We visited this unsung gem while visiting Tallahassee, FL. It really is a gem because all the furnishings and decorative items are original. Not just authentic re-creations, but original to the house. Apparently the last occupant, Mr. Tom Hood, died a widower with no heirs. Fortunately he was a visionary and established a foundation in the name of his deceased wife, The Margaret Wilson Foundation (Wilson being her maiden name) for perpetuating the house and gardens. There were no estate sales, no children that would lay claim to furniture, accessories, or even clothing.

Mr. Hood honored his wife by stipulating that the house be restored to it’s original condition when Margaret first acquired Goodwood. It is serendipitous that so many items were left in attics, closets, and pantries. The restorers were able to use these items as part of the restoration. Chandeliers, furniture, clothing, many sets of China, and even photographs and paintings of many of the occupants over the long history of the house.

Goodwood started life in the 1830s as a cotton plantation. The initial estate encompassed 2400 acres and was soon increased to 8,000 acres.

My wife and I learned of Goodwood while visiting the Florida Tourism area in the Florida State Capital. A woman at the desk enthusiastically suggested that we would not be sorry if we toured Goodwood, and she was certainly on the mark. When you visit our beautiful state capital don’t miss this piece of history. The Docents are enthusiastic and well informed in their presentation. There are no ropes or glassed off spaces, which gives one the feeling of truly being a guest in someone’s home. The only restrictions are no photography, and do not touch anything. Quite understandable given the historical aspect of the house and contents.