The Main House

Between 1936 and 1938, Henry and Clara Ford built what has become known affectionately as The Main House at The Ford Plantation. 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.

The exterior of The Main house is framed by the walking garden on the north side and Clara Ford’s original rose garden on the south side. Just behind the rose garden is the outdoor entrance to the 1,100-ft underground tunnel that once connected The Main House and Henry Ford’s laboratory, which was housed in the steam power plant that powered The Main House. Part of the tunnel is now home to The Ford Plantation wine cellar.

The narrow driveway widens briefly in front of The Main House to allow for traffic around an ornate, central fountain. The fountain was added in the 1980s after the property was purchased by a private owner. The manicured front lawn is framed by thick hedges and hundred-year-old oak trees, and it stretches from the fountain to the large ornamental iron front gates, which the private owner obtained from a mansion in New Orleans. The rear lawn features a large, black bottom swimming/reflecting pool—also installed by the private owner—and it affords spectacular views overlooking the Ogeechee River.

All things considered, it’s no small wonder The Main House is a favorite location for special events and weddings.