October 27, 2026
New waterfront homes are hard to come by in the Raleigh area. So, it’s no surprise that a community just a short drive from the North Carolina capital is selling fast. Moving ahead of its development schedule, Cattail is opening more phases of new homes in Clayton, NC!
The developers of Cattail, R & R Development, purchased the land in 2023—575 acres that include the 80-acre Cattail Lake. Rob Bailey and Rich Van Tassel, owners of R & R Development, chose to limit the community to 296 homes. With so much land, they certainly could have allowed for more, but the quality of the Cattail lifestyle they imagined had to include large homesites—with a minimum half-acre and as much as two acres or more! Rob’s family had owned the land for generations, so he understood the importance of maintaining the legacy of love for Cattail.
After meticulous planning, the first phase of 51 homes was launched in 2025. A little over a year later, most of those homes have been sold. And, to date, 32 families have moved into their new Cattail residence. Seven additional homes are under construction and available as move–in ready, meaning they can be purchased now while still being built. Brand new construction designed and built by a select group of local custom builders.
The first phase of new homes for sale in Clayton, at Cattail comprises portions of two enclaves. The Peninsula at Cattail sits lakeside or within a very short distance. These luxury homes are being custom-built by the four builders with deep roots in the region. Crosswind Custom Homes, Homes By Dickerson, New Home Inc., and Royalty Homes, and each one is already adding their mark to the blossoming development.
The Preserve at Cattail sits adjacent to The Peninsula, sitting back from the lake, but still just a short walk to the shore and the amenities planned there. These residences are built by New Home Inc., with a cul-de-sac design that enhances the privacy and serenity for the families living there. The first phase of 25 homes offered in The Preserve at Cattail is nearly sold out. The Cattail model home was recently completed at the entrance to the enclave and one move-in ready home is under construction at 36 Henry Crest Drive on homesite number one.
But you have many more opportunities to move to this waterfront community near Raleigh, as Cattail is opening more phases of new homes in Clayton, NC.
Homebuyers’ enthusiasm for the Cattail vision pushed R & R Development to move ahead with the second phase ahead of schedule.
Phase Two in The Preserve at Cattail adds 34 more homes to this growing section This new section features homes on the lake, but those are going fast. Approximately half of the Phase Two lots have either been sold or are under construction, to be offered as move-in ready.
The second phase of The Peninsula at Cattail moves along the shoreline. Homesites on the shore or across the street have been released for sale. Each lot is held by one of the four custom builders. Some sites have been reserved, with plans for a move-in ready luxury home to begin construction soon.
The amenities planned for Cattail have begun to take shape. The Pavilion will serve as an open-air clubhouse, Rob Bailey has invested significant time into researching the right plan, builder, materials, and methods for the structure he envisioned. As Cattail’s centerpiece—offering a stunning, 180-degree view of the lake— The Pavilion deserves this level of care.
With a background in construction, Rob knew he wanted old-school timber construction. He sought a builder who would use wood pegs, instead of bolts and brackets.
“The design and construction of the pavilion speaks to the integrity of the entire community,” he explained.
Rob and Rich decided on Carolina Timberworks to build The Pavilion, using Douglas fir sourced from Oregon. When The Pavilion is finished next year, it will have 4,000 square feet of space for gatherings of all kinds. No matter how residents choose to enjoy the clubhouse, they will be treated to scenic views that include the awe-inspiring sunset.
A fireplace and fire pits accompany the planned clubhouse project. Cattail families and friends can sit around and get cozy on cool nights, roast marshmallows, and swap stories. It’s another way that the developers thought about the value of creating a lifestyle, not just a neighborhood.
Next up, the resort-style pool is planned for the area adjacent to the clubhouse. Like The Pavilion, the pool will overlook Cattail Lake. Cabanas will provide shade and privacy, when desired. The pool is expected to open within a year after The Pavilion.
Future Cattail amenities will give residents a community lawn outside The Pavilion, a fishing pier, and private docks. Paved trails for walking, biking, and golf carts are already in the works!
R & R Development didn’t wait for Phase Two to near completion before releasing the homesites for Phase Three. And just as soon as they made it known that more lots were available, buyers began snapping them up. At the outset of the original community launch, the Cattail sales team began gathering inquiries and building a VIP list. Many buyers have come from that interest list. And quite a few of those VIPs became Cattail homeowners.
Next year, The Bluffs will be launched as another waterfront enclave, situated on the other side of Cattail Lake. If the current demand remains high, The Overlook will begin in 2028, also stretching along the shore. It won’t be long until Cattail is completed. Will you be one of the families living there?
When people think of Raleigh suburbs, they might picture large cities and towns, like Cary and Apex, with populations of 185,432 and 83,047, respectively. Clayton, however, has grown substantially, both in population and infrastructure. No longer the best-kept secret among Raleigh suburbs, Clayton draws an increasing number of homebuyers and visitors every year.
The town’s population has more than doubled in the past decade, currently close to 34,000 residents. Just fifty years ago, Clayton had only 3,103 people. This growth puts Clayton as the fastest growing town in the fastest growing county—Johnston County—in all of North Carolina.
But why is Clayton so appealing? The reasons are simple, and valuable.
US News & World Report ranked Raleigh as #6 on its list of Best Places to Live in the US and #1 among Best Performing Large Cities in America. Undeniably, Raleigh is a desirable city to live and work.
But what if you don’t want to live in the city?
Clayton is just 14 miles from Downtown Raleigh. Whether you plan to commute or want easy access to all that Raleigh has to offer, you can get there easily. The major roadways including the 504 Loop, make it even easier to quickly get from Clayton to Raleigh.
Clayton delivers the many benefits of small town life, with the extra advantage of close proximity to everything you need and want. Shopping, dining, entertainment,and services are available in Clayton, which has a blossoming downtown district. The calendar of events covers every season, bringing more townspeople and visitors to experience Clayton’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere of friendliness and fun.
As you walk from block to block in Downtown Clayton, you’ll find locally owned shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and other businesses. You’ll get to know the business owners, and they’ll learn your favorites, so when you order “the usual”, you’ll get it. Plus, the Downtown Clayton Social District encourages browsing the area while sipping an adult beverage.
Clayton’s town leaders have managed its growth, ensuring that the infrastructure stays up to date, the schools deliver excellence, and services are resident-friendly and readily available. The renowned UNC Health network is currently expanding UNC Health Johnston in Clayton, a full-service hospital.
Highly rated schools and healthcare is located here as well.
Clayton’s robustness may also be the result of major corporations moving here, and bringing jobs with them. Life sciences giant Novo Nordisk is investing $4 billion in the development of a manufacturing plant in Clayton. The facility will be equipped with a $150 million water reuse complex that’s expected to reduce water usage by 70 percent and treat industrial wastewater to potable standards. Grifols, a global leader in plasma medicines, chose Clayton for its manufacturing campus, and is now expanding its campus with an additional 160,000-square foot facility.
Living in North Carolina has many plusses, including property taxes that are lower than the national average. Johnston County is lower than neighboring Wake County, with a median property tax of $1,128 in Johnston County, versus $1,793 in Wake County, where Raleigh is located.
Clayton’s Parks and Recreation Department maintains a network of unique places to get out and have fun. From disc golf and pickleball to team sports, splash pad, dog park, greenways, and the adaptive playground for all ages and abilities, Clayton is a town where you can find your fun. The massive Community Center houses an indoor gym and studios for martial arts, pottery, and classes. And the Parks and Rec team manages camps and programs for all ages throughout the year.
So, if outdoor fun is a priority, living in Clayton should be, too.
Do you appreciate the arts? You can feed that passion with Clayton’s art scene. The Clayton Sculpture Trail is just one aspect of the creativity waiting here. Every year, the public art displays are changed, reflecting a wide array of media and styles. In its 12th year, the program has added more venues around town, bringing the total number of sculptures to 17. Take a relaxing stroll around town and explore the artistry along the way.
The Clayton Center is the town’s main venue for live performances. Housed in a historic building, The Clayton Center hosts concerts, theater, dance, comedy, and student productions. The gallery presents exhibitions of local artists, too, and the studios offer classes for various arts, including performance.
So, add it up and there are plenty of reasons to choose living in Clayton, NC:
✓Great location
✓Thriving downtown district
✓Robust job market
✓Quality healthcare
✓Highly rated schools
✓Affordable cost of living
✓Updated infrastructure
✓Vibrant arts scene
✓Diverse recreational choices
Then…R & R Development adds a waterfront community where you can experience your best life in an exciting Raleigh suburb.
Now, Cattail is opening more phases of new homes in Clayton, NC, so you have the choice of brand new homes for sale near Raleigh! These custom homes reflect modern technology and construction. Smart technology, energy efficient materials and systems, and the latest in design trends come together to give you the home of your dreams, in a community unlike any other in the entire region. WIth just 296 homes across 575 acres, you’ll have the serenity that can only exist with waterfront living.
Choose from any of the floor plans provided by the builders, or work with one of them to create your custom plan. The generous size of the homesites allows for equally generously sized homes! And the careful planning of the landscaping ensures you’ll have a scenic view, no matter where you build your home in Cattail.
Phase Two has begun. Phase Three is now open, too. But remember that the speed at which these phases are launching reflects the high demand for living in Cattail. Talk to a Cattail New Home Specialist to learn more about your options. Plan to visit the community and tour the new homes for sale in Clayton, NC, explore the available homesites, and, best of all, take in the views of Cattail Lake. It’s worth the trip and your time, so you don’t miss out on waterfront living.