Cedar Lodge

Cedar Lodge is a 34+/- acres coastal peninsula (68 total acres) situated on the confluence of Honey Creek and Kirby Creek. This private peninsula is one of the most outstanding coastal properties in the State of Georgia. Featuring live oaks, cedar, and cabbage palm hammocks on Honey Creek overlooking Jekyll Sound, this is the epitome of “Golden Isles.”  The 18+ foot deep Honey Creek and tidal estuary guarantee ocean access at any tide. The convenience to the prosperity, social life, and sheer beauty that St. Simons,  Brunswick, and Sea Island offer, are right here.  

Cedar Lodge was previously operated as a highly respected full-service wedding and event venue, lodging operation, and 4-star resort.  As the current owners' professional careers took them in a different direction and they are selling the property, there are numerous options for a new owner moving forward on this beautiful property.  A couple of options today that we see for this property are; a wedding and event venue, a lodging operation, a boating destination resort, an investor could condo it as a sporting resort, or a Social Storm™ family compound. This stunning property offers a unique blend of elegance, charm, modern amenities, unparalleled beauty, and investment potential. 

In 2017, Kori and Tommy McGraw discovered this peninsula, immediately bought it, and decided to create a place for people to come together and enjoy God’s great outdoors. The exceptional quality of construction and meticulous planning evident in what they’ve created here truly stand out. Called Cedar Lodge on Honey Creek, it quickly became an extremely popular corporate event and wedding venue. 

"I think if I'm going to compare it, I would compare it to something along the lines of Barnsley Resort or Palmetto Bluff.” - Kori McGraw

“So the vision, when we started developing this place, was to set it up from the get-go as to be a compound, like a family compound where families could come and have that outdoor experience away from everything, but still close enough that if you wanted to go grab dinner somewhere, you could do that. So the vision is to make this a resort, to make it a property that functions with all types of amenities, plenty of space to stay in, but also it could be utilized if you wanted to sell off those cabins and then that owner of that cabin, then short-term, rental it while they're not utilizing it, the opportunities are endless.” - Kori McGraw

Over three years, the McGraw’s designed and built an event and lodging operation. While Cedar Lodge has thrived as a venue for lodging, weddings, gatherings, and events, the property has many possibilities. From the beginning, when they started developing this place,  they set it up to be a compound, like a family compound where families could come and have that outdoor experience away from everything, but still close enough that if you wanted to go grab dinner somewhere, you could do that. Featuring multiple spaces both indoors and outdoors, Cedar Lodge offers a main house, nine guest cottages, an event lodge, charming front gardens, waterfront on Honey Creek, all a perfect canvas for creating unforgettable memories.  

The event/gathering lodge (2,300 sq. ft.) is an open, elegant yet rustic entertaining space complete with a loft and outdoor patio. It features a caterer’s kitchen, ADA-compliant restrooms, two beautiful suites, a large open area with a custom brick fireplace, and expansive wrap-around porches. There is a landscaped lit terrace for gatherings and entertainment. There is a more casual second event/gathering lodge for smaller gatherings. It has functioning horse stalls, and three offices, and could easily function as a working horse barn. 

The property’s six scenic locations, which have hosted countless memorable gatherings and ceremonies, are equally suited for private family moments or outdoor adventures. These locations have hosted the below number of guests in the previously:  

• The Event Lodge – 75 guests
• Waterfront on Honey Creek – 275 guests
• The Fireplace – 150 guests
• Indoor with a View – 150 guests
• The Front Garden – 225 guests
• And Under the Oaks – 75 guests

What truly sets Cedar Lodge apart is its lodging. The nine thoughtfully designed island-style cabin cottages provide comfortable accommodations for up to 29 guests, making it easy for families to come together. The opportunity to expand the cabins allows for even greater flexibility.  

“The McGraw’s vision was always about the potential for this property to become a generational family retreat. The lodging is the key – it elevates the property into something extraordinary, offering flexibility, comfort and security.” - Jon Kohler  

Cedar Lodge Site Plan

On an island overlooking Jekyll Sound, the location of the first series of cottages says it all. In all, nine professionally decorated cottages were built and designed with painstaking attention to detail. 

Upon arrival, family members leave their personal vehicles at the barn and swap their keys for personal golf carts. These golf carts become the primary mode of transportation throughout their stay, allowing guests to explore the property’s winding paths, pristine waterfronts, and scenic oak hammocks at their leisure. Restricted vehicle access enhances the island ambiance and provides a serene, secure environment for all. The cottages are interconnected with a shared great room that includes a full kitchen (microwave, oven, coffee pot, ice machine, and full-size fridge), fireplace, TV, and powder room. Outside of the great room in the middle of the cottages is a pool for guests to take a refreshing dip. The cottages include: 

• The Great Room - Shared space that includes living room with television and fireplace, kitchen with microwave and full refrigerator, and powder room.
• The Wiregrass - Queen Bed, ensuite with shower, microwave, fridge.
• The Bullard - Bunk bed with two twins, one full bed, ensuite with shower, microwave, fridge.
• The Howser - Queen bed and a full daybed. Ensuite ADA shower, microwave, fridge, and coffee pot. Corner room views.
• The McCullough - King bed with the option of two twins. Ensuite with shower and tub, microwave, fridge. Corner room views.
• The Rawl - Two full size beds, ensuite with shower, microwave, fridge. Corner room views.
• The Bishop - Two full size beds, ensuite with shower, microwave, fridge.
• The Knuttal - King bed, ensuite with shower, microwave, fridge.
• The Schupe - King bed, ensuite with shower, microwave, fridge.
• The Creek (Honeymoon Suite) - Fireplace, private balcony, wet bar, fridge, microwave, pull-out full-size sofa bed, King bed in the bedroom, soaking tub, ensuite shower

Not only are these cabins decorated and built to the attention of detail few possess, but they also include a surplus of local accents and history throughout. From hand-forged chandeliers to locally sourced cedar columns, these cabins exude luxury all the while incorporating beautiful and unique artifacts and materials. 

“We wanted it to be very natural…from the outside in. We elevated (the cabins) because of the aesthetic that it gives. I have people sometimes describe it as if they’re in the middle of Jurassic Park. They feel like they’re walking into something that’s not anywhere near civilization. It’s very unique.” - Kori McGraw

In addition to the gathering and event space and cottages, the main house, the tidal marsh house (which was built in 2014), touts three bedrooms, and two baths, as well as an enclosed garage/ guest suite, which is 1-bed, 1-bath with a full kitchen and laundry room in the guest house. 

There’s a generator that services the main house and provides full backup. A workshop barn provides a basis for the resort’s 3-person staff as well as a drop-off point. Another barn provides more offices as well as additional event space. 

All furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) of the business convey, providing a turnkey operation for new owners. There is also zoning that allows for future construction of additional rooms, enhancing growth potential.  Future plans could also include a kayak launch near the cabins and a skeet shooting range to be added to the grounds. Conceptual plans for expanded lodging and engineering for future septic systems have already been designed. 

Additional amenities include horse paddocks and a workshop by the barn with an enclosed housekeeping bay, maintenance office, and work area, as well as an open but covered parking area. There are several parking areas on the property and acres of natural landscape to explore. 

This private “end of the road” property is fenced and gated with access control, full surveillance, and a monitored fire alarm system.  There are several ponds and trails on the property and acres of nature landscape to explore. Well-serviced infrastructure including flowing wells, septic systems, underground power, and propane tanks are also featured. 

Its location allows convenient exploration of the nearby Golden Isles, renowned for its pristine beaches and historic charm. Discover the rich history of Jekyll Island, indulge in the luxury of St. Simons Island, or embark on an adventure to Cumberland Island's unspoiled wilderness. Enjoy golfing at the prestigious Sanctuary Golf Club in Waverly, GA, or simply unwind amidst the tranquil beauty that surrounds this remarkable property. The upscale Sea Island’s 31561 ZIP Code has the U.S.’s priciest residential real estate within a vacation resort as ranked by median listing price, according to The Wall Street Journal - see the full article below: 

Sea Island, Georgia, Is America’s Priciest Resort - WSJ

Another option for the property that was mentioned above, is that an investor could condo it as a sporting resort.  

“There is also an opportunity if you wanted to build the cabins out, the individual cabins, turning around and selling those to individuals, whether it's through a long-term lease, like a 99-year lease, or just selling them outright and having them rent out themselves as a short-term rental. And then you as the property owner of the community areas charge like a management fee or kind of an HOA type fee. That's an opportunity as well that could be used out here that would still allow the property to operate as it is operating, but generate additional revenue” - Kori Mcgraw 

"The real value of Cedar Lodge lies in its ability to bring families together. This is a place where generations can reconnect, unplug from the world, and focus on what truly matters. It’s not just a property; it’s a legacy waiting to be created." – Jon Kohler 

Cedar Lodge offers a rare chance to own a unique property with established amenities and several investment strategies moving forward. This is a “one-of-a-kind” property that is surrounded by the benefits of Coastal Georgia’s southern charm.