70 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com The address for White Dog Plantation is Coca Cola Avenue, Havana, Florida.What is not to love about the name of the property and that entire address? This retreat sits on more than 46 acres just 16 miles from Interstate 10 and Tallahassee.There are eight historic buildings, a large spring, hiking trails, gardens and a four- acre dog park.The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and dates to the mid-1820s when Dr. Malcom Nicholson pur- chased 4,400 acres and built his planta- tion house on the site. In the 1980s, Paul Nicholson, great great grandson of Malcolm Nicholson, created the famous Nicholson Farmhouse Restaurant. It became so popular that Paul kept expanding by bringing in additional historic buildings, including a large honky tonk building, two Victorian houses and a former gas sta- tion/country store. Lynn Badger bought the property in 2007 and has spent the last 10 years lovingly restoring the retreat, and creating nine upscale boutique guest rooms.The property provides a unique country setting and is perfect for a wedding while accommodating the entire wedding party. It’s a great spot for a family reunion. Shady Rest is a 3,300 square foot hall that can seat at least 175 at tables. We stayed for one night earlier this year and the one thing that struck us was the peace and quiet.That, and how dark it was outside except for the moon and stars.The well-appointed rooms are all decorated with antiques. Lynn is a dog lover and created a 15-acre off leash dog park in Gainesville just so her rescued American Eskimo dogs would have a place to run. Dog Wood Park in Gainesville became so successful, Lynn purchased another piece of proper- ty in Jacksonville and created a second Dog Wood Park. A graduate of Florida State University, Lynn longed to be back in Tallahassee.When she learned that the old Nicholson Farmhouse Restaurant was for sale, she knew this was her opportunity.“I chose the name White Dog Plantation in honor of my rescue dogs and because the land was formerly a 4,400 acre plantation,” said Lynn, who is, by the way, the perfect host. As soon as Lynn and her six dogs moved there, her mind began spinning with ideas. She decided that White Dog Plantation would be a special place for people who loved nature, Florida history, old buildings and dogs.All of the guest rooms are pet-friendly. She has also donated the property for fundraising events benefiting St. Francis Wildlife hospital and sanctuary, just up the road from White Dog Plantation.“I’ve taken several injured animals there over the years and support them with donations,” said Lynn. Lynn would like to slow down a bit, to take more time and enjoy nature with her dogs. She would love to sell White Dog Plantation to someone who would keep the premise and continue to maintain the property. A Step Back in Time at White Dog Plantation. White Dog Plantation Lynn Badger 850.274.7744 info@WhiteDog.co Dog Wood Park, Gainesville 5505 SW Archer Road DogWoodPark.com Dog Wood Park, Jacksonville 7407 Salisbury Road JaxDogs.com Lynn Badger with Marco, one of her rescued American Eskimo dogs. Patrick’s General Store, saved from destruction in Gulf County. Heart Pine Cottage. (Above):The bedroom and (Below): the front porch. U