Architecture & Design // 3 min Read

The Heart of It

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Ask around about what makes Moreland Village so special. Some people would say the land—the crops that were grown here and the families that they fed. Others might remember a field along the marsh that was once known as the best dove hunting spot not only in the state of South Carolina, but in the country. The 1,184-acre parcel purchased by Richard Proctor in 1774 has served in various capacities in the years since its purchase, but one thing has remained the same: it has always been about the land.

The interior designers of The Boundary and the Outfitters, J. Banks Design, strived to make the interiors of the social hub feel like the original gathering space from years ago. They wanted to create something that felt very authentic to the Lowcountry and made the space feel as though the outdoors were inside with you. Anchoring the interior decor is the custom art that J. Banks procured from a variety of talented artists in the area. Natural materials partnered with bold colors and different media created a space that brought the outdoors in through a natural transition.

A BOLD STREAK

As guests walk in the front door of The Boundary, they are immediately drawn to the stunning oil painting that stretches across the fireplace mantel. These bold colors created and painted by renowned Lowcountry artist Betty Anglin Smith were inspired by the surrounding coastal sunsets. As the largest piece Smith has ever created, this canvas stretched over multiple easels in her studio while she painted it. Joni Vanderslice of J. Banks saw Smith’s work as the perfect complement to the handmade tabby walls of The Boundary.

AN EYE FROM ABOVE

Mary Edna Fraser began photographing landscapes out of her grandfather’s 1946 Ercoupe plane when she was young. To create her beautiful aerial works of art, Fraser studies the geography and topography of an area, as well as maps, charts, and satellite images and then applies this research to her photography. An aerial photo taken by Crescent Communities inspired Vanderslice to bring Fraser in on The Boundary design project to recreate that old photo of the signature Lowcountry landscape from above. To proportionately cover the large wall of The Boundary dining room, Fraser created the photo by changing her medium to fit the scale of the space and the artwork. This gorgeous aerial photograph brings a different outdoor perspective to the dining room while still capturing the Lowcountry.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

Created by South Carolina resident Travis Hayes Folk of New World Cartography, this hand-designed map injects the charm of something old into this fresh, new space. In what Vanderslice describes as a grounding effect, this map gives a location to Moreland Village and demonstrates its location as the anchor for the place. Folk’s method of taking current property and pairing it with old landmarks while focusing on the details in the hand drawing and hand coloring creates a stunning work of art.

A TOUCH OF 3-D

For The Boundary’s signature bowling alley, the elongated lanes needed a special trademark on the far wall. A long wall and an even longer space between demanded a piece with extra depth and detail. Artist and sculptor Joe Thompson grew up in Athens, Georgia, and was a woodworker while he attended the University of Georgia. His talents flourished as he attended Clemson University to complete his Master of Fine Arts in sculpture. Thompson created this unique sculpture based off natural Lowcountry scenery and is nearly 22 feet wide and over eight feet tall. Pieced together with small pieces of wood, this masterpiece took over 800 hours to complete.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

As guests move toward the Outfitters, the art of Moreland Village seems to move as well. Gracing the ceilings of the Outfitters are the works of Daufuskie local Chase Allen. Allen traded the corporate boardroom for the simple island life in 2001 and that mentality is felt throughout his art. Designed to feel as if they are flying through the air, these birds are perfectly situated at different heights, bringing more depth to the work. The natural feel of the birds flying in from outside brings the artwork of the Outfitters alive.

By: Sarah Grubbs

Photos by: Rod Pasibe & Krisztian Lonyai%GALLERY%

Culture
Chef Beth’s Southern Sausage & Sage Stuffing

Warm, fragrant, and deeply comforting, Chef Beth’s Southern Sausage & Sage Stuffing is a holiday classic that brings together rich pork sausage, fresh herbs, and toasted bread for the ultimate savory side dish. Studded with green apples and aromatic vegeta...

Dec 2025

Conservation
Naturally Festive: Palmetto Bluff’s Native Pines and Berries

As December settles over Palmetto Bluff, it brings softer light, cooler mornings, and the natural beauty of native evergreens and winter berries that define the Lowcountry landscape. Palmetto Bluff Conservancy’s Education and Outreach Manager, Aaron Palmieri, ...

Dec 2025

Club Life
2025: A Year of New Beginnings and Continued Discovery

In 2025, Palmetto Bluff welcomed new neighbors and old friends, groundbreakings, and long-awaited openings. From inspired Club gatherings and elevated programming to the creation of our latest golf course, the year was defined by connection and excitement for ...

Dec 2025

Real Estate
Three Homes With Views to Elevate Mind & Mood

There is something serene about waking up to shimmering water, the stillness of the woods, or the sweep of marsh and sky right outside your window. Even without stepping outside, science shows that simply seeing nature from home can meaningfully improve mental...

Dec 2025
Palmetto bluff homes for sale

Real Estate
The Top 8 Benefits of Building on a Homesite

The Ultimate Choice: Building vs Buying a Home in Palmetto Bluff  For those searching for  Palmetto Bluff homes for sale, this common question often arises: Should you choose an existing residence, or embrace the opportunity to build your own? While a complet...

Nov 2025
south carolina winter

Culture
How to Spend a Winter Day in the Lowcountry

A Complete Guide to South Carolina Winter at Palmetto Bluff  South Carolina's winter is unlike any other on the East Coast. While many travelers search for “South Carolina winter” expecting cooler temperatures and limited outdoor options, the Lowcountry revea...

Nov 2025
palmetto bluff real estate

Real Estate
Real Estate Spotlight: Discover River Road

River Road: Where Lowcountry Beauty Meets Elevated Everyday Living  Tucked gracefully between Wilson Village and Moreland Village, River Road is one of Palmetto Bluff’s most immersive communities. It's where the pace of life seems to soften, classic Southern ...

Nov 2025

Club Life
‘Tis the Season for the Holiday Farmers Market at Palmetto Bluff

Sunday, December 14 | 9am to 1pmVillage GreenThe season’s most festive farmers market, the Holiday Farmers Market, comes to Wilson Village on Sunday, December 14, from 9am to 1pm. All are welcome to visit and experience the magic of holidays at the Bluff. The ...

Nov 2025

Real Estate
Tour This Light-Filled Lowcountry Retreat with a Modern Point of View

Tucked amid whispering pines and overlooking a tranquil water trail, 11 Lyonia Street is where Lowcountry charm meets modern artistry. The newly built residence redefines Southern living with a balance of craftsmanship and calm. This is a home that feels both ...

Nov 2025

Club Life
Home for the Holidays at Palmetto Bluff

The holiday season in the Lowcountry brings crisp air, oaks draped in twinkling lights, and laughter drifting from homes where families and friends gather once again. At Palmetto Bluff, the holidays are more than just a season; they’re a feeling of togethernes...

Nov 2025

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us