Ask Walter Hatchett
Historic Hunting Plantation on 37,500 acre Lake Seminole
Strategic lakefront portion of the original 26,000 acre Southlands that Herbert Stoddard himself assembled in 1935!
Chosen by Stoddard for its wildlife, timber and diversity, this area along Curry Hill and the Flint River is unique to the world
Serenity Plantation boasts 1,137 +/- acres on Lake Seminole in Decatur County, Georgia. This is an exceptional shooting plantation with a history and story told “internationally.” It was put together by none other than the South’s most influential legendary conservationist and co-founder of Tall Timber’s Research Station - Herbert Stoddard himself - in 1935 as part of the 26,000-acre Southlands Plantation tract. It later found even more acclaim as the “Southlands Experiment Forest” owned by International Paper, who utilized advanced genetics as well as state-of-the-art planting and silvicultural techniques for superior stand quality and growth. Most recently the property has enjoyed the combination of these two aspects of its heritage under the ownership of a Tall Timbers board member who expertly managed the land for both wildlife and timber simultaneously. Today the plantation offers not only outstanding hunting but also features a unique high-quality timber program. This is one exceptional forest and game-rich property.
Bordering Lake Seminole Recreation Area for almost three and a half miles makes this a year-round recreational property and a place for family and friends to gravitate to regardless of the season. Of the 376 miles of shoreline, 30+ miles here are shared with just two other private landowners. Faceville Landing Park borders the property for convenient boat access, or even better, a place to meet seasoned guides with family and friends.
While the current owner has had the privilege to serve on the Board of Tall Timbers (and still serves on three committees), he has had access to the best, most up-to-date knowledge ever assembled due to the culmination of 66 years-worth of intensive research. Today, according to the landowner, there are at least 45 - 50 wild coveys on the property and six quail courses with feed trails connecting almost 40 protected forage thickets which are fed weekly. Adjacent properties are sizeable and owned by like-minded neighbors who also manage intensively for wildlife, thereby producing a vast habitat landscape with superior genetics and reduced predation.
Seeing mature bucks in the 140/150 B&C range is not uncommon. While at Serenity the current landowner doesn’t personally hunt deer, he and his land manager have experience managing herds for the optimal 1:1 buck to doe ratio and so arrange for does to be harvested each year and young bucks to be allowed to mature.
There are two proven “plant and flood” duck ponds, encompassing 4 acres and 6 acres respectively and featuring at least eight blinds each, including convenient retriever ramps in the water blinds. Lake Seminole itself is one of the premier waterfowl destinations in the South. In fact, with regards to Canvasback hunting, it may be the best in the nation. Wild turkeys abound. It is not uncommon to see or hear as many as eight gobblers on a morning hunt and to harvest at least one tom in the 20-22 lb. range each season.
The genetics here are amazing. In fact, this property specializes in growing the highest value and caliber of timber: utility poles. Several past sales have earned $80 a ton for 70-foot trees; the poles were so long that a chase vehicle with flashing light had to follow the log truck, and the weight per tree was so heavy that the trucks were less than half full. Producing this caliber of timber is no easy feat and takes several decades to manage such a rotation. A number of stands on Serenity contain such poles in current inventory.
The plantation also features not one, but two fish ponds (one stocked) spanning 1.2 acres and 1 acre respectively. The incredible views at Serenity Plantation will never change, since the opposite shoreline is forever protected within Silver Lake WMA.
The large 2,700 square-foot main dwelling with outdoor gazebo is meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings and be impervious to weather. A 12’ x 40’ heated pool overlooking Lake Seminole completes the scene. This home offers the perfect retreat for relaxation and entertainment.
As one would expect, a well-equipped shop/barndominium supports the property. The spacious shop and office complex barndominium comes complete with a master bedroom, living room/dining room/kitchen, two full bathrooms, utility room, and a dorm room which sleeps four or more. Outside, a concreted drive-through and six-run, partially-covered dog kennel with separate septic tank provide convenience and functionality for days afield.
The property boasts a 32’ x 60’ barn and two smaller barns at the shop, along with a 32’ x 36’ barn with its own 4”well and electricity on the western end of the property almost three miles away. There is ample space for equipment storage.
All of this is conveniently located outside Bainbridge, Georgia. If one hasn't been to Bainbridge lately, he or she will be pleasantly surprised to see one of the most dynamic, recapitalized downtowns in the South.
