Step Inside The Ford’s 7,000-Square-Foot Main House

Stop by, grab a cookie, read a book and stay awhile. At The Ford Field & River Club’s Main House, you’re sure to run into a familiar face. Originally the home where Henry and Clara Ford lived during the winter months, The Main House is a favorite attraction for our members, set right along the great Ogeechee River. A lively central hub of activity, The Main House often holds both formal and informal events, such as weddings, family reunions, ice cream socials and more. Day-to-day, members of The Ford are welcome to sit in the shade of the patio and unwind anytime.

See why the families of The Ford love visiting The Main House:

A Place Filled with Heartfelt History

Completed in 1938, The Main House is 7,000 square feet of enchanting beauty and rich history. Built in Greek Revival architectural style, The Main House was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. When businessman Ghaith R. Pharaon purchased The Ford in 1981, The Main House was restored to mint condition. Today, its legacy endures by serving as a central gathering point for the families of The Ford.

Just one look inside and you’ll see a wood-paneled library, a bright breakfast room stocked with coffee and tea, and a kitchen and formal living room ideal for book club meetings, wine dinners and other special events.

The Resplendent Gardens, Pool and Lawn

If you’re not reading the newspaper on the sofa inside The Main House, you might be roaming the stunning scenery and gardens just outside. A wading pool along the riverfront offers a day full of fun for the kids, surrounded by lush expanses of grass. On the south side of The Main House, a rose garden flourishes, once tended by Clara Ford. On the north side, a walking garden provides our members the chance to stroll through nature peacefully.

The Secret Underground Tunnel

Many are surprised to learn about the underground tunnel that extends from The Main House parallel to the avenue of oaks east of the building. Head to the kitchen in The Main House and you’ll find an inconspicuous door just downstairs leading to the tunnel. Legend says Henry Ford loved the tunnel and often liked to take nighttime walks through it in his slippers. He also liked to greet workers in the morning and have “tunnel talks” with them.

The Guest Suites at The Main House

The Main House includes five upper-level guest suites, which are available to reserve for a Discovery Visit or by members for special events. Each suite features views of the gardens or the Ogeechee River, with a breezy, open-air veranda overlooking The Main House pool and nearby Ford Island, a wildlife and bird sanctuary.

Members can even reserve Henry and Clara Ford’s very own private quarters, consisting of two rooms – one, Henry’s, and the other, Clara’s. A grand, all-white marble bathroom with golden fixtures creates a luxurious look and feel in Henry’s room, along with traditional furnishings made for every comfort imaginable.