The Lodge, a nearly 1,000-acre historic property in Aiken, South Carolina, was recently purchased by Christian and Elizabeth Goode for $2.4 million. The estate, originally built in 1899 by wealthy New Yorker J. Macy Willets, was a prominent part of Aiken's "Winter Colony" for affluent Northerners. The Goodes, who grew up near the estate and have a background in historic preservation, plan an extensive restoration of the property.
The previous owner, Dr. Thomas Hall, acquired the property in 1968 for $100,000 and painstakingly pieced together various parcels to expand it from its original 10-acre size. Hall, a horse enthusiast, used the land for foxhunting and training polo ponies. The estate, which includes a 19th-century lodge, a four-bedroom main house, a guest cottage, and two horse barns, has been used as a private residence and more recently, a venue for weddings and events.
Now owned by the Goodes, The Lodge will continue to serve as an event venue while undergoing a meticulous restoration. This acquisition is part of a broader trend of revitalization in Aiken's historic properties, with other estates like Rose Hill also undergoing significant redevelopment. The Goodes' purchase marks a new chapter for The Lodge, aiming to preserve its historical essence while adapting it for modern use.
