Best Realtor in Bluffton & Hilton Head Island | Fall Homes, Comfort Food & Coastal Living with Allison Cobb & The Cobb Group
By Allison Cobb, The Cobb Group | Brokered by eXp Luxury Realty
My mom stopped by this weekend with a batch of warm apple muffins and her famous homemade Macintosh applesauce — and just like that, I was instantly ready for fall. There’s something about the first hint of cooler air (even if it’s barely noticeable yet in the Lowcountry), the earlier sunsets, and neighbors in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island pulling out their autumn and Halloween décor that makes everything feel a little more grounded and a little more homey.
And since cozy season deserves a proper kick-off, I couldn’t resist sharing a favorite recipe that captures it perfectly — Ina Garten’s Butternut Squash & Apple Soup.
Why We Love Ina (and This Soup)
I actually borrowed this recipe from one of my favorite local businesses — Billy Wood Appliance, who shared it on their Instagram. They, in turn, borrowed it from Ina Garten herself. Of course, I had to double-check my Barefoot Contessa Parties! cookbook just to make sure nothing was left out. (It wasn’t — Ina never lets us down.)
Let’s be honest: we love Ina. Her recipes are tried and true. They work out exactly the way she says they will — and they usually look just like the cookbook photos. It’s not one of those “nailed it!” moments where reality and expectation don’t quite align. Her recipes are simple, elegant, and foolproof — and this soup is no exception.
This one is everything fall should taste like — rich, silky, and just the right balance of savory and sweet. The combination of roasted butternut squash, McIntosh apples, and a hint of curry powder makes it comforting yet sophisticated — the kind of dish that makes your whole home smell like you’ve been cooking for hours (in the best way).
And I’ll admit — I’m pumpkin-ed out. I still love a good slice of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, but the pumpkin craze went a little too far for me. I used to burn pumpkin candles and line up for pumpkin spice lattes the moment Starbucks dropped them — I remember when the PSL first came out! It was new and exciting. But now? I think I just love fall for fall — the smells, the light, the coziness, the soup simmering on the stove.
Ina Garten’s Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
Ingredients
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 tbsp good olive oil
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4 cups chopped yellow onions (about 3 large)
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2 tbsp mild curry powder
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5 lbs butternut squash (2 large)
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1 ½ lbs sweet apples (like McIntosh – about 4)
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2 tsp kosher salt
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½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
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2 cups good apple juice or cider
Directions (simplified):
Sauté onions and curry powder in butter and olive oil until tender. Add squash, apples, salt, pepper, and water, then simmer until soft. Purée the mixture, stir in apple juice or cider, and season to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for texture.
Fall Homes & Coastal Living in Bluffton & Hilton Head Island
Every season highlights something special about a home — but fall might just be the most magical time in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Golden sunlight filters through kitchen windows, porches are dressed in pumpkins and mums, and evenings are spent gathered around backyard firepits under live oaks draped in Spanish moss. It’s the perfect reminder of what makes home so special here in the Lowcountry.
If you’ve been thinking about selling, fall is actually one of the best times to showcase your home’s warmth and personality. Buyers love walking into a space that feels inviting — where they can imagine curling up with a mug of soup and watching the tide shift through the marsh.
And if you’re looking for your next home, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island both shine this time of year. The pace slows slightly, the crowds thin, and you can truly explore neighborhoods and communities in their most peaceful season.
That’s where Allison Cobb, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island’s go-to Realtor for buying and selling luxury homes, comes in. With years of expertise, deep local knowledge, and a passion for helping clients find homes that fit their lifestyle, Allison makes every move — from first tours to closing day — a seamless experience.
Real Estate Q&A for Buyers & Sellers
Q: Should I list my home in the fall or wait until spring?
A: Fall listings tend to attract more serious buyers, and with less competition, your home has a chance to truly stand out — especially in year-round markets like Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
Q: What are some quick ways to make my home feel cozier for buyers?
A: Add warm lighting, seasonal décor, and a subtle fall scent — think cinnamon, apple, or vanilla. Simple touches make buyers feel instantly at home.
Q: Does curb appeal really matter this time of year?
A: Absolutely. Even small updates like fresh mulch, mums by the door, and a clean porch can make a memorable first impression.
Ready to Fall in Love with a New Home?
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just thinking ahead, Allison Cobb and The Cobb Group, brokered by eXp Luxury Realty, are here to help you find your perfect place to cozy up this season. From the tree-lined streets of Bluffton to the ocean breezes of Hilton Head Island, every home here tells a story — let’s make yours next.
Call or text Allison Cobb at 843-338-7256 or visit thecobbgroup.com.
The Cobb Group, brokered by eXp Luxury Realty
Strategic Moves. Lasting Relationships.
Written by Allison Cobb
The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.
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