If you crave the coastal lifestyle that is synonymous with mild winters and proximity to the ocean, then look no further than The Ford Plantation. Sitting on the banks of the Ogeechee River, this historic estate promises a relaxed Lowcountry lifestyle with oyster roasts and all the golf your heart can desire.
Photo Credit: Courtesy The Ford Plantation
Here, the winters are relatively short, only lasting from December through February, with the other nine months being warm and sunny, with a few rain showers here and there. With a private marina, horseback riding, formal events and a premier sporting club— life at The Ford Plantation is coastal living at its finest.
Photo Credit: Courtesy The Ford Plantation
Ask around and you'll discover that many members began their life at Ford by planning and building their dream home. Even with a limit of 400 homesites spread across 1,800 acres, there's plenty to choose from. They range from quarter-acre village lots to over 10-acre plus estate lots and comes with a fairly easy process that includes a curated list of architects and builders who will guide you through the architectural review process and be on hand to help along the way.
Photo Credit: Courtesy The Ford Plantation
There is an advantage to living in the heart of a region famous for its hospitality, history and local seafood— the best of Georgian living. On the property alone, there is a quality golf course, equestrian center, a deep-water marina and several dining events from clambakes to suppers. Not to mention the two swimming pools, spa and wellness center.
Photo Credit: Courtesy The Ford Plantation
As with any Georgian lifestyle, shooting is a popular sport. At Ford, residents have access to a variety of options for participating in this rich tradition. From bird and hog hunts to clay shoots, there’s a little something for anyone with even a passing interest in shooting sports.
Photo Credit: Courtesy The Ford Plantation
The Ford Plantation also offers some of the best fishing in the coastal empire and Lowcountry. The location sits on a tidal stretch of the Ogeechee River, which provides members easy access to endless creeks and tributaries that are home to largemouth and striped bass. Down the river, pristine salt marshes are lined with oyster beds and teeming with redfish, sea trout, and tarpon. And offshore, the Georgia coast offers some of the most productive waters on the Atlantic coast. Travel 17 miles east of Savannah and you’ll discover Tybee Island, also known as “Savannah’s Beach.” Located at the junction of the Savannah River and the Atlantic Ocean, Tybee Island is known for its wide, sandy beaches and warm summer waters. The beach is popular with locals and tourists alike, and it is a favorite spot for families of all ages.
Photo Credit: Courtesy The Ford Plantation
Between 1936 and 1938, Henry and Clara Ford built what has become known affectionately as The Main House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the approximately 7,000-sq-ft Greek revival mansion was constructed from Savannah gray bricks that were repurposed from the original 1820s-era Hermitage Plantation. The first floor of The Main House includes a library, a breakfast room, a kitchen and a formal living room that is used for discussion dinners, book club dinners, wine dinners, and other special events. The second floor provides five elegant suites available to members and guests. Throughout the year, the house serves as a social hub for residents, creating a community atmosphere that goes hand in hand with Georgian hospitality.
Photo Credit: Courtesy The Ford Plantation
What makes Resident Membership at The Ford Plantation distinctive is these memberships are multigenerational, which means they grant the same level of access and privileges to the parents, children, and grandchildren of the original member(s). This creates unity among members, who share the same commitment to The Ford Plantation lifestyle and stewardship of the property.
Only property owners can become Resident Members, and all property owners must be Resident Members.