Paul Lauer is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii. He moved to Folly Beach, South Carolina in 1997 and founded CDI Homes. While working as a developer and living on Folly Beach, he discovered the need for upscale overnight accommodations and began constructing Waters Edge Inn, which opened its doors in March 2007. Since then, Water’s Edge Inn has become a premier Folly Beach hotel, offering a comfortable yet elegant beach experience. Created around the concept of offering premier customer service full of unexpected surprises and personal touches, a stay at Water’s Edge Inn is sure to be memorable.

Your dream vacation is only moments away thanks to two gentlemen, Paul Lauer and Ivan Block. Ivan began traveling to Folly Beach in the 80s and fell in love with the charm this small island has to offer. Along with his family, Ivan has spent the summers at his beach house on Folly and resides in the Greenville area the rest of the year and enjoys traveling around the world on his sailboat. From his friendship with local hotelier and owner of Water’s Edge Inn, Paul Lauer, the concept of the Regatta Inn was born. Ivan’s diverse background in business and love of sailing and Paul’s architectural ingenuity came together to design the newest inn on the island of Folly Beach!

Along with beautiful guest rooms, our boutique hotel offers three event spaces; the Maria Camila Bay after Ivan’s niece, the Grant Bay after Paul’s son, and the Madeline Bell Terrace after Paul’s daughter. The visions of these two friends have brought upscale lodging to Folly Beach.