Susina Plantation - Cedar Grove, Beachton Georgia

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Date added: January 28, 2025
View of front facade

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Susina is one of the few original wood frame Ante-Bellum Plantation houses in the region. Built by James Joseph Blackshear in c.1841, the house was designed by John Wind, architect of Greenwood Plantation and the Thomas County Courthouse and the most important architect to practice in Thomasville or Thomas County. The house has been in the possession of only two families (with the brief exception of Dr. J.T. Metcalf) since its construction, three generations of Blackshears and four generations of Masons, who now own and live there. Originally called Cedar Grove, Susina was completed by the widow of James Blackshear, who was killed in an accident in 1843. Mrs. Blackshear became one of the region's most noted farmers until her death in 1863. Susina was purchased by A. Heywood Mason in 1891, who remodeled it to provide room for the many guests to the plantation. After his death in 1911, the plantation was run by his wife, Anna Mason, until 1931 when James Mason II took possession and increased its agricultural importance by raising cattle and pigs. In 1951 A. Heywood Mason II bought the interests of his brothers and sisters. The house had been vacant for some time and required substantial repairs. The house was completely restored in 1967, and the barns have been repaired and restocked with fine horses.

Building Description

Susina is a large two-story wood-frame plantation house in the Greek Revival style. The exceptional front portico is supported by four two-story columns with Ionic caps and encloses a second-story cantilevered porch with a railing of wheat and sheaf design. A sunflower rosette, carved by the architect, John Wind, is centered in the pediment. A well-detailed cornice surrounds the entire house. The entrance is a double door, glass-paneled with side lights and a fixed transom. Window frames are simple Greek Revival in detail. The house is clapboard siding except for that portion of the front facade under the portico, which is flush siding treated as stone. Two side porches have roof decks supported by six smaller Ionic columns and surrounded by a low balustrade.

Susina was remodeled in 1891, and it is probable that the rear wing and the side porches were added to at this time. The kitchen was rebuilt in 1951, and the porches repaired, and in 1967 the entire house was restored. All woodwork was repaired or replaced at this time, and was cut to match the existing. The fine interiors include excellent wainscoting and other wood trim and a winding stairway to the second floor. Susina is in excellent condition, as are the grounds, which include large live oaks, magnolias, an old garden and an original brick cabin that housed the slaves used to build the main house in 1841.

Susina Plantation - Cedar Grove, Beachton Georgia View of front facade
View of front facade