About US

Meet Your Host

A Passion for Pawleys. A Love for Coastal Living.

Hi, this is Cory Dueger. In 2006, I discovered the enchanting allure of Pawleys. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Pawleys is my family’s sanctuary, where we can relax and unwind without the intrusion of paparazzi. The charm of this place is truly unparalleled. Back then, even if we were away, our mail would find its way to the office, reminiscent of simpler times.

I experienced a brief "artistic setback" in Los Angeles, which led my ex-wife and I to live in a tent in Malibu. As aspiring talents, we were filled with youth, hope, and the dream of California living. Though we eventually returned to Charleston, we hold dear the memories of prioritizing our dreams and embracing the beauty of Malibu's breezy surroundings with our hearts full of ambition.

We love to find the perfect mix of work and play, and we hope this experience helps you create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. It's obvious that we're fans of swimming, gaming, and enjoying a cocktail or two. While I can't resist lounging by a sparkling pool, my husband is in his element surfing the waves. Each trip, our kids become more enchanted by the ocean, embracing its beauty and thrills more and more each day.

Falling in Love with Pawleys Island

In 2006, I discovered the quiet magic of Pawleys Island. Surrounded by marshes, ocean breezes, and miles of unspoiled shoreline, this hidden gem immediately felt different.

Pawleys is not about crowds or high-rises.

It’s about simplicity.
It’s about authenticity.
It’s about reconnecting.

For our family, it became a sanctuary — a peaceful escape from the fast pace of everyday life.

The Malibu Inspiration

From Malibu Dreams to Southern Malibu

Years earlier, during a brief artistic chapter in Los Angeles, my former wife and I lived in a tent in Malibu. We were young, ambitious, and chasing the California dream.

It wasn’t glamorous — but it was full of hope, creativity, and the courage to pursue something meaningful.

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Bringing Malibu’s Spirit to Pawleys Island

Though life eventually brought us back to the South, we carried the spirit of Malibu with us:

Ocean air
Golden sunsets
A passion for creativity

Southern Malibu is a tribute to that chapter. It blends West Coast inspiration with the timeless charm of Pawleys Island — a perfect balance of coastal elegance and relaxed island living.

The Story Behind This Home

From Hurricane Hugo to a Dream Retreat

The land where Southern Malibu now stands once held a home that was swept away by Hurricane Hugo.

During the uncertainty of the pandemic, we found this property and knew it was something special. Over an Abita Purple Haze and a handshake with our builder, we committed to creating a retreat that would honor the island’s heritage while elevating it with modern luxury.

Despite construction challenges during an unusual time in the world, each visit reinforced what we already knew — we never wanted to leave.

The serene beaches.
The laid-back island rhythm.
The sense of privacy and space.
It captured our hearts completely.

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The Birds Nest Neighborhood

This particular area of Pawleys Island has lovingly earned the nickname “Birds Nest” due to the abundance of feathered companions and charming birdhouses scattered throughout the landscape. It’s peaceful. Private. Authentic. Exactly the way Pawleys was meant to be.