Jake Paul’s $39M Southlands Purchase:
Georgia’s Landmark Land Sale
South-lands Plantation offers an unparalleled legacy of land stewardship and natural beauty, now making headlines as the site of a $39 million transaction. Famed YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has acquired this 5,746± acre estate in Decatur County, Georgia – a deal that ranks among the most expensive private land sales in Georgia’s history . Exclusively brokered by Jon Kohler & Associates, the South’s leading experts in investment-grade land and high-quality recreational properties, this sale underscores both the historic significance of Southlands and the soaring value of recreational land.
A Historic Georgia Estate Finds a New Owner
Southlands Plantation is not just another Georgia property; it’s a legendary sporting estate with nearly a century of storied legacy. First assembled in the 1920s–30s by pioneering conservationist Herbert Stoddard (co-founder of Tall Timbers Research Station), the original 26,000-acre tract became known as Southlands,. In 1937, U.S. Senator Houghton Metcalf purchased the land from Stoddard, building the first lodge atop a 200-foot bluff and cementing Southlands’ status as a sportsman’s paradise . By the late 1950s, International Paper owned Southlands, making it headquarters for a 12-million-acre forestry empire and a living laboratory for land management and world renowned as Southlands Experiment Forest.
Fast forward to 2010: visionary investor Jim Dahl set his sights on Southlands. To acquire these 5,700 acres of “best of the best” land, Dahl negotiated an unprecedented purchase of 160,000 acres across 10 states from International Paper, solely to carve out Southlands . That $142 million timberland deal (the South’s largest in a decade) speaks to how special Southlands is – “Can you imagine buying that much land just to be the next owner of these 5,700 acres? That’s one special place,” recalls Jon Kohler . After changing hands privately once more in 2023, Southlands finally made a public market debut in late 2024 with an asking price of $42.5M – the first time in 87 years this coveted property was openly for sale. Now, Jake Paul’s Southlands purchase writes the next chapter of this legacy, bringing new energy and attention to one of the South’s most iconic landholdings.
Unparalleled Features and Investment-Grade Qualities
Southlands is often described as the “land ownership equivalent of owning an NFL team,” as Jon Kohler told reporters . In other words, it’s a once-in-a-generation asset – the pinnacle of investment-grade land. What makes Southlands so unique and valuable? Below are some of its key features and qualities that set it apart from any other recreational property for sale in Georgia or the Southeast:
Expansive Acreage & Diverse Habitat: 5,746.9± acres of pristine land encompassing upland pine forests, hardwood bottoms, and only ~2.5% wetlands . The estate boasts 4.5 miles of frontage along Lake Seminole, a 37,500-acre lake, offering world-class fishing and waterfront views . Rolling terrain (with 230 feet of elevation change) forms the southernmost foothills of the Appalachians, creating superb drainage and Class I & II soils. As Walter Hatchett notes, “The better soils you have, the better quality of wildlife you’re going to have… The type of soils found at Southlands… will grow just about anything.” These fertile soils support a rich mosaic of habitats – from longleaf pine sandhills to spring-fed creeks and a 20-acre private lake plus a 30-acre duck marsh built on the property .
World-Class Wildlife & Recreation: Southlands is a sportsman’s dream come true. It’s famed for its wild quail population – the plantation lies in Georgia’s storied quail belt, and hunters routinely move 8–12 coveys in an afternoon . Towering pine uplands and thoughtfully managed understory provide ideal quail habitat, harkening to a time when Southlands helped write the book on quail management (literally – Stoddard’s landmark 1931 book on bobwhite quail). Trophy whitetail deer also abound, thanks to decades of careful genetics and herd management. The property is enclosed by over 6.5 miles of high fence in strategic areas to protect and grow monster bucks . The results speak for themselves: Southlands has produced Boone & Crockett record-book deer, including a massive 187″ buck taken last season . Wild turkeys thrive as well – in fact, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia completed his Grand Slam turkey hunt on these very grounds . From waterfowl in the cypress-lined duck pond to trophy bass in the private lake, every aspect of outdoor sport is world-class at Southlands.
Exceptional Improvements & Infrastructure: Unlike many raw land investments, Southlands is turn-key and luxurious. A completely remodeled main lodge (8 bedrooms, 5.5 baths) sits atop a hill overlooking Lake Seminole , offering modern comfort with historic charm – truly a “lodge with a view”. There are multiple residences, including a newly built manager’s house, a renovated guest cottage, and the original manager’s home, to accommodate staff and guests . For the equestrian enthusiast, a new four-stall horse barn (built 2021) supports traditional horseback quail hunts . Miles of improved roads and a three-mile paved entrance drive lead through gated, manicured grounds , ensuring privacy and making every arrival an experience (“As you come through the private entrance and begin the three-mile drive, you will be blown away,” says Walter Hatchett ). Additional infrastructure includes a state-of-the-art 60± acre irrigated agricultural field (for wildlife feed plots) with a high-capacity well , extensive equipment barns and workshops, a 15-run dog kennel for bird dogs , a game-processing cooler and cleaning facility, and more. Every improvement has been purpose-built for a high-end recreational lifestyle, meaning the new owner can step in and enjoy immediately.
Ecological & Conservation Value: With its size and diversity, Southlands is not just a recreational tract but an ecological treasure. Numerous spring-fed creeks (over 5 miles’ worth) originate on the property, flowing through picturesque ravines and even forming small waterfalls before feeding the lake and Flint River. The landscape includes old-growth hardwood hammocks, mature longleaf pine forests maintained with a frequent prescribed fire regimen, and open fields teeming with native groundcover. This level of habitat quality is rarely available on the market – it truly represents “the best of the best” in southern ecosystems . Conservation-minded buyers will appreciate that Southlands could be a candidate for a conservation easement, protecting its natural legacy for generations and offering potential tax benefits, though its new ownership by a young entrepreneur suggests a continuing active use and careful stewardship model rather than development. In short, Southlands offers the ultimate blend of investment, recreation, and conservation.
Visionary Leadership and Exclusive Brokerage
Such a significant property and sale required equally significant expertise. Jon Kohler & Associates served as the exclusive broker for Southlands, leveraging over 30 years of specialization in plantation and high-quality land sales. Jon Kohler & Associates is widely regarded as “the leader in this niche” having pioneered the market for investment-grade recreational land since 1991. In fact, both Jon Kohler & co-listing agent Walter Hachett have received the industry’s highest awards…the APEX Award. Jon has achieved it’s highest honor as the #1 Recreational Land Broker in America for 2022 and #1 in 10 Southern states in both 2023 and 2024. Walter consistently finishes nationally among the “Top 20.” From the very start, Jon and Walter saw Southlands for what it is – a crown jewel of the South. “Southlands, one of the South’s top sporting ranches and one of the largest of all the quail plantations, is the land ownership equivalent to owning an NFL team,” Jon Kohler remarked, emphasizing the rarity and prestige of this estate . Their vision for presenting Southlands went beyond just acres and amenities; it was about conveying the “land, lifestyle, and legacy” that Southlands embodies.
Both Jon and Walter have a deep personal connection to properties like Southlands. Walter Hatchett, who lives next door to Southlands and had even managed it in the past, understood its nuances intimately. “I’ve hunted for whitetails in numerous states, but . . . I’ve been witness to exceptional genetics in this immediate area,” Walter notes of Southlands’ deer herd . That local knowledge and passion were crucial in articulating Southlands’ value to interested buyers. Jon Kohler’s decades of experience brokered more plantation sales than anyone in history, and his marketing innovations (like high-quality short films, detailed land research, and a national “Roloex” of high-net-worth buyers) ensured that the Southlands sale reached the right audience. It’s no surprise that this deal was handled privately and efficiently by JKA – the property was placed quickly under contract with Jake Paul, demonstrating the brokerage’s ability to match elite properties with visionary buyers.
“The sale of Southlands is more than a transaction; it’s a testament to the enduring value of well-managed land.”
– Jon Kohler, Broker of Southlands
By entrusting Jon Kohler & Associates, the sellers of Southlands tapped into an unparalleled platform of expertise. JKA’s team framed Southlands not just as land, but as a legacy asset – a place where family and friends gather for generations to enjoy God’s great outdoors while at the same time benefit from the safely appreciating capital assets. “This is the perfect place to build and store generational wealth. No other investment allows generations of family to come together, to build memories like this does.” Jon Kohler. This perspective resonated strongly with today’s land investor. In recent years, Jake Paul has built a reputation as a bold investor and entrepreneur; his foray into land ownership with Southlands was guided by the insight that “tangible assets like land can offer both enjoyment and long-term value” . Jon Kohler & Associates were the ideal partners to illuminate those benefits, solidifying their status as the go-to brokerage for luxury land transactions.
The Rising Value of High-End Recreational Land
The Southlands deal also highlights a broader trend: the surging market for high-end recreational properties. Once a quiet corner of real estate, plantations and recreational lands have seen record-breaking demand and price appreciation in recent years. Wealthy buyers are increasingly seeking refuge in rural investments – for privacy, recreation, and as a hedge against volatile markets (what JKA calls “Social Storm Properties™ , resilient in uncertain times). Southlands’ nearly $40M price tag puts it at the apex of this trend, but it’s part of a continuum of notable sales that underscore the rising value of investment-grade land.
- Recent internal JKA sales in just the last few months that would surprise most.
- Nearby Lake Wautauga with a private 25 acres lake recently closed for $10,000 per acre
- Bordering Serenity Plantation sold for $7,250 per acre before the short film was even released!
- Kissaway Plantation with 1,190 acres sold two weeks ago for just shy of $9,000 per acre!
- Southlands with its record setting 5,747 acres commanded $6,790 per acre
In the past, this niche was driven primarily by quail hunters but today’s buyers are seeking a broad spectrum of recreational pursuits. “We recently closed 1,400 acre plantation on the Flint River in Albany for over $8,000 per acre where just few years prior we sold it for $4,000 per acre. Both sales set records. The difference today is the number of B&C bucks we proved it could raise and the demand for quality deer,” Walter Hatchet revealed, noting that prime deer hunting properties can now fetch higher prices than even famed quail plantations. A prime example of putting this knowledge to use is the Twin Oaks sale that when even encumbered by a conservation easement and even as an unsolicited offer, JKA brought a record $6,400 per acre for the 1,966 acres of land/timber component commanding more than the adjoining Beverly Plantation brought while formally on the market across the street! In fact, yet another brokerage marketed Twin Oaks as recently as 2020 where it only brougt $2,760 per acre for the same land/timber component.
These real-world comps illustrate a clear message: properly managed recreational land is an appreciating asset, and discriminating investors that know what they are looking for are willing to pay a premium for quality, rarity, and legacy.
Southlands stands as a capstone in this market. Its sale at roughly $39 million sets a new benchmark for Georgia. Few properties of this caliber ever become available, and when they do, they often transition quietly to new stewards who recognize their inherent and future value. “Southlands has only changed hands five times in nearly 100 years,” Jon Kohler noted – a testament to its owners’ tendency to hold such an asset for decades. This transaction marks a pivotal moment in the luxury land market, proving that land stewardship and capital investment can go hand in hand. As more high-net-worth individuals (from tech entrepreneurs to sports celebrities) enter this niche, trophy properties like Southlands are increasingly viewed as the ultimate status symbol and strategic investment – akin to owning a rare piece of art or an exclusive business. In Jake Paul’s case, the Southlands purchase aligns with a trend of non-traditional investors diversifying into land, potentially leveraging it as a personal retreat, a content creation venue, or a bold long-term hold. It’s a sign of the times: land is back in the spotlight.
See Southlands for Yourself: Short Film & Sizzle Reel
To truly appreciate the grandeur of Southlands Plantation, one must see it. Jon Kohler & Associates have captured the essence of Southlands in a professionally produced short film and an exciting sizzle-reel trailer. These high-definition videos take viewers on a journey through the property – from drone shots of the sun rising over Lake Seminole, to close-ups of champion bird dogs on point in the quail fields, to sweeping aerial views of the 8-bedroom lodge and its stunning environs. You’ll witness trophy bucks captured on trail cam, coveys of quail bursting into flight, and the sheer scale of the hardwood forests and riverfront vistas.
Watch the Southlands Short Film
Experience an inside look at this pristine recreational property (video courtesy of Jon Kohler & Associates)
Sizzle Reel
For a quick adrenaline rush, check out the short trailer showcasing Southlands’ highlights – a teaser of the full film.
Embedded on this landing page is a sneak peek video; with one click, you can immerse yourself in the Southlands story visually. As the camera pans across those 4.5 miles of shimmering lakeshore at sunset, it’s easy to understand why Southlands captures hearts and headlines alike. (If you’re viewing this on our website, press play above to begin the tour!)
Invest in Your Legacy – Contact Jon Kohler & Associates
The sale of Southlands to Jake Paul signals that dream properties like this are not just the stuff of legend – they’re attainable with the right team and timing. While Southlands itself may now be off the market, there are other investment-grade recreational properties waiting for their next steward. Are you ready to find your own Southlands? Jon Kohler & Associates invites you to explore our portfolio of high-quality land for sale, from quail plantations and ranches to legacy farms across Georgia, Florida, and the Southeast.
🚩 Contact us today to discuss your land investment goals or to inquire about recreational property for sale in Georgia and beyond. As the exclusive brokers behind the Southlands sale and countless other legacy land transactions, we have the knowledge, network, and passion to guide you to your perfect property. Whether you’re an investor seeking a stable, appreciating asset or a conservationist looking to preserve a natural treasure, our team will provide unmatched expertise and concierge service every step of the way.
For over 30 years, we’ve represented the most significant recreational and conservation properties across the Southeast. Our team doesn’t just sell land—we help shape legacy investments.
Jon Kohler & Associates – Preserving Land, Lifestyles, and Legacies since 1991.
Jon Kohler, JD | Phone: 850-508-2999 | Email: jon@jonkohler.com
Walter Hatchett, ALC | Phone: 850-508-4564 | Email: walter@jonkohler.com
Experience the Difference: There’s a reason Jon Kohler & Associates is synonymous with the finest recreational land – we don’t just sell properties, we sell a vision of what land can be. The $39M Southlands sale is living proof of our commitment to connecting extraordinary people with extraordinary places. Your dream property might be the next headline – let’s make it happen.
Bruce Ratliff is a retired elected official (Property Appraiser Taylor County). Bruce brings years of experience in ad valorem tax knowledge. His property tax background gives JKA Associates & clients a unique insight into the complicated tax process. Bruce held several positions in the Florida Association of Property Appraisers, including member of the Board of Directors, President, Vice-President and Secretary, and served on the Agricultural & Legislative Committees for the Association. The real estate business has been part of Bruce’s life since childhood. His mother, Shirley Ratliff owned Professional Realty of Perry, Florida and his father, Buster owned Ratliff Land Surveying which Bruce was General Manager of before his political career.
From murky farm ponds to pristine glacier-cut lakes and everything in between, Knox Daniels’ expertise stems from a lifelong fascination of water and the creatures that live in and around it. He recognizes and helps clients appreciate the value water features bring to a property. “My goal is to help buyers realize and sellers maximize the value different water bodies bring to a property, not only in a recreational sense, but also for social storm reasons.” After extensively traveling the country for collegiate BASS fishing tournaments, Knox graduated and worked for the Southeast’s finest fisheries and wildlife biologist, Greg Grimes. With Grimes’ company, AES, Knox managed many of the southeast’s finest private lake estate/impoundment properties, and learned the intricacies of upscale property management. Learning from Greg and other biologists, Knox honed in on the specific conditions and habitat needed for optimal gamefish growth in private lakes. He has also worked as a property manager on several thousand acres and for a commercial developer, facilitating the dirt work and builds of several apartment complexes, but his true passion has always been in the outdoors. “I’ve always had an insatiable fascination with ponds/lakes and am grateful to be able to help to place clients on the properties of their dreams and make their personal fisheries/wildlife goals reality with JKA.” – Knox Daniels
As a landowner of his own family farm, Lick Skillet, along with family land that has been passed down and enjoyed together at Keaton Beach for 40 years, Jon knows what it means to be a steward of the last best places. As a third-generation land broker with more than 30 years of experience in advising landowners in this niche, Jon is known for his innate ability to harvest a land’s unique intrinsic value. Touting several notable sales under his belt, Jon personally closed Rock Creek/Molpus – 124,000 acres of premium timberland at $142,000,000 – which was known as the largest timberland land sale in the Southeast for eight years running. He is a co-founding member of LandLeader and achieved the real estate industry’s highest honor, “2022 National Broker of the Year – Recreational Land Sales,” by the Realtors® Land Institute.
Prior to joining Jon Kohler & Associates, Walter Hatchett served for 30 years as a land manager to several of the south’s most esteemed properties, including Rock Creek. As a former property manager himself, and a consistently ranked “Top Sales Producer” nationwide and achieved “APEX Top 20 Land Broker” multiple times, Walter has a keen eye for the best in habitat management.
With Madison County roots, Lori grew up on her family farm at Pettis Springs along the historic Aucilla River. A love of the land was instilled in Lori very early on by her father who was a local farmer. Lori understands the importance of good land stewardship and has witnessed first-hand how her own father, a former 2-term member of the Florida House of Representatives whose district encompassed many rural counties of the Red Hills Plantation Region, with a little bit of sweat equity, so lovingly worked their own family land. These are core values she carries with her today, and nothing gives her more personal satisfaction than to represent some of the south’s best land stewards.
Hailing from a long line of outdoorsmen, Tim learned a great deal from his father and grandfather. He saw first-hand what it means to be a good land steward. He believes land is so much more than a place to hunt, fish, and grow timber or crops. “It’s an identity, a resting place, a safe haven and a way of life, said Tim.” Tim’s family ties to Alabama run deep. During his grandfather’s first term, Governor James was responsible for signing into law Alabama’s first state duck stamp which helped to ensure funding for the procurement, development, and preservation of wetlands for migratory waterfowl habitat. He also established Alabama’s lifetime hunting license, so it is no surprise that Tim is an avid outdoorsman with a keen eye as to how best to improve habitat for the greater good of its wildlife.
Jason has been assisting landowners for the last 28 years in Georgia and South Carolina obtain achievements the owners did not realize were possible. His degree in Biology from Georgia Southern stemmed from the desire to know how things in nature work. His plantation roots began at just 16 years old outside of Albany, GA and the last 20 years were spent in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. His entire career has been spent developing a global approach to plantation management. That plan included sales. Sales is in Jason’s blood- his mom had a 45-year career as a real estate broker. After college, he chose to pursue his passion of making properties great. In 2011, Jason sold his first plantation. Since then, he has assisted buyers and sellers with over $20 million in sales while most of that time working as a full-time General Manager of a large Lowcountry plantation. Today, he is committed to using his unique skill set and experience to guide landowners through the many challenges of plantation ownership.