June 24, 2025
The town of Clayton is no stranger to growth. The Raleigh suburb has a lot to offer residents and businesses. As the newest master-planned community, Cattail gains attention with new homes coming to Clayton, NC.
A recent article in the News and Observer shared both the backstory and the future of Cattail. The master-planned community is currently underway on a 575-acre parcel that had been part of a local family’s heritage for three generations.
According to the article, Selma, NC, native, A.Z. Thompson, Jr., purchased about 100 acres of land on Cattail Lake in 1972. In addition to the land, the property included the 80-acre lake, a mill house built in the 1930s, and a dam. Over the years, Thompson continued to acquire more land surrounding the initial purchase, gradually building his estate to 575 acres. The undeveloped land provided a retreat where the family would come together, using the mill house as the location for holidays that included almost every Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Rob Bailey, A.Z.’s grandson, recalls many days as a boy that he spent walking around the land and fishing in the lake alongside his grandfather. Although he often traveled with A.Z. to check out other property, Cattail has always been the link to his fondest memories with his granddad.
In the northwest corner of Johnston County, 14 miles from Downtown Raleigh, Clayton, NC, is a desirable location for people who want to live close to the city, but prefer a more suburban or rural lifestyle. Clayton is the fastest-growing town in Johnston County, and was recently included among North Carolina’s top 5 booming housing markets. The combination of location, small town vibe, affordability, and so many things to do continues to draw more people to move to Clayton.
Over the years, the Cattail mill house and dam showed signs of aging that would require an investment in repairs. And with the demand for new homes for sale in Clayton, NC, Rob approached his family about a different use for the Cattail land, which was held in a trust under Cattail Family LLC.
According to the News and Observer feature, Rob explained, “There’s been a lot of sacrifice on my family’s part to preserve this place. It’s a living tribute to the Thompson family legacy.”
His idea was to sell the land to develop a master-planned, but keep the heritage alive.
Rob had established R&R Development Group in 2021, with local builder, Rich Van Tassel. He discussed purchasing the Cattail property, and his family agreed.
“Often, when properties are handed from generation to generation, there’s a lot of bickering,” Rob told the News and Observer. “That’s not the case here. The family has been so unified.”
Rob’s dream of maintaining the integrity of the land with thoughtful development is coming true. Soon, there will be new homes on Cattail Lake.
Clayton already has two prominent master-planned communities, Flowers Plantation and Wendell Falls. However, the plans for Cattail present a different type of lifestyle—without thousands of homes and a full-fledged town center bringing even more people to the neighborhood.
Rob’s vision is to eliminate a dense cluster of homes that share amenities, a common view of master-planned communities. With 575 acres, Cattail could accommodate 500 homes. But this development is designed for quality, not quantity. The new homes on Cattail LakeCattail will grow to just 296 residences. The generously sized lots span 0.75 to more than three acres. Only four local builders have been selected to build the homes at Cattail: Crosswind Custom Homes, Homes By Dickerson, New Home Inc., and Royalty Homes Inc. Each builder brings their experience with luxury homes and a portfolio of home designs with custom options. It’s about limits that contribute to the desired lifestyle at Cattail.
Within the master-planned community, the development has individual enclaves, like sub-communities. The Peninsula at Cattail features the homesites nearest the lake. This phase includes:
The Peninsula at Cattail will grow to become a community of luxury homes within this premier neighborhood. The custom home builders offer an extensive array of creative options to design and build a distinctive estate home at Cattail. Prices are estimated at $750,000 to $2 million or more, depending on the extent of the custom features. And with the large lots, there’s an opportunity to expand your dream home!
The Preserve at Cattail is currently underway on a parcel of land behind The Peninsula, still with lake access. The first phase of 25 new homes on Cattail Lake in this enclave will be developed exclusively by New Home Inc. Two homes are under construction in The Preserve at Cattail, giving interested buyers the chance to be one of the first residents. Prices start at just $475,000 in The Preserve. Contact New Home Inc. to learn more about this section of Cattail.
As Cattail grows, homes will be built on both sides of Cattail Lake, which presents 2.5 miles of shoreline. Future phases include The Bluffs and The Overlook, with additional phases planned for The Preserve.
Rob and Rich recognized that before any homebuilding could begin at Cattail, some of the aging infrastructure needed repair.
The Cattail Lake Dam had not been maintained for the better part of a century. R&R Development replaced the floodgates, updated the flood control systems, and reinforced the concrete, at a cost of more than $850,000. But the dam is now fully restored to current standards.
While the dam was being repaired, the mill house was getting a makeover as well. When A.Z. purchased the initial parcel of Cattail land, the 40-year-old building was already declining. He began restoring it, creating a gathering place. Rob said he wanted the mill house to offer a similar purpose for the residents of the new neighborhood.
“We’re not just developing land. We’re preserving history, restoring beauty, and building a community rooted in purpose. Every detail—from the mill house to the restored dam—reflects a deep respect for the past and a clear vision for the future.”
The mill house will be a venue for the residents. From weddings and reunions to community celebrations, the building’s history will add a memorable backdrop to an event.
With those restoration details now completed, Cattail’s homes and amenities have begun to take shape.
As a master-planned community, Cattail will feature amenities that enhance the The Cattail Lifestyle. Some communities boast resort-style amenities. At Cattail, they blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, another reason to preserve some of the acreage.
“We took the most desirable lots in the neighborhood and turned them into an amenity for everyone to enjoy,” Rob explains. This choice shows the care that was taken in developing the land to respect the family legacy behind Cattail and these new homes for sale in Clayton, NC.
Living at Cattail is a choice to surround yourself with the natural beauty of wooded lands and a crystal lake. Every amenity is designed to blend in with the rustic atmosphere you’d expect to find at an secluded destination on a wooded lake. The clubhouse, for example, reflects the architecture of a modernized cabin, rich with wood details. The building will welcome residents to come together for special events, club meetings, potluck parties, visiting, or finding a place to sit and simply enjoy the solitude and the view.
Outside the clubhouse, the pool offers a stunning view of the lake, like an extension of the pool itself. Pergolas and cabanas around the pool add spots for shade and shelter. If you feel like warming up on a chilly day or evening, use the fireplaces on the private patios by the clubhouse or the fire pits in the amenities area.
Looking for a park where the kids can play and you can unpack a picnic? The community lawn across from the clubhouse provides that…and more. This lush green area is ideal for outdoor events, like a concert or party. Set up lawn games, enjoy yoga or tai chi outdoors. Set up a playdate for your dog, or a birthday party for your child. When you’re part of the Cattail community, the opportunities to share inviting spaces never ends.
Cattail Lake is a special amenity on its own. You’ll love the view on a sunny day or at sunset, but getting in and on the water so close to home is a treat.
Imagine going out for an early morning paddle, in a canoe or kayak or on a paddle board. What an exhilarating start to your day! Non-motorized boats can use the Cattail launch and explore the 80 acres of the lake.
Or maybe fishing is your outdoor passion. Cattail Lake is fully stocked. And whether you drop your line from a private dock or use the community’s public fishing areas, you’ll discover the same enjoyment that Rob Bailey remembers so fondly from his childhood here.
Cattail’s plans include a network of paved trails that meander through the neighborhood, so you can, too! It’s easy to ride your bike, walk, or take your golf cart to venture out through your beautiful community, through the woods and along the lake.
Cattail Lake’s 2.5-mile shoreline will gradually welcome families to experience the pristine beauty that three generations of Thompsons have appreciated for 50 years. Will you be one of them?
Among the master-planned communities near Raleigh, you have plenty of choices. But none of them offer the truly unique opportunity of lakeside serenity as Cattail.
Some of the selected builders have begun building new homes on Cattail Lake. If you’re interested in becoming one of the founding members of a neighborhood that is destined to become a premier address, contact Cattail’s exclusive builders and plan to tour the quick move-in homes. Or come and see the spacious homesites to see how your future could look from here—one of so many reasons that Cattail gains attention with new homes coming to Clayton, NC. If you’re even remotely considering new homes for sale in Clayton, NC, don’t miss this opportunity.
To get to Cattail, follow a scenic route along NC 42 to State Road 96. The entrance to this new community is a mile from the roundabout on SR 96.