June 12, 2025
When a piece of land has family ties, there’s a special bond for every owner, every resident, every generation. The family legacy behind Cattail in Clayton, NC, carries on into a new phase of carefully planned development—an effort that welcomes families to benefit from the natural beauty and the family’s strong desire to keep the joy of simple pleasures going.
Cattail is a master-planned community, but a very unique one. While the concept of master-planning usually applies to sprawling neighborhoods with thousands of homes, the vision of Cattail is more focused. Over the various phases that will be introduced in the coming years, the community will grow to about 300 homes, spread across 575 acres. The 80-acre Cattail Lake borders the neighborhood, adding 2.5 miles of pristine shoreline to the scenic beauty.
The first difference you’ll note between Cattail and some of the much larger master-planned communities is the size of the homesites. Unlike some developments that aim for density, Cattail’s developers have approached this neighborhood with a different view. The lots here vary from about a half-acre to 3 acres. Residents will have generous spaces to frame their custom homes, accented by tree-lined streets in a private, serene location that’s nestled into Clayton’s countryside.
That’s a glimpse of what Cattail will become. Let’s look at where it started.
In the northwest corner of Johnston County, 14 miles from Downtown Raleigh, AZ Thompson bought a parcel of land in the 1970s. A native of nearby Selma, NC, AZ was a real estate professional who maintained a passion for finding premium land in his home state. He bought and he sold it. But AZ held onto the acreage in Clayton.
He and his wife, Hilda, raised 5 children in North Carolina. Their son, Norwood Thompson, carried on his father’s work. Norwood began developing land in the 1980s. His projects include the award-winning Portofino, one of the state’s premier equestrian communities.
Norwood remains a respected developer throughout the region. He was joined by his nephew, Rob Bailey (AZ and Hilda’s grandson) in 2003, expanding the legacy to a third Thompson generation.
As a boy, Rob traveled around the area with his grandfather to search out land opportunities. Rob fondly remembers those days. Not only did he learn to appreciate the value of land, but he also built years of cherished memories with his granddad. They fished Cattail Lake and walked through the wooded acres together.
Not long after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rob joined the family business. He and Norwood worked together in the development of Portofino, from 2003 to 2013. In 2021, he partnered with Raleigh-based builder, Rich Van Tassel, to launch R&R Development Group in Raleigh.
After many years of privately enjoying the Cattail property with family members, Rob decided to create an opportunity that would allow more people to experience the serenity he associates with the land. He envisioned a lifestyle that would reflect his grandfather’s appreciation for land stewardship. In 2023, R&R Development purchased the land from Cattail Family, LLC. He promised that the development would maintain the integrity of the property and create a space where future generations could continue the legacy of this pastoral setting.
And Cattail, the community, was born.
Before any development could begin at Cattail, Rob and Rich needed to address existing structural challenges.
The man-made lake and dam were built in the 1930s. After almost a century without maintenance, the dam required significant repair. R&R Development invested more than $850,000 to fully restore the Cattail Lake Dam. They replaced the floodgates, updated the flood control systems, and reinforced the concrete.
While attending to the dam, they simultaneously worked on restoring the millhouse. The structure had been fully operational for decades, but began to decline in the 1970s. A few years after AZ purchased the land, he went to work on restoring the millhouse so the family could use it for private gatherings. Since then, the Thompson family came together at the millhouse for every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays.
“Cattail is more than a neighborhood,” Rob explains. “It’s a living tribute to the Thompson family legacy. We’re not just developing land. We’re preserving history, restoring beauty, and building a community rooted in purpose. Every detail—from the millhouse to the restored lake—reflects a deep respect for the past and a clear vision for the future.”
With 575 acres, Cattail could support more than 500 homes. But that’s not what the developers envisioned. Instead, they have apportioned the property to allow for just 296 homesites. They’ve chosen quality over quantity, an essential element of The Cattail Lifestyle. Residents can select from lots that span 0.75 to more than 3 acres. Fifty of the homes will be situated directly on the lake or with a direct view in The Peninsula at Cattail. The remainder of the planned homes will be built in private enclaves, one phase at a time.
Cattail is more than a premier community of luxury homes. Rob and Rich want this master-planned community to deliver an experience, a lifestyle. They’ve designed Cattail to work with the natural surroundings, becoming a seamless extension of the wooded, lakefront area. The distinctive homes will blend with the landscape. The amenities will enhance the quality of life at Cattail.
“We took the most desirable lots in the neighborhood and turned them into an amenity for everyone to enjoy,” says Rob. This choice shows the care that was taken in developing the land to respect the family legacy behind Cattail in Clayton, NC,
Cattail’s amenities combine resort style with the rustic feel of the environment. The pool is situated with a stunning view of the lake. Whether you’re cooling off in the pool or relaxing under the pergolas or cabanas, you can take in the vista in front of you.
Gatherings of all kinds are expected to take place at the Cattail clubhouse. Get together with friends, family, and neighbors. Celebrate special events, host club activities, share potluck dinners, and welcome newcomers. And if you just want a quiet place to escape to, come inside the clubhouse and relax by the fireplace.
You can also cozy up to a crackling fire outdoors. The private patios each feature a fireplace and there are several fire pits in the amenities area. Get outside, day or night, and sit by the fire to fend off the light Carolina chill.
The clubhouse, patios, and fire pits welcome Cattail gatherings. But there’s more. The community lawn spreads out just beyond the clubhouse and pool. Consider this park to be your private, grassy oasis. Set up your favorite lawn game. Unpack a picnic. Take part in a neighborhood event, like a festival, party, game day, concert, or play date for the kids.
How about hosting a yoga or tai chi class outdoors? Or set up easels and use the scenery to inspire your artistry. The Cattail residents are encouraged to create their own community, and the amenities provide the setting for you to strengthen your friendships here.
The pool presents the perfect place for outdoor recreation, along with the potential for exercise on the community lawn. Cattail also includes paved trails winding through the neighborhood. Ride your bike, walk, or take your golf cart to meander the acres of Cattail, including lakeshore routes.
The lake itself is a recreational feature to enjoy. Private docks are included here. Drop your fishing line from the dock or take your boat to deeper waters. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are welcome on Cattail Lake, too. Imagine an early morning or sunset paddle on the crystal lake. A private boat launch makes it easy to put your non-powered boat into Cattail Lake and spend a day on the water so close to home.
Rob, Rich, and the selected builders at Cattail have come together with a shared vision of a master-planned community that is more intimate than others. But that also means the experience is limited. Take a look at the homes that wait for you to come home to Cattail.
Keeping his promise to protect the integrity of the family land, Rob agreed to limit the selection of builders. He and Rich carefully chose local builders who understood the uniqueness of this neighborhood.
Ultimately, they welcomed Crosswind Custom Homes, Homes By Dickerson, New Home Inc., and Royalty Homes Inc. Each builder offers a portfolio of home designs, with options for homebuyers to customize the details to their liking.
All 4 builders will develop The Peninsula at Cattail, 26 homes—with 9 situated on Cattail Lake and 9 with lake views. The remaining 8 homes in The Peninsula at Cattail will be built on 2 cul-de-sacs within walking distance of the lake’s shore.
The homes will reflect a variety of architectural styles, distinctive but complementing one another for exceptional curb appeal. Plans range from 1,871 to 4,700 square feet, or larger if you prefer. The custom homes have limitless options! And with large homesites, you can expand and add the features you want, inside and out.
The first phase at The Peninsula at Cattail is divided into 3 enclaves—Lakeside, Lakeview, and Manors—that are closest to the waterfront.
The Preserve at Cattail is a cul-de-sac neighborhood within walking distance of the lake, pool, clubhouse, and community amenities, including the private dock. Prices start in the mid-$700,000s at The Peninsula and the upper-$500,000s at The Preserve. Talk to the Cattail builders and explore the potential for home designs and lots.
The new community that’s developing on Cattail Lake in Clayton is just minutes from the well-known Flowers Plantation and Wendell Falls, 2 master-planned communities near Raleigh, NC. The close proximity allows you to easily venture over to take advantage of the shopping, dining, entertainment, and other activities happening in their town centers.
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. When you arrive, you’ll see why this land was so special to the Thompson family. And now, you can start your own chapter in the family legacy behind Cattail in Clayton, NC.
Construction has already begun at Cattail, so you could become one of the founding families of a premier community. Browse the quick move-in homes, currently either under construction or ready to move right in! Watch this new neighborhood grow and blossom. Welcome the families as they join you at Cattail.
Your search for master-planned communities near Raleigh, NC, should lead you to our distinctive neighborhood of new homes for sale in Clayton, NC. The new homes on Cattail Lake will provide lakeside living in a tranquil, natural setting in one of the most desirable Raleigh suburbs. Clayton is the fastest growing town in Johnston County, and recently included among North Carolina’s top 5 booming housing markets. The area is thriving, the lifestyle is exhilarating, and the addition of Cattail lets you experience it all from your new home.
Contact Cattail’s exclusive builders to begin your journey to this brand new community.