Where else would a place called Paradise start but on Eden Road? Four decades ago, property owners built the first rustic houses on the dirt street that rimmed the upper Wando River. "You could buy a deepwater lot for $3,000," William H. Barnwell III said. "One guy bought five of them."

For the next 25 years, lands were cleared, and mostly midsize, wood-frame homes were constructed, typically with docks. It's not uncommon today to see motor boats parked in the yards or gravel driveways.

By the late 1980s, building slowed to a trickle. It was by design. The new owner of the 220-acre property east of the Cooper sought permits for a planned community. Paved roads were cut, and land subdivided from 2/5 to 3/5 of an acre. Eight years ago, the developer, Paradise Island Joint Venture, began selling lots in earnest. They now run from $150,000 to $675,000.

But only a few custom homes popped up. Then in the past couple of years, the pace of construction picked up. Today, about 30 newer homes are occupied or close to being completed, selling from $700,000 to $1.5 million. They join the 30 or so older dwellings on Eden Road.

"You know, in the beginning, we saw a good bit of speculation, a lot of investors, mostly out of town," said Barnwell, managing general partner of Paradise Island Joint Venture.

Interest has escalated, he said, as the town limits of Mount Pleasant branch north and east, and retail developments such as Oakland Plantation and commercial projects such as Carolina Park spring up within 10 to 15 minutes of the once-isolated neighborhood, he said.

"It's not that far from town anymore," added xxxx, whose company xxxx handles marketing and sales.

This time, the interest comes not only from overseas, including Germany and Korea, and as far away domestically as Oklahoma, but from buyers relocating from Mount Pleasant and elsewhere in Greater Charleston. Buyers include empty-nesters, as well as families who like the peace, quiet and environmental safeguards.

Take Steve Heyward. The home builder lived in an established East Cooper neighborhood for 16 years. He built throughout the Charleston area, including on Paradise Island.

One such home along the Wando River was to be speculative - constructed without a buyer in place. In the end, the buyer happened to be the Heyward family. He designed the two-story house so that nearly every room faces the water, with a large screened porch and decks and a breathtaking view from their 18-year-old son's bedroom balcony.

"We love the seclusion," he said.

The neighborhood abuts unspoiled lands protected by conservation easements and by the federally managed Francis Marion National Forest. "There is plenty of wildlife up here."

Paradise Island Joint Venture has set out four phases: the current sale and construction of 60 homes, a gated community of 37 homes along Cape Island Drive and two similar enclaves of 20 homes apiece. The master plan does not include development on Little Paradise Island, a 90-acre expanse closer to the entrance to the property. Barnwell said that land will be built on at a point that is yet to be determined.

Along with the home-building surge, Paradise Island is expected to see construction of amenities as soon as next year. Cape Romain Contractors is scheduled to build a $500,000 community dock and boat ramp off Eden Road to complement 60 private docks at the various waterfront homes and lots.

Mount Pleasant Waterworks supplies water and sewer service to the neighborhood, and homes are prewired for cable and Internet connections. The neighborhood community is contiguous to the town of Mount Pleasant. "We have had preliminary discussion with the town regarding (annexation)," Barnwell said, but there's been no final decision.

Heyward said he's pleased with the move to Paradise Island two months ago. "You don't hear the sirens, boom boxes and traffic. Yet you're near conveniences."

To reach Paradise Island from downtown Charleston, take the Ravenel Bridge east to Mount Pleasant and continue on U.S. Highway 17 for about 19 miles. Turn left on Guerins Bridge Road and travel about two miles. Turn left onto Woodville Road. Follow Woodville for about a mile to Paradise Island Road and turn right. Paradise Island is straight ahead.