GEORGIA11) Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation The Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is located in the marshlands of the Altamaha River. The plantation illustrates more than a century of Georgia's coastal history and was owned and occupied by the same family from 1804 to 1973. The plantation, originally known as "Broadfield," became a center for rice cultivation in the 19th century. The plantation house, "Hofwyl House," was probably constructed by slave labor in the 1850s after theoriginal residence was destroyed. Modeled after a large farmhouse with the original kitchen and a cabin connected to the house by long passages, the interior shows strong Federal influences. One of the more notable features in the house is the ornate marble fireplace in the dining room. The furniture in the house spans several centuries and includes many rare pieces. The plantation grounds are landscaped with large oak trees, most of which are very old. Tabby ruins, likely the foundation of the rice mill, and several surviving outbuildings, including a barn and an ice house, are located on the property. A museum interprets a working a rice plantation, and the life of slaves and planters.
The Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, a Georgia State Historic Site, is between Brunswick and Darien on US Highway 17, one mile east of 1-95, (exit 42). Self-guiding tours are available. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm with the last house tour at 4. Admission. (912) 264-7333.
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