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Some Stanly County residents may be surprised to learn that a home worth nearly $3 million was recently listed for sale in Stanfield.

The house is listed for $2.8 million. According to the listing with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Realty, the “magnificent, architect-designed, lodge-inspired estate” sits on more than 140 acres.

“Featured nationally in Timber Home Magazine, the 5,044-square-foot residence is noted for its artisan mastery of timber trusses and extensive millwork, its Tennessee fieldstone fireplaces, solid copper roof, farmhouse conveniences and details throughout, interiors by Ralph Lauren studios, and from its floor-to-ceiling windows and grand terraces, breathtaking panoramic views of the green fields, ponds, pastures and vistas beyond,” according to the listing.

The house has three full bathrooms, two half-baths and three bedrooms, as well as an attached garage, fenced pasture, wet bar, cathedral ceiling, barn and other features.

“It’s a very unique estate,” Angela Prince, the realtor handling the property, said. “For someone who’s looking for a countryside estate, a lot of times you can’t buy that kind of property in Charlotte or any of the metro areas. It’s not available. For someone who’s looking for something private, a homestead if you would, it’s absolutely gorgeous.”

The property could also appeal to someone who wants a private airstrip or helipad, is a professional athlete or equestrian. An avid hunter or group of hunters may be interested, as well, Prince said.

Much of the unique work done for the property was completed by businesses within Stanly County, according to Prince.

“It was published in Timber Home Magazine for its exceptional stonework and timber,” Prince said. “The massive timber was inspired by lodges like you might find in the Rocky Mountains — lots of wood and stone work. The roof on this house is solid copper. I don’t think there is any property you could compare it to.”

Prince said pricing the property was tricky, as there was no similar property in the county. The company had to look at other properties at equal distances from Charlotte and with larger properties to get an idea of a figure.

“It could appeal to equestrians, who could create barns and riding arenas,” Prince said. “It could appeal to someone who likes the outdoors, who are hunters or skeet shooters, for sports. It could appeal to someone who wants to develop it.”

According to Prince, the garage has a heated space that could be made into a guest house. There are also two ponds and a creek.

“This is a very unique, rare and exceptional property,” she said.

The home soon had hundreds of views for its virtual tour, and the realty company has received many phone calls and emails from interested individuals.

Other County Prices

Other Stanly towns have homes listed on the relative pricier side, though none appear to match the $2.8 million Stanfield price tag.

In Norwood, Lake Tillery Properties lists a home for $1,699,000. The house has five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The house has 7,001 square feet and sits on a 0.74-acre lot. It is listed by Lake Tillery Properties LLC.

The same company lists another Norwood home for $849,900. The house also has five bedrooms but only 3.5 bathrooms. It’s considerably smaller at 3,989 square feet and perched on a 0.34 acre lot.

There are several other houses listed for $799,000 and under, with several listed between $450,000 and $675,000.

One house listed at $799,999 has four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 4,784 square feet and a little over an acre of land.

“Enter this home via a beautiful marble foyer with stunning black onyx inlay… The main floor master suite is lakeside and offers a bath with jacuzzi tub, shower and built-in sauna,” the listing for that home says.

The home also has a sunroom by the lake and apple, peach, pear, walnut and persimmon trees on the property, as well as a safe room.

Most of those Norwood homes have views of Lake Tillery and/or are close to Piney Point Golf Course.

In Oakboro, Realtor.com has a listing for a four-bedroom, 5.5-bath home for $649,900. The home is 5,315 square feet and sits on 14 acres.

Another Oakboro home is slightly more affordable at $545,000, with three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,942 square feet and 11.16 acres. The next most expensive home listed there is $519,000. That home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The home is smaller at 2,595 square feet but has significantly more land at 21.41 acres.

While there are lots listed more expensively, the next house listed in the Oakboro area drops sharply in price to $299,900 and below.

Nearby in Locust, the most expensive home listing on Realtor.com is for a $474,500 home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The house is on 12.85 acres.

The most expensive listing for Badin is a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home for $285,000. The house has 2,367 square feet and 0.46 acres.

Albemarle’s most expensive listing on Realtor.com is a $699,900 home with five bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. It has 3,570 square feet and 0.45 acres, as well as a view of Lake Tillery, according to the listing. Additional features include a boathouse, sunny three-season room and a balcony off the second master bedroom.

Clearly, even the most expensive homes in each municipality span a broad price range.

What Raises The Prices?

While the Stanfield home has a luxury home and more than 140 acres, many of the pricier Norwood homes with about an acre of land or less are valued for their lake view and/or lake access. Many also have luxury components, whether they’re cathedral ceilings, safe rooms, balconies or boathouses.

In the western part of the county, the proximity to Charlotte and Concord is appealing. The Locust Town Center area is rapidly growing, with an average of a home a week sold for 18 months, Prince said.

“We’re talking about bringing more restaurants, more retail stores, grocery, a lot more services, medical, to Locust Town Center,” Prince said.

Stanly is seeing definite growth, Prince said.

“It’s growing very quickly,” she said. “I think it’s time has come. The opportunities are there now and the interest is just growing all the time.”

Stanly is largely benefiting from a lack of available land in Charlotte. Areas like Locust have also been able to grow thanks to the teamwork of the community, including banks who are financing the loans, Prince said.

“Stanly has very strong municipalities, mayors and commissioners,” Prince said. “They’re preserving the best of Stanly County in everything they do. It’s a wonderful place to do business and wonderful place to live.”

She noted that the schools, natural resources and good community are also potential draws for buyers. Stanly’s location as a “crossroads” for Concord, Charlotte, Monroe and Albemarle also makes it appealing.

“East of Charlotte is the next big thing,” Prince said.

Imari Scarbrough is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News and Press.