Part of the National Register Historic District of Bellefonte, the Reynolds Mansion was originally known as the Spalding Plantation Manor. It was built by plantation owner and statesman Thomas Spalding, who also had architectural skills. During the Civil War, the mansion fell into a state of disrepair and remained neglected until Detroit’s Howard Coffin purchased the property in 1912.

In 1934, the property came to the hands of tobacco millionaire Richard Reynolds, who permitted the University of Georgia to use the site for marine research. Even today, the property serves as the location for the school’s Marine Research Facilities as well as the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Today, the mansion offers guests eleven beautifully designed rooms to choose from. The mansion’s Circus Room may also be rented for meetings and other events.