The Ford Plantation - Best Savannah Neighborhoods
Our travels this week took us to Savannah Georgia, an urban city Forbes named as one of the Best Places to Retire. Our first stop was at The Ford Plantation, a private low density neighborhood located on the south side of the city, in Richmond Hill. This sportsman's club is both relaxing and offers outdoor adventure, all wrapped up into one. We felt like we had stepped back in time passing under the Oak Alley, the streets softly light English-style gas lanterns. This Georgia private community’s hundred year old trees are incredible draped with Spanish Moss. Many are the centerpiece common lawns or border along the wide slow moving Ogeechee River. We appreciated the fact that the plantation is golf cart friendly allowing us the freedom to roam around informally enjoying the smells, sounds and beauty of this 1,800 acre nature preserve.
This 400 home best Savannah neighborhood is designed around a split themed Pete Dye golf course where the first 9 holes have elephant-size rolling hills or fresh water lakes framed out by challenging bulkheads. Lowcountry homes are situated sparsely along the golf course preserving the course’s natural beauty. The back nine are links-style holes positioned on a peninsular protruding out into private Lake Clara and are surrounded by bird wildlife habitats. More than 220 birds have already been catalogued inside the plantation. Property owners we talked with were buzzing with excitement about the $7 million capital improvement golf course restoration planned to break ground in October 2013.
The more we felt this Georgia private community’s heartbeat, the more we sensed the high quality of life property owners experience every day living at The Ford Plantation. Whether folks are nature lovers, have equine interests or want to escape city life, this first class Savannah neighborhood offers just about everything and is staffed by the friendliest employees. We had the chance to talk with Mike Womble, a nine year employee of the plantation and one of the community’s Master Naturalists on staff. Whether it’s as a fishing guide, shooting guide or nature trail guide, his team is on call and ready to educate property owners about natures treasure all around them. We learned how boaters can quickly reach the Atlantic Ocean from the docks of their marina without any speed restrictions, in about 30 minutes. The Ogeechee Rivers weaves through breathtaking salt water marsh and rice canals on the way to the ocean.
The Ford Plantation won our 2013 Bliss Award as Best Equestrian Community of the Year. We had the chance to spend time with Sheryl Jordan, the center’s director and an intriguing horse whisperer. Ford’s immaculate equestrian center is a cut above the rest offering more than basic boarding and horse care. Sheryl Jordan and her team teach The Equestrian Connection where property owners can dial into horse fun at whatever level they desire. Educational classes range from basic horse care to advanced riding skills. Beyond the attractive barn and stables are 10 miles of horse trails weaving tastefully in and around the plantation.
We chuckled when we heard about the “Ford 15” possible weight gain after one of ownership because of the extraordinary dining experiences on property. We had breakfast at the Main House, lunch at the Lake Dye Grill and dinner at the golf clubhouse. The meals were excellent. As tempting as it may be to scoot into downtown Savannah, there is no need to leave the plantation for tasty dining experiences. Ford Plantation’s soon to be expanded 6,000 square foot Sports Barn is a bright and cheery fitness center offering weight training and cardio classes overlooking Lake Dye.
There were over a dozen homes under construction at this Savannah neighborhood. Architectural styles reflect traditional Lowcountry homes with detached garages and circular drives. White washed brick homes and classic Farmhouse architecture are also popular. This low density Georgia private community is spacious and is beautiful as the sunlight peeks through the taller canopy trees. Out of the 1,800 acres inside the gates, half of the acreage have been protected as a permanent nature preserve. It’s no surprise that residents are friendly living in this laid back private neighborhood. Home prices average over $1 million.
If you’re searching for a luxury Georgia private community along the coast in a true sporting club atmosphere, we suggest you take a look at The Ford Plantation. Write info@realestatescorecard or call us toll free at 866.384.1799 for more info.
