More than a century ago, Thomasville was celebrated as one of the most fashionable places in the world to visit, voted the “Best Winter Resort” on three continents by “Harper’s Magazine” in 1898. 

During this Victorian era, many wealthy travelers came South by rail to enjoy the mild winter climate and the “pine infused” air. Attracted to the genteel sporting life centered around the pursuit of wild bobwhite quail, the area quickly became known for its inviting climate, beautiful architecture and welcoming hospitality. 

Over 100 years later, the plantation culture of the area remains vibrant and continues to attract some of the country’s most influential families. Millpond Plantation now is available for the first time in over five generations.

“The uniqueness of the Spanish Revival style architecture, alongside the formal gardens that blend seamlessly with the native landscape of live oaks and pines, makes Millpond Plantation truly one of a kind,” said Ben W. McCollum, broker with The Wright Group.

The Wade family of Cleveland, Ohio, purchased the property in the early 20th century and hired the prominent Cleveland architectural firm Hubbell and Benes to design the home. 

Unlike the Classic Revival style homes usually associated with plantations built during the period, Millpond was constructed in a Spanish Revival style. 

One of the most distinctive features is Millpond’s atrium. It is constructed of large retractable glass roof panels that open and close with the season, providing protection to the indoor garden below, blooming with bougainvillea, palms, citrus, and camellias. The home is over 38,000 square feet and consists of 11 fully appointed bedrooms and 10.5 baths, all of which are accessible to the interior veranda flanking the center atrium.

The elaborate grounds were designed by noted landscape architect Warren Manning, who apprenticed under Frederick Law Olmstead and also designed the intricate grounds of the Biltmore Estate for the Vanderbilt family in Asheville, North Carolina. By 1910, the entire complex was complete and to this day remains true to the original vision set forth by the Wade family.

For over a century, Millpond has been managed with a strict emphasis on bobwhite quail habitat. During this time, a perfect balance of native ground cover alongside an over story of towering pines has been created and maintained. The same management ethic exists on the surrounding plantations, which serves to further enhance not only the quail component of Millpond but also quality deer and turkey habitat.  

In addition to seven wild quail courses, Millpond also includes two established dove fields and a fully-stocked 85-acre lake with the capability to be planted and flooded to further improve the duck hunting component of the property.

Millpond Plantation is being sold turnkey with equipment, hunting dogs, horses, mules, and much of the furnishings. For additional information and pricing on this exclusive listing, please contact the Wright Group at (229) 226-2564.