wildlife species. Turner had placed the island under a conservation easement in 1983, permanently limiting future development.

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism plans to integrate the island into the state park system. Existing structures, including Turner's five-bedroom home, will be maintained and used for private rentals to support upkeep. Limited public access will be facilitated through guided tours from nearby Hunting Island State Park, with strict environmental protections in place.

Officials praised the acquisition, noting the rarity of obtaining such an intact barrier island without significant philanthropic support. Turner, known for his extensive landholdings dedicated to conservation, expressed satisfaction that the island will remain preserved for future generations under public stewardship. Limited public access is expected to begin after safety and infrastructure checks are completed.