Weekend Living In Windermere By The Sea
February 19, 2026
February 19, 2026
Craving an easy beach escape that doesn’t require a flight or a packed itinerary? If you’re eyeing a low‑stress second home for family weekends and summer memories, Windermere By The Sea inside Kingston Plantation deserves a closer look. You’ll enjoy short walks to the sand, resort pools that keep kids happy, and townhome‑style condos built for hosting. This guide walks you through travel times, the on‑site lifestyle, home types, rental notes, and a smart buyer checklist so you can plan weekends with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Windermere By The Sea sits within Kingston Plantation, a gated oceanfront resort community in Myrtle Beach’s north end. While many Windermere buildings are not direct oceanfront, the appeal is clear: you’re within a short walk to the beach and surrounded by resort amenities. The larger Kingston setting includes pools, restaurants, and fitness and spa services that make weekends feel turnkey. You can get a feel for the resort’s layout and vibe on the official Kingston site at Kingston Resorts.
You can reach Myrtle Beach for a weekend without overthinking logistics. The area is a true drive market from both Columbia and Charlotte. Visit Myrtle Beach’s driving guide puts Columbia at about 148 miles and Charlotte at about 174 miles from the Grand Strand. In practice, plan on roughly 2.5 to 4 hours depending on your exact start point and traffic.
If you prefer to fly, Myrtle Beach International (MYR) offers direct routes from select cities, and Kingston Plantation is a short drive from the airport. It’s an easy handoff from plane to pool.
Water time is a big part of Kingston’s draw. The resort’s Currents seaside area features multiple pools, kid zones, slides, cabanas, and seasonal programming that make it easy to keep everyone entertained. Review hours and access details on the resort’s page for Currents seaside entertainment. During peak months, some pool and waterpark access follows wristband rules for registered hotel guests and participating owner programs, so it pays to confirm what your unit includes.
Need a reset between beach sessions? The Landing complex at Kingston offers Spa33 and 78Fitness, with a full slate of services and programming. You can see what’s available through Kingston’s amenities overview. For many owners, this solves the classic weekend question of where to work out or unwind without leaving the property.
Part of the weekend appeal is not having to cook every meal. On site, you’ll find casual oceanfront dining, pub fare near the pools, and hotel restaurants like Cafe Amalfi, Coastal Grill at Embassy Suites, and Black Drum Brewing. For nights in, most Windermere units include full kitchens and dining areas sized for simple family meals.
The Grand Strand makes it easy to pair resort time with a fun outing. Within a short drive you can reach shopping at Tanger Outlets, waterfront strolling and dining at Barefoot Landing, and seasonal events at Broadway at the Beach. Classic Lowcountry day trips like Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk and Brookgreen Gardens add variety when you want a change of scenery. You won’t need to plan far ahead to build a full but relaxed weekend.
Windermere By The Sea is known for 2‑ and 4‑bedroom townhome‑style condos. Many offer multi‑level layouts with two‑story living rooms, screened porches, and, in some cases, second‑floor decks. Typical sizes often run around 1,200 to 1,400 square feet for 2‑bed plans and up to roughly 2,000 square feet for 4‑bed townhomes. The look is often described as coastal cottage or “Nantucket‑style,” with front porches and assigned or carport parking in many buildings.
Inside, full kitchens and open living areas make hosting simple. Loft spaces or secondary living zones are common and help larger groups spread out. Screened porches are a favorite for evening drinks or a quiet coffee before the beach. These layouts are designed for families or multi‑generational stays that want more space than a single hotel room.
Recent market activity shows 2‑bedroom Windermere units selling in the mid‑$400,000s in 2025, including one example at about $465,000 in March 2025. Larger 4‑bedroom end‑unit townhomes have sold higher, with examples in recent years above $600,000. As of early 2026, snapshots show average asking prices for the subset in the low‑to‑mid $400,000s. Final values vary by building, updates, and proximity to the ocean.
Monthly HOA dues for 2‑bed units commonly land around the $600 range, with higher dues for larger 4‑bed buildings depending on what is included. Always request the current HOA budget, reserve study, and any pending assessments so you can underwrite carrying costs with confidence.
If you are considering renting to offset costs, look closely at demand and comps before you buy. Local snapshots suggest annual condo occupancy often runs in the 40 to 65 percent range, with average daily rates that vary by bedroom count and proximity to the ocean. Summer months drive most of the revenue. For a deeper read on performance trends, see the rental demand signals for Windermere By The Sea. That same recap notes the Grand Strand’s strong 2024 visitation at about 18.2 million visitors, which helps explain the area’s seasonal energy.
Legal use depends on where the property sits and what the governing documents allow. The City of Myrtle Beach regulates short‑term rentals through zoning, business licensing, and local accommodations tax collection. A helpful operator overview of city rules and licensing reminders is available here: Myrtle Beach rental regulations summary. On the tax side, South Carolina applies state sales and accommodations taxes to stays under 90 days, and local jurisdictions may add hospitality or accommodations taxes. Read a simple breakdown in this guide to South Carolina short‑term rental taxes. Platforms may remit some taxes, but you remain responsible for compliance.
Amenity access at Kingston varies by building and program. Some pools and water features prioritize hotel guests or participating owners during peak times, and wristbands may be required. Before you close, confirm what your specific Windermere address includes for you and your guests. The resort’s Currents page is a good place to start, then ask the HOA or Owner Services for written confirmation.
Use this checklist to keep your weekend home search focused and stress‑free:
Late spring through summer brings the most activity across the Grand Strand, with June and July typically at their liveliest. Spring golf season and fall events create steady shoulder demand, while winter trends quieter and friendly to long weekends and snowbirds. That rhythm pairs well with a second‑home plan where your peak family trips land in summer and your quiet recharge weekends happen in fall and winter. Strong annual visitation supports the area’s long‑running popularity, which you can see in the Windermere rental demand overview.
If weekend living near the ocean sounds right for your family, let’s map out a plan that fits your timing and budget. From narrowing the best buildings for your walk‑to‑beach preference to reviewing HOA and rental rules, you’ll have clear guidance at each step. Reach out to Mackenzie Robertson to schedule a free, no‑pressure consultation and start planning your first easy beach weekend.
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