McFarlane Nature Park - History

Florence McFarlane died in October 1990. She and her husband William had purchased the property in 1958. During their lives they boarded polo ponies and raised lineage dogs. In Florence's will, she stated that the property should be kept in a natural state and used as a neighborhood green space, maintaining "the serenity of the property."

After Florence's death, there were several years before legalities were resolved. During this time, the house and property fell into disrepair. After the property was awarded to The Cobb Land Trust, thousands of contributed dollars and hours were required to make the house habitable and ground attractive again. 

Neighbors cut ivy off the house and repaired plumbing. Buildings were cleaned and painted. Overgrown plants were pruned or removed. Individuals and organizations came forward to handle the task. 

The Trust came to own the property in 1992 and became responsible for protecting the land which was named McFarlane Nature Park. 

Locally the property was known as the bean farm or called Little Egypt due to its proximity to the Chattahoochee River. 

The farm was the centerpiece of extensive agricultural acreage owned by the late Atlanta attorney Hughes Spalding Sr.  He commissioned the house for his farm manager, Floyd Spruill.

Spalding was a partner in the well-known law firm of King & Spalding. His friend, Judge John A. Sibley owned adjoining acreage - part of which is now known as Sibley Forest.

Chosen to design the farmhouse was noted Cuthbert, GA Architect Henry Toombs.  

The exposed rafters and huge

beams reveal quality construction. Architect Toombs is best known for his work for

President Franklin Roosevelt at Warm Springs, Georgia, and Hyde Park, New

York. Among Toombs' commercial designs are the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank,

along with four in other states; Lenox Square; and Rich's Store for Homes.

Traditional quality and insistence upon surrounding green space are Toombs'

signature.

(original plans will be available for viewing online as history page develops)

The original farmhouse plans are stored at the Georgia Archives.  They were visited shortly before renovation of the kitchen in 2016. 

Despite efforts to maintain the original look of the room, it was decided not to replicate the linoleum backsplashes specified in the original plans. 

The slate roof was moved from the Spalding home on Peachtree Rd., known as Deerland.

Water was originally distributed from the pumphouse which still exists at the Park today.  The pump is no longer functional and cannot be repaired.  The Pumphouse now serves as a favorite subject of plein air painters who visit.