photo by Judy Watts

SCO Executive Director Naomi Nimmo greets Johnny Linton, left, following the announcement of his acquisition of Woodlands, Casey Lavin (center) will continue as general manager.

photo by Judy Watts

In a surprise move, local attorney Johnny Linton announced Wednesday he and his family purchased Woodlands Inn from entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, founder of BET and partner in three Washington, D.C., sports teams.

The two parties didn’t disclose the terms of the sale of the 11-acre property. Johnson bought it for $2.6 million in 2006.

A longtime fan of the inn, Linton only began to consider ownership after a law school dinner this spring.  As he got to know new general manager Casey Lavin, who he said is elevating the staff to new levels, he and Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hospitality, began talking about a transfer of ownership.

Linton said he wouldn’t even characterize the discussion as “negotiations.”  Devadas said Johnson hadn’t planned to sell the facility but recognized the value of local ownership.

“This wouldn’t have happened without the tremendous respect and admiration we have for Johnny,” Devadas said.

Johnson owned both the inn and Salamander Hospitality.  Salamander will remain as manager of the property, and Johnson will continue to take an interest in the community, Linton said.  She’s scheduled to speak at a 9/11 memorial event at Pinewood Prepatory, he said.  

Devadas said there are no expected staff changes at this time, although Linton’s plans for the property will probably lead to some new jobs in the future.  Linton envisions more cultural and artistic offerings at the Woodlands.  

“To me, Summerville is really the epicenter of the Lowcountry,” he said.  Because of its position between the major plantations and Mepkin Abbey, he believes groups interested in the plantations, as well as archeology, kayaking, bicycling and other activities, could be attracted to the inn.

He would like to see an artisans village established, which could offer lessons and workshops in painting, music, fly fishing, canoe making or other cultural activities.  Local artist Rick Reinert will be the artist in residence, and his paintings are already displayed throughout the public spaces of the inn.

Other plans include establishing a culinary academy and an off-premises catering operation.  

“It’s exposing the talent we have right here in Summerville,” Linton said.

Mayor Berlin Myers thanked Johnson for the work she put into refurbishing the property, but said he was happy to see it in local hands.

Woodlands, he said, is “a landmark of Summerville (that’s) been here since I’ve been here – and that’s a long, long time.”

Woodlands is one of six properties in the U.S. to earn a Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond rating for both dining and lodging, according to its press materials.  

Linton, special counsel for Duffy & Young in Charleston, has lived in Summerville for more than 20 years.  His family has been involved in local fundraisers like the Summerville Kitchen Tour and he has served on the boards of several nonprofits. The Woodlands has “tremendous capacity” for events to help local charities, he said.

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