Private Lowcountry community living near Savannah and Richmond Hill

The Ford Field & River Club: A Guide to Private Lowcountry Living in Richmond Hill

Quick Answer: What Is The Ford Field & River Club?

The Ford Field & River Club is a private residential golf and sporting club community in Richmond Hill, Georgia, along the Ogeechee River.

The community is known for its private Lowcountry setting, deep history, golf, boating, equestrian lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and refined residential atmosphere.

For buyers considering Richmond Hill luxury real estate, The Ford Field & River Club offers a very different experience from a traditional subdivision. It is designed around privacy, land, river access, club amenities, and a strong connection to Coastal Georgia’s natural landscape.

The community describes itself as a private residential golf and sporting club community formed by 1,800 acres along the Ogeechee River. Amenities include a Pete Dye championship golf course, Deepwater Marina, Equestrian Center, Naturalist Center, trails, lakes, dining, and outdoor sporting pursuits.

Where Is The Ford Field & River Club?

The Ford Field & River Club is located in Richmond Hill, Georgia, within Bryan County.

Richmond Hill sits south of Savannah and is one of the most recognized residential markets in the greater Savannah and Coastal Georgia area.

For buyers, the location can offer a balance of privacy and access. The Ford provides a quiet private-club setting while still connecting residents to Richmond Hill, Savannah, the Ogeechee River, I-95, coastal recreation, and the broader Lowcountry region.

Buyers considering The Ford should think carefully about:

  • Daily commute patterns
  • Club membership requirements
  • River and marina access
  • Long-term ownership costs
  • Property type and homesite location
  • Maintenance expectations
  • Insurance and flood considerations
  • Lifestyle fit

This is not a community where buyers should only compare square footage and price. The setting, membership, amenities, architecture, land, and long-term ownership experience all matter.

Why Buyers Consider The Ford Field & River Club

The Ford Field & River Club may appeal to buyers who want privacy, outdoor living, club amenities, and a Lowcountry setting that feels connected to both history and nature.

The community is centered around a private sporting lifestyle. Instead of focusing only on homes, The Ford emphasizes the full experience of living along the Ogeechee River.

Buyers may consider The Ford if they want:

  • A private gated community in Richmond Hill
  • Golf designed around the Lowcountry landscape
  • Deepwater marina access
  • Equestrian amenities
  • Outdoor recreation
  • River, lake, golf, or natural views
  • Larger homesites or custom homes
  • A quieter residential setting
  • Access to Richmond Hill and Savannah
  • A community with historic character

The Ford is not simply a golf community. Its identity includes boating, equestrian activities, natural surroundings, dining, wellness, trails, wildlife, and river access.

The History Behind The Ford

The Ford Field & River Club has a unique connection to Richmond Hill’s history.

The area is closely tied to Henry and Clara Ford, whose former Richmond Hill estate helped shape the identity of the community. Richmond Hill’s local history resources note that Ford’s former home is now the site of the private development known as The Ford Field and River Club.

The community’s historic Main House remains one of its signature features. The Ford’s own materials describe the Main House as Henry and Clara Ford’s former Lowcountry dream home and a community centerpiece.

For buyers who value history, architecture, and a strong sense of place, this background is one of the things that makes The Ford different from many newer luxury communities in Coastal Georgia.

The Ford Field & River Club Amenities

The Ford Field & River Club is known for a wide range of private club amenities.

Important amenities include:

  • Pete Dye championship golf course
  • Deepwater Marina
  • Equestrian Center
  • Clubhouse
  • Dining
  • Spa and wellness amenities
  • Naturalist Center
  • Lakes and trails
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Kayaking and canoeing
  • Tennis and pickleball
  • Swimming
  • Outdoor sporting activities

The official Ford website notes that the Deepwater Marina has 36 slips, accommodates yachts up to 65 feet, and sits on the Ogeechee River about 20 nautical miles from the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway. It also describes the Pete Dye-designed course as a 250-acre championship golf course.

Amenities and access should always be verified directly with the club because access may be subject to membership requirements, dues, fees, availability, and other limitations. The Ford’s website notes that access and rights to amenities are subject to membership requirements, dues, fees, and other limitations.

Golf at The Ford Field & River Club

Golf is one of the central parts of life at The Ford Field & River Club.

The community features a Pete Dye-designed championship golf course shaped around the area’s natural setting. For buyers who are comparing golf communities near Savannah, The Ford offers a very private golf experience in a Richmond Hill location.

When evaluating a golf-community home, buyers should look beyond the course itself.

Ask:

  • Is the home located on or near the golf course?
  • What views does the property offer?
  • How private is the homesite?
  • Are there golf-related membership requirements?
  • Are there cart rules or access limitations?
  • How does the location affect resale appeal?
  • What are the club dues and ongoing costs?

A golf-course setting can be a meaningful lifestyle feature, but the individual property still needs to make sense for your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans.

Boating and Marina Access

The Ford’s location along the Ogeechee River is one of its most distinctive features.

The Deepwater Marina gives members access to the river and broader coastal waterways. According to the community, the marina includes 36 slips and can accommodate yachts up to 65 feet.

For buyers who care about boating, the marina should be reviewed early in the process.

Ask:

  • Are slips available?
  • Are there waitlists?
  • What size vessels can be accommodated?
  • What marina fees apply?
  • What services are available?
  • What rules apply to guests or visiting boats?
  • How does marina access connect to the river, Intracoastal Waterway, and Atlantic?

Do not assume that buying a home automatically guarantees every type of marina access. Confirm the current policies directly with the club and review all costs carefully.

Waterfront home with dock near Savannah

Equestrian Living at The Ford

The Ford Field & River Club is also known for its equestrian lifestyle.

The official community website describes a 7-acre equestrian facility with a 22-stall barn, multiple arenas, a members’ lounge, and 10 miles of bridle trails.

For buyers who plan to use the equestrian amenities, it is important to ask practical questions before purchasing.

Consider:

  • Boarding availability
  • Equestrian fees
  • Lesson options
  • Trail access
  • Facility rules
  • Guest access
  • Horse-care services
  • Long-term costs

Like boating and golf, equestrian access is part of the larger membership and lifestyle conversation.

What Types of Homes Are in The Ford Field & River Club?

Homes in The Ford Field & River Club can vary by location, size, view, architecture, and homesite setting.

Buyers may find:

  • Custom Lowcountry-style homes
  • Estate homesites
  • Golf-course homes
  • River-oriented properties
  • Lake-view homes
  • Marina-area residences
  • Homes near club amenities
  • Properties with larger homesites

The Ford’s real estate materials describe estate lots ranging from one to fifteen acres, with some positioned along the golf course, the Ogeechee River, and Lake Clara.

Because properties can vary significantly, buyers should compare more than the number of bedrooms or square footage.

Important factors include:

  • Homesite location
  • View orientation
  • Flood zone and elevation
  • Home condition
  • Architectural guidelines
  • Club access and costs
  • Proximity to amenities
  • Privacy
  • Outdoor living areas
  • Resale potential

The Ford is a community where the specific homesite and setting can matter as much as the home itself.

What Should Buyers Know Before Buying in The Ford?

Buying in The Ford Field & River Club requires more due diligence than simply touring the home.

Before making an offer, buyers should review:

  • Club membership requirements
  • Initiation fees and dues
  • HOA or community fees
  • Architectural guidelines
  • Property restrictions
  • Flood zone and elevation information
  • Insurance requirements
  • Marina or equestrian costs, if relevant
  • Homesite location and view
  • Maintenance expectations
  • Builder or renovation history
  • Resale activity within the community

This is especially important for luxury and private-club communities, where the cost of ownership can include more than the mortgage, taxes, and insurance.

Questions to Ask Before Buying at The Ford Field & River Club

Before purchasing a home or homesite in The Ford, ask:

  1. What membership is required with ownership?
  2. What are the current initiation fees and annual dues?
  3. What amenities are included?
  4. Are any amenities subject to waitlists or separate fees?
  5. What HOA or community fees apply?
  6. Are there architectural review requirements?
  7. What restrictions apply to renovations or new construction?
  8. Is the property in a flood zone?
  9. Is flood insurance required or recommended?
  10. Is an elevation certificate available?
  11. Are marina slips available?
  12. Are equestrian services available?
  13. What maintenance responsibilities come with the property?
  14. How does this homesite compare with others in the community?
  15. What should I know about resale demand?

These questions can help buyers understand the full ownership picture before moving forward.

Is The Ford Field & River Club Close to Savannah?

The Ford Field & River Club is located in Richmond Hill, south of Savannah.

For buyers who want access to Savannah but prefer a more private Lowcountry setting, this can be part of the appeal.

The location may work well for buyers who want:

  • Richmond Hill access
  • Proximity to Savannah
  • A private club environment
  • Outdoor recreation
  • A quieter setting
  • River and marina access
  • A community with history and land

As always, buyers should test real drive times to work, school, appointments, shopping, dining, the airport, and downtown Savannah before making a decision.

A community may look close on a map, but daily life depends on actual routes and timing.

The Ford Field & River Club vs. Other Richmond Hill Communities

Richmond Hill offers several types of residential options, and The Ford is one of the most private and distinctive.

Community TypeWhat Buyers May Find
The Ford Field & River ClubPrivate club living, golf, marina, equestrian amenities, larger homesites, Lowcountry setting
Traditional Richmond Hill neighborhoodsEstablished homes, subdivisions, community amenities, access to Bryan County
Newer Richmond Hill communitiesNew construction, planned amenities, modern layouts
Waterfront or marsh-area propertiesCoastal views, boating potential, flood and insurance considerations
Larger-acreage propertiesMore land, privacy, and maintenance responsibilities

The right fit depends on how you want to live every day.

If you want a private club community with deep Lowcountry character, The Ford may be worth exploring. If you want a different price point, lower maintenance, or fewer club-related costs, another Richmond Hill or Coastal Georgia community may be a better match.

Is The Ford Field & River Club Right for You?

The Ford Field & River Club may be a strong fit if you want:

  • A private Lowcountry community
  • A Richmond Hill location
  • Golf, marina, and equestrian amenities
  • Outdoor sporting options
  • Homes with character and land
  • A connection to history
  • A quieter residential environment
  • Access to Savannah and Coastal Georgia

It may not be the best fit if you prefer:

  • A traditional subdivision
  • Lower community fees
  • Fewer membership requirements
  • A more urban setting
  • A shorter daily drive into central Savannah
  • Less maintenance or fewer ownership responsibilities

The decision should come down to fit, not only prestige.

Buying a Home in The Ford Field & River Club

If you are considering The Ford Field & River Club, work with a local real estate team that understands Richmond Hill, Bryan County, luxury properties, waterfront considerations, club-community due diligence, and Coastal Georgia market conditions.

The right guidance can help you compare:

  • Available homes
  • Homesites
  • Club costs
  • Property condition
  • Flood and insurance details
  • Architectural guidelines
  • Nearby communities
  • Resale potential
  • Long-term lifestyle fit

Heather Murphy Real Estate Group helps buyers compare Richmond Hill, Savannah, Pooler, Wilmington Island, Skidaway Island, and Coastal Georgia communities with local insight and careful guidance.

If you are considering The Ford Field & River Club or another private community near Savannah, our team can help you understand the full picture before you move forward.

Thinking about private Lowcountry living in Richmond Hill?

Contact Heather Murphy Real Estate Group to start your search.

Call 912.335.3956
Heather Murphy Real Estate Group
329 Commercial Dr Ste 100, Savannah, GA 31406

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