If you’ve ever dreamed of living in an Amanda Lindroth-designed beach house, The Dunlin may be as close as it gets. This Auberge Resorts Collection gem stands as a luminous ode to Southern coastal elegance, nestled within the pristine, marsh-laced expanse of the Kiawah River. Just 20 miles from Charleston, this modern riverfront retreat embodies an effortless harmony between contemporary luxury and the timeless rhythms of the Sea Islands. Every design detail, from the silhouette of its porches to the textures of its interiors, tells a story of understated refinement and reverence for the landscape.
“When we were asked to work with Auberge Resorts Collection to design The Dunlin, it was a bit of a dream come true for me and my team,” says Lindroth. “Set on Kiawah River, the location is a magical, preserved estuary with 100-year-old trees and full-on nature. In collaboration with the Auberge creative team, The Beach Company and the architects, we dreamt of a place inspired by the most beloved summer houses of another era. The result is a timeless place for families to enjoy this untouched setting in a place created to fit into but not grab attention away from the natural beauty.”
Nestled along the Kiawah River, The Dunlin is just 20 miles from Charleston.
At the heart of The Dunlin’s architectural vision is a seamless interplay between past and present. Renowned architect Robert Glazier has crafted a retreat that exudes the warmth of a traditional Southern summer home while embracing modern, sustainable luxury. The buildings rise gently from the land, their gabled roofs and sweeping verandas echoing the historic residences of the region. Thoughtful spatial planning ensures that natural light and river breezes become integral to the experience, inviting guests to embrace the tempo of coastal life.
Craft cocktails celebrate the spirit of the Lowcountry
Step inside, and the interiors by Lindroth unfold as a love letter to island aesthetics. Each of the 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites reflects the effortless sophistication of Lowcountry living, where textures and tones coalesce into an ambiance of soft serenity. Honey oak floors, painted in a sun-kissed finish, provide a warm foundation, while a palette of whitewashed neutrals, mint-green accents and batikprinted textiles infuse spaces with a gentle vibrancy. Wicker and rattan furnishings lend a tactile quality, their craftsmanship whispering of the hands that wove them.
Enjoy an afternoon picnic under ancient oak branches
“We dreamt of a place inspired by the most beloved summer houses of another era.” –AMANDA LINDROTH
The accommodations are designed to feel like private retreats within a grander sanctuary. Each cottage-inspired room opens onto a generous porch, framed by breezy curtains that catch the golden light of dawn and the hush of twilight. Morning coffee here is a ritual, a moment of stillness against the ever-changing canvas of the river. In the signature Sweetbay Suite, indulgence reaches new heights with a wraparound veranda, an indoor fireplace and an outdoor soaking tub—a private reverie beneath the open sky.
Pop-up farm dinners and riverside oyster roasts celebrate the region’s culinary delights.
Beyond the guest rooms, The Dunlin’s public spaces echo the same thoughtful approach. The River House, the beating heart of the resort, invites guests into a world of casual elegance. Its wraparound porch, adorned with classic rocking chairs and lantern-lit nooks, evokes the languid charm of a bygone era. Within, the Willet Room bar offers an intimate respite, where the deep hues of aged wood and plush leather seating create an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Just beyond, Linnette’s, the signature restaurant, captivates with its open kitchen, sweeping river views and wood-fired seafood dishes.
Wicker and rattan furnishings, mintgreen accents and batikprinted textiles infuse spaces with a chic, coastal ease
The Dunlin’s outdoor spaces dissolve the boundaries between interior and exterior, blurring the lines between curated luxury and the raw beauty of the landscape. The Cove, a riverfront pool oasis, channels the nostalgia of a midcentury beach club, complete with private cabanas, a roaming snow cone cart and unexpected delights (think boozy popsicles). Nearby, the Aster Spa embraces the region’s botanical wealth, incorporating local honey and flora into its treatments, ensuring that wellness here is not just an experience but an immersion into the healing properties of the land itself.
With every carefully chosen element, The Dunlin offers an enduring homage to the art of coastal living. It is a place where architecture, design and nature converse in quiet harmony—a retreat that is both intimate and expansive, familiar yet transformative. In a sanctuary along the Kiawah River, luxury is defined by the quiet, deliberate moments that turn a stay into something magical.
