An award-winning tree farm — one of Georgia’s largest — assembled and nurtured by a Colorado family nationally known for conserving land and racing thoroughbred horses, has been sold after being listed for $15 million. With an immediate flurry of interest from multiple capable parties, the rapid sale in under 30 days underscores the exceptional value and allure of the property, meticulously developed over 22 years under the stewardship of its owner, John W. Geary, III. The transaction was expertly handled by Live Water Properties’ Southern Team, which included brokers Alex Maher, Jon Callaghan, and Davis Willis.
Geary, Chairman of the Board of Palmer Land Conservancy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has dedicated his career to land conservation and development. As the nephew of Stuart Phelps Dodge, founder of the Palmer Land Conservancy in Colorado, Geary has continued his family’s national legacy of environmental stewardship.
Beyond his conservation efforts, Geary has a passion for horse racing. He is an owner of Dornoch, who competed in the 2024 Kentucky Derby before winning the Belmont Stakes in June. His extensive background in commercial real estate development has equipped him with the skills to transform Lightwood Plantation into a premier estate that harmonizes luxury living with sustainable land use.
Lightwood Plantation, located near Atlanta and Augusta, began its journey in 2001 when Geary acquired the first 961 acres from an institutional timberland investor. Over the years, Geary expanded the estate to its current 2,300 acres, enhancing its recreational and luxury amenities. The property features an 8,405-square-foot custom log home overlooking an 11-acre lake, with six bedrooms, eight masonry fireplaces, and modern security systems. The estate is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting meticulously managed quail woods, dove fields, deer stands, and duck impoundments.
Recognized as the 2019 Georgia Tree Farm of the Year due to Geary’s dedication to enhancing its ecological, timberland and recreational value, Lightwood Plantation is protected by Working Forest Conservation Easements, ensuring its continued legacy.
