Historic 736-Acre Goodwill Estate Sold in Landmark Conservation Acquisition

 Goodwill Estate, a historic 736-acre property in Richland County, has sold for $13.8 million in a conservation acquisition that will expand the adjoining Wateree River Wildlife Habitat Preserve and protect a landscape shaped by more than two centuries of South Carolina history. Originally offered for $17.5 million, the property was listed by Tammra Granger and Julie Breedlove, global real estate advisors with Premier Sotheby's International Realty's Charlotte office.

The Conservation Fund purchased the estate and will work with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to preserve the property and provide opportunities for public educational tours and recreation. Richland County residents and local advocates worked alongside state officials to pursue a conservation outcome rather than private development.

Although the property was offered without conservation easements and had approval for subdivision into 22 lots, approximately 736 acres include wetlands, pine forests, wildlife habitat, waterways and miles of trails. Goodwill Estate is also surrounded by more than 3,600 acres of preserved land, making its conservation significant to the broader landscape. The estate includes approximately 173 acres of wetlands, pine timber forests, 12 miles of trails and Colonel's Creek, which flows through the property and includes a waterfall. Its diverse habitat supports an island rookery, quail fields, wild turkey and white-tailed deer.

Established in 1795 by Daniel Huger II and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Goodwill Estate has evolved through numerous chapters of South Carolina history. Its land was used for agriculture and later milling operations, served as a retreat for P.T. Barnum's circus animals and eventually became a private hunting and fishing preserve.  Historic structures dating to the 1830s include an operational grist mill and sawmill powered by the original water wheel, along with a hunting lodge, blacksmith shop, barns, corn crib and silo. The Heyward House has been converted into a private museum housing artifacts and antiques associated with the estate. 

Two residences overlooking a private 35-acre lake are also located on the estate. The 8,400-square-foot main residence, completed in 2009-2010, was designed in the Charleston architectural tradition and incorporates materials from the property, including heart pine flooring harvested from the estate. A second 5,500-square-foot residence provides additional accommodations.

The sale will also extend Goodwill Estate's legacy beyond the property itself. Sellers Larry and Jerry Faulkenberg have a long history of supporting organizations in lower Richland County and have supported Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries in Greenwood for 50 years. The organization provides residential and foster care services for children and families. A portion of the proceeds from the sale has been designated for Connie Maxwell's new Healing Center, which will provide trauma-informed therapy, counseling and restorative care for children and families.

QUOTES:

“Goodwill Estate is a remarkable piece of South Carolina, with a history and natural landscape that has endured for more than two centuries. To see it permanently protected and incorporated into the surrounding conservation landscape is an extraordinary outcome for the property and the region.”

“Larry and Jerry Faulkenberry have always viewed Goodwill as something larger than themselves. Their decision to direct a portion of the sale proceeds to Connie Maxwell reflects that same sense of stewardship and their longstanding commitment to helping children and families in South Carolina. That's a legacy that reaches far beyond the property itself.”

• Julie Breedlove and Tammra Granger, global real estate advisors, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Charlotte office