2014 Kiawah Conservancy Annual Report 2014 | Page 8

Meet the Williams — Special Donors W  oody and Carol Williams and Kiawah Island go back several decades. The Williams first came to the Island at the urging of an acquaintance in their Fairfax, Virginia hometown. They brought their children and continued visiting frequently. Eventually they contacted a real estate agent and did some casual looking. They proceeded slowly, considering options over several years. At one point Carol was walking the beach on the west end of the Island with a friend and they passed a Duneside villa under renovation. The two were able to walk into the unit, and Carol knew the community would be perfect for her family. Back she went to the real estate agent who happened to know of a similar place for sale nearby. Carol saw it, bought it, and then showed it to Woody. His reaction was unprintable. To say it needed a lot of work would be quite an understatement. They began renovations, eventually removing the entire roof, moving walls, and rearranging every inch. Five months later they had the lovely villa that remains their Kiawah home today. We asked them how much time they spend on the Island and their immediate answer was “Not enough.” Carol is an avid gardener and is looking forward to learning more about gardening on a barrier island. Both Carol and Woody cite the peace and quiet they enjoy on Kiawah as a major reason for spending as much time here as they can spare from their busy lives in northern Virginia. Their Halona Lane property donation to the Kiawah Conservancy and similar gifts from other generous Kiawah Island residents benefit all who make Kiawah Island their home. Bobcats have a place to relax and expand their families. Songbirds have a place to rest and nest. We all continue to enjoy the very special beauty of a barrier island where development and natural beauty coexist so perfectly. 6