A rare opportunity has surfaced in Southwest Georgia, as the legendary Southlands Plantation—spanning an impressive 5,746.9 acres—hits the market for $42 million. With its unparalleled ecological diversity and legacy of quality wildlife management spanning nearly nine decades, this iconic property is a dream come true for sportsmen, conservationists, and investors alike.
Southlands Plantation offers a fully immersive outdoor lifestyle experience, perfect for recreation, relaxation, and ultimate outdoor adventure. Its 4.5 miles of frontage on the Army Corps of Engineers’ lands bordering the 37,500-acre Lake Seminole provide year-round access to fishing, hunting, and water-based activities.
A Sportsman’s Paradise
Southlands Plantation is regarded as one of the South’s premier high-quality recreational properties, ranking among the “A”-level destinations for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Managed for over 87 years, the estate is famous for its impeccable wildlife preservation and biodiversity. For hunters, it’s a trophy destination, offering exceptional wing-shooting of wild quail, turkey, and waterfowl. Its well-maintained 30-acre duck pond and 20-acre private fishing lake further enrich the outdoor experience.
The property boasts an elevation range from 80 to 310 feet, making it the southernmost point of the Appalachian Mountains, with stunning views across the landscape. The natural diversity extends to its flourishing forests and wetlands, housing trophy-caliber B&C Whitetail deer, which are consistently harvested here.
Historical Significance and Iconic Land Management
The history of Southlands is deeply rooted in its connection with Herbert Stoddard, co-founder of Tall Timbers and the “father of prescribed burning.” Originally assembled as a 26,000-acre estate by Stoddard, it was later acquired in 1937 by Rhode Island industrialist Houghton Metcalf, who built a lodge atop a 200-foot bluff overlooking what is now Lake Seminole. This marked the beginning of Southlands as a sportsman’s paradise, a legacy that has continued through generations.
In the mid-20th century, the estate was acquired by International Paper and transformed into the Southlands Experiment Forest, becoming the flagship of their 12-million-acre land portfolio. Renowned for its timber diversity, this land was a global model for ecological research and timber management.
Fast forward to 2010, philanthropist Jim Dahl spearheaded one of the largest land acquisitions in southern history, buying 140,000 acres of International Paper land to secure Southlands’ 5,746 acres. Modern wildlife management techniques were implemented, including high fencing along the property’s boundaries, advanced food plots, and predator management. As a result, Southlands now stands as a crown jewel of southern land stewardship, with record-setting deer, turkeys, and quail.
The Ultimate Year-Round Retreat
One of the defining features of Southlands is its year-round recreational potential. The 4.5-mile shoreline along Lake Seminole offers unmatched access to water sports, including bass fishing, boating, and waterfowl hunting. Lake Seminole is considered one of the top bass lakes in the country, and Southlands’ proximity to the lake offers abundant fishing and boating opportunities throughout the year.
Water resources on the estate include numerous springs, creeks, and waterfalls, with five miles of creek bottoms winding through the property, creating a diverse aquatic ecosystem.
Exceptional Land and Timber Quality
Southlands’ land quality is a major selling point, with exceptional Class I and II soils covering the majority of the property, making it ideal for wildlife and agricultural use. Its long-term prescribed fire rotation has cultivated an incredible variety of hardwood and pine species, contributing to the land’s value and ecological diversity.
Stoddard’s dedication to land management is visible in every inch of this estate. The towering timber stands, diverse wildlife habitats, and thriving natural systems are a testament to decades of careful planning and preservation.
Luxury Lodging and Impeccable Infrastructure
Upon entering Southlands Plantation, visitors are greeted by a scenic, three-mile-long, paved driveway that sets the tone for this extraordinary estate. The plantation’s primary residence, originally built by Metcalf in the mid-1940s, has been meticulously restored and modernized, offering eight bedrooms and five bathrooms, all perched atop a 200-foot bluff with views of Lake Seminole.
Main Lodge Photos:
Modern amenities have been seamlessly integrated into the historic lodge, ensuring comfort without sacrificing its vintage charm. An 1,800 sq. ft. horse barn, a guest house, manager’s quarters, and other facilities—including a vintage equipment barn and a pavilion—enhance the property’s appeal. The estate also features a 60-acre irrigated agricultural field for farming or wildlife use, fed by sophisticated piping systems connected to the lake.
Manager’s House Photos
Office House Photos
Bunk House and Other Improvements Photos
Investment Potential and Future Conservation Opportunities
Southlands Plantation is a one-of-a-kind investment opportunity. Not only does it offer immediate enjoyment and outdoor recreation, but it also holds long-term potential for conservation easements, which could offer significant tax benefits for the future owner. The property’s minimal wetland coverage—just 2.5% compared to 20-30% on similar lands—further increases its value, making it a rare find among southern plantations.
As Jon Kohler, one of the leading land brokers in the South, points out, Southlands stands out for its ecological diversity, recreational opportunities, and unparalleled natural beauty. This makes it a prime candidate for future conservation efforts that could enhance its already significant value.
Closing Thoughts
In the words of Kohler, “Southlands is the highlight of my career…this property is more than just a plantation—it’s an institution.” Given the property’s size, history, and recreational opportunities, Southlands Plantation is destined to be the centerpiece of any discerning buyer’s portfolio.
Whether you’re looking for a hunting retreat, an ecological treasure, or a long-term investment, Southlands offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the South’s natural and historical legacy.
