The Vineyard & Winery and B&B at Catawba Farms
The Vineyard & Winery and B&B at Catawba Farms
Introduction:
This multifaceted property and enterprise represent a unique and compelling opportunity to acquire and expand upon the hospitality and special events value elements developed by the current owners over the last 8 years or so. The setting is historic, and well known throughout the Newton-Catawba County area and beyond—being first settled in 1768 by the locally famous Sigmon family.
While the current main house (now the Peacock Inn B&B) was built in about 1868, remnants of the original 1768 log cabin are still contained within the current structure.
In recent years, the operating elements of Catawba Farms have been centered around the vineyard and winery (the first winery established in Catawba County), the Peacock Inn B&B, and a multitude of special events both indoors (utilizing the massive tasting room/banquet hall structure) and outdoors (utilizing several special purpose accessory buildings and structures).
The Locale, Overall Market Area, and Growth Dynamics:
Likely the most dominant economic and demographic elements at work in Catawba County and the City of Newton are the ever-increasing influences of the overall dynamism and growth of the greater Charlotte Metropolitan Area—with downtown Charlotte being only 1 hour away.
While Catawba County and Newton are not currently part of the “official” Charlotte Metropolitan Area, the Charlotte Regional Partnership does recognize three additional counties as part of what they refer to as the “Charlotte Region”—Alexander and Catawba counties in North Carolina, and Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Catawba and Alexander counties are currently part of the Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area or “the Unifour”. Factoring in the Unifour, as well as Chesterfield County, if one considers these regions to be part of the Charlotte area, as many in the area regard them as such, the population according to the 2020 Census increases to approximately 3.4 million. If this population was officially used, the overall Charlotte Area would become the 20th largest CSA in the country.
Moreover, the Charlotte Area demographics reflect relatively high educational levels, relatively high wage and salary structures with many professionals employed in business, banking, medicine, education, and government. These demographics translate to a consumer base that has ample discretionary income and that seek opportunities to enjoy unique hospitality and events experiences such as those that can be offered by estate vineyards-wineries, boutique B&Bs, and special event venues—all of which is possible at Catawba Farms with the current zoning (detailed in next section below). The supply of light industrial-manufacturing zoned land for this type of use is dwindling in the Charlotte MSA—and the primary demand generator for the industrial-manufacturing zoned land in and around Newton will be the attraction of businesses looking for an alternative to the higher prices in the closer-in Charlotte MSA.
Some relevant driving distances and times from the property are as follows:
- Charlotte Downtown and Charlotte Douglas International Airport: 50 mi. 1 hr.
- Hickory and Hickory Regional Airport: 15 mi. 22 min.
- Lake Norman of Catawba: 19 mi. 26 min.
- Statesville: 25 mi. 30 min.
- Winston-Salem: 68 mi. 1 hr.
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (Greensboro): 90 mi. 90 min.
Despite being an easy drive from Charlotte and other metro areas, Newton has been able to maintain a small-town atmosphere, offering a close-knit community and a friendly environment. This helps create a welcoming and intimate experience for guests at The Vineyard & Winery and B&B at Catawba Farms and makes them feel like they’re part of a tight-knit community. As the owner’s current website states so succinctly: “…less than an hour from uptown Charlotte, yet a world away.”
The Overall Property and Acreage:
The overall acreage offered is in 4 distinct tax map parcels and comprises a total of 34.83 acres. However, the overall acreage is not contiguous—and is best considered as two non-contiguous sites:
- The first site: “Catawba Farms” (with main house B&B, large events center, vineyard sites, and numerous specialty structures and outbuildings in two parcels totaling 17.09 acres. Zoning is M1, Manufacturing. Several of the accessory buildings are in the floodplain—however, according to the owners, flooding has been relatively infrequent with minimal impact to the structures. This site has 2 direct road access points—one from Southwest Boulevard, and one from Technibilt Drive.
- The second site: “Additional Land” in two parcels totaling 17.74 acres, just across Technibilt Drive to the south of the Catawba Farms site, and with excellent road frontage on Technibilt Drive. Zoning is M1, Manufacturing and EM-1, Exclusive Manufacturing. As much of this site is in the floodplain, development of uses is likely best suited to uses such as outdoor industrial storage, which is movable, or for something like RV (self-contained) site rentals. This site has direct road access from Technibilt Drive. (See maps just below):
The vineyard acreage is between 7 and 8 acres and has the post and trellis system already in place. The vineyard block sites have an average elevation of about 870 feet ASL, which is quite good for this North Carolina locale. The blocks with existing vines may need to be evaluated for retention, and blocks with no existing vines would need to be replanted with varietals chosen by new ownership. However, in the interim, wine grapes or bulk juice could be purchased from other sources and winemaking could be resumed very quickly. Also, wine inventory from previous years has been well cared for in climate-controlled storage and is available to convey separately on a cost of goods pricing basis.
There are also about 20 producing apple trees on the property which produce sufficient fruit for cider-making, as well as for other purposes.
In connection with the vineyard-winery operations, this property has also been part of the Harvest Hosts network of sites for short-term RV stays (no rental charge, but guests understand they are expected to make purchases of wine, beer, food, and other sundry items that may be available at the host business). This capability could also be extended to the Additional Land site as noted above.
While the property is not within the limits of the City of Newton, it is served by the Newton water and sewer systems. In addition, there is an existing well and pump facility for irrigation purposes to the agricultural areas of the Catawba Farms site.
Also, in the relatively near future, it is expected that the City of Newton’s Heritage Greenway Trail will be fully completed—including an extension along Town Creek which runs along the eastern border of the Catawba Farms site. This extension will allow area residents to begin a walk or bike ride in downtown Newton and come right by the Catawba Farms location, which would undoubtedly benefit winery tasting room visits, and sales of both wine and craft beer along with accompanying light food fare from the commercial kitchen. This would also benefit any outdoor events, festivals, art showings, mini-farmer’s market, and similar activities which could be undertaken using the present accessory building facilities and outdoor spaces.
The Major Buildings and Other Structural Improvements:
The Catawba Farms site is impressively improved with a variety of buildings associated with the operation of a B&B, vineyard, winery, and special events venue. The following descriptions and follow-on photos capture the most important structures in the offering:
Main Residence (Historical Sigmon Homesite): This magnificent residential structure is the original dwelling that has received several additions since its original log construction, circa 1768—and with the largest construction/expansion occurring in 1868 and thereby represents one of the oldest buildings in the immediate area. The history of this building is a valuable intangible asset, that contributes to the overall attraction and graceful ambiance of Catawba Farms and the overall setting.
This structure has most recently been operating as The Peacock Inn and consists of 4,136 square feet on 2 levels. There are five spacious bedrooms (including a large “Bridal Suite” on the main level) that have been luxuriously renovated with modern bathrooms and are exquisitely furnished with many antique pieces and other fine furnishings intended to convey with the sale.
The building includes a full kitchen on the main level, along with a spacious living room and sunroom. Adjacent to the kitchen is a large breakfast area and there is also a formal dining room on the main level. The furnishings, fixtures, and other perfectly suited appointments, contribute very positively to the overall aesthetics and appeal of this luxury B&B, and have been thoughtfully executed to maintain the historic character of the main residence, which is truly the heart of the overall property.
The Tasting Room and Banquet Hall Building: This very large and imposing structure is attached to the main residence & B&B, with a separate entrance from the B&B—however it also has its own front and rear entry ways. Most recently, it served as the tasting room for the winery operation as well as for the boutique craft brewery operation. Additionally, it can also be configured provides a venue for significantly larger groups than associated with the B&B and it can accommodate a wide variety of special events—from receptions, anniversary parties, birthday parties, holiday parties, reunions, and indoor music performances.
The banquet hall space is 2,794 square feet, and there is also a spacious mezzanine area for separate, more private seating or for use as a vantage point from which special members of an event (bride & groom, guests of honor, etc.) may make a bit of a grand entrance to the main level.
There is also a centrally located wood-burning stone fireplace which lends much warmth to the overall ambiance of this space. This building was constructed with duplicate materials purchased for the construction of a church, as is evident in the open arched beams that form the 30-foot-tall cathedral ceiling and provide a very special and dramatic feel to the overall space.
Rounding out this structure and space, there is a large live-edge bar at one end along with full restroom facilities, brewery or kitchen space, and outdoors—an attached concrete patio, an area with a gazebo and patio pavers, and large wooden deck, both of which add much utility in allowing guests to enjoy a casual outdoor experience in connection with tastings or other events.
The Events Barn (and Stable): This very large (7,400 square feet under roof) and quality-built structure was a 23-stall stable that has been modified to provide additional event space for Catawba Farms. The center of the barn has a concrete slab, and the building has also been improved with a serving station for beverages during events. The building presently functions more as an event barn than a stable, but if desired it could be used for its original purpose as a large stable with nominal reconfiguration. Air flow works well through this building and provides for a very pleasant, and versatile outdoor venue for various types of events.
The Pavilion: This building was constructed as another outdoor venue for Catawba Farms and is known as The Pavilion. Notably, the building includes a full commercial kitchen, and a large screened-in dining area on a concrete slab. The structure also has a full metal roof system, and under the covered area is a large stone barbecue pit. The Pavilion consists of 2,108 square feet, and a 650 square foot canopy.
The Cottage: The Cottage is a lovely arts & crafts style structure which has been partially renovated, and all the interior flooring and wall coverings are in nearly new condition. There is 1,120 square feet of living area, and it could be utilized as a guest cottage or as a spacious office for owners/managers.
The Winery & Wine Storage Building: This structure is a metal building consisting of 1,800 square feet. The entire building has HVAC and has been used for climate-controlled wine storage and the winery production area is well lit and has water service as well as floor drainage in place.
Outdoor Events Equipment Storage Building: This equipment storage structure is a metal building with a partial concrete floor and a trip of gravel down the center. It provides very significant storage space, as it consists of 3,300 square feet with an outdoor canopy extending from one side of the building providing an additional 1,600 square feet. While there is no HVAC, the interior has ample fluorescent lighting and is excellent for protected equipment storage.
Other Accessory Utility and Storage Buildings: There are also several other structures on the property which provide additional utility for farm operations and more storage. Included among these are two rustic log structures which lend much appeal to the farm setting and preserve the special historic character of days gone by at Catawba Farms!
Offering Summary:
This offering represents an exciting opportunity to acquire The Vineyard & Winery and B&B at Catawba Farms—a historic property with tremendous potential for a multifaceted and profitable hospitality business. The property includes various elements such as vineyard space with trellis system in place, a winery, a B&B called The Peacock Inn, and multiple special events spaces.
The main residence, built in 1868, holds historical significance and offers a luxurious B&B experience with five spacious bedrooms. The tasting room and banquet hall building can accommodate large groups and host a variety of events, while the events barn provides a unique space for outdoor gatherings and events. Additional structures include The Pavilion, The Cottage, The Winery & Wine Storage Building, and an outdoor events equipment storage building.
With over 34 acres of land spread across two non-contiguous sites and 4 parcels, the property boasts potential for expansion and development. The location of Catawba Farms is strategically positioned near Newton, and within easy driving distance of Charlotte and other metropolitan areas. The area experiences growth dynamics influenced by the overall dynamism of the greater Charlotte Metropolitan Area. The property’s zoning allows for various uses that cater to the local community as well as visitors, such as outdoor industrial storage or RV site rentals.
The vineyard, spanning 7 to 8 acres, can be restored to full production capacity with existing infrastructure in place. The current owners have also been part of the Harvest Hosts network, offering short-term RV stays. A planned greenway along the property will provide connection to Historic Downtown Newton and Southside Park. The property benefits from proximity to major attractions, airports, and scenic areas. Newton provides a small-town atmosphere while being easily accessible to urban destinations. Overall, The Vineyard & Winery and B&B at Catawba Farms presents an enticing opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the growing hospitality market in the greater Charlotte region.
Answer the call of your entrepreneurial “animal spirits” —and seize the opportunity to blaze new trails perhaps as a vineyardist, or winemaker, or brew master, or innkeeper, or special events coordinator, or in all of those roles by acquiring this combined agricultural and hospitality enterprise!
For More Information Contact
P. Tyler Williams, SVP, Business Broker, & REALTOR®
VIRGINIA ESTATES, Inc.
Cell: 703-850-4914 Email: ptylerwilliams@gmail.com
Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Licensed in NC as Limited Nonresident Commercial Real Estate Broker
Vineyards-Wineries, Event Venues, B&Bs, & Country Estates Specialist
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Listing Courtesy of Virginia Estates Inc