There aren't too many places left on James Island where you can build a home on a creek, overlook the marsh and see across Charleston Harbor as far as the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse. Belle Terre is one of those rare spots.

Texas-based Ford Development and real estate agents are marketing lots sized from 0.57 acres to 2 acres. There are 28 parcels, all but one with water or marsh views or located on Parrot Creek. Pretty good for a subdivision that almost didn't make it.

Belle Terre faced criticism from area residents three years ago because of worries it would disrupt the natural surroundings. St. James Episcopal Church had sold the property for development. The buyer, Ford Development, eventually set aside 14 forested acres as a nature preserve and cut back on the number of lots, which could have been as high as 150. Charleston commercial real estate agent Paul Feldman represents Ford Development locally.

"This is a hidden treasure," said xxxx Real Estate who is marketing a creekside parcel.

Eight lots remain to be sold, priced from $500,000 to $1.1 million, Feldman said. All the waterfront lots are permitted for docks. Area utilities recently completed installing gas, water and sewer lines.

Belle Terre, originally named Parrot Point, is located within a mile of Fort Johnson Road off Lighthouse and Creekside roads. The developer will give property owners flexibility on construction, although the houses have to be at least 3,000 square feet.

"It's a pretty place," xxxx said. "Everybody is going to be proud."

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542.