Former Winston Cup team owner to sell home at auction

Former NASCAR Winston Cup (currently Sprint Cup) owner Jim Mattei will sell an expansive, historic ranch estate with three separate residences and a ranch manager’s home, located on 517 acres of rolling pastures, wooded hills and open spaces at the foothills of the North Carolina Mountains, just 50 miles north of Charlotte, at a live auction Without Reserve on September 27 th. Originally part of the old stagecoach road that ran through Washington, DC to Atlanta, GA, Rocky Creek Ranch has never been on the market and has only had two owners in the last 110 years. NYC-based Concierge Auctions will handle the sale in cooperation with Derek Rowley of Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty and Mary Boykin and Carol Hickman of Sotheby’s International Realty in Palm Beach, Florida.

Rocky Creek Ranch evokes the ultimate in peace and tranquility, with the added bonus of modern day recreation and amenities. It is an outdoor lovers’ utopia thanks to easy access to horseback riding, shooting sports, hayrides, mountain biking and hiking and riding trails,” Rowley stated. “The property is unique in so many ways, particularly since it has multiple homes, which lends a variety of uses. The possibilities are endless.”

The first of the four residences at Rocky Creek Ranch­­ – also known as 196 Old Stagecoach Lane – is the Mill House, which sits on a bluff overlooking the meandering Rocky Creek, close enough to be heard from the porch. This stone home has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a screened-in sleeping porch with its own fireplace and a large playroom. Toward the front of the property lies the largest of the three residences, the Gate House, which has four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, a gourmet chef’s kitchen, great room, formal living and dining rooms, a large game room with a built-in entertainment center and a three-car garage. Selling fully furnished, its spacious, open floor plan, large deck and fenced backyard provide ample space for family entertaining. Also selling furnished, the Bunk House is an authentic log cabin, tucked under an oak and maple tree canopy. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sleeping loft and a central stone fireplace, which makes for a true log cabin experience. The property also includes a two-story idyllic farm-style residence for a full time ranch manager.

The Lake Pavilion is the common gathering place of the entire property. Here, residents can cook and dine in the screened-in porch; relax, fish or feed the ducks off the spacious deck suspended over the lake; lay out and swim from the lakefront beach; play on the children’s playground; or retreat just a few steps away to the covered patio with additional seating and dining space. Equestrian lovers will appreciate the nearby grand stable overlooking the lake complete with a fully-outfitted tack room, horse washing bay, lounge with kitchenette, full bath and a riding ring and pastures.

“We have sold a number of our assets over the past 10 years through the auction process, including our race facility,” stated the seller, Jim Mattei. “Since we live in Palm Beach, we simply aren’t able to enjoy Rocky Creek Ranch as much as we used to. Having witnessed Concierge’s success with selling other one-of-a-kind properties, we are confident they will achieve a fair, market-driven price.”

Rocky Creek Ranch has a rich history, which has been delicately preserved by only two owners in the last 110 years. The property was originally settled in 1827 by Baker Holland, a wagon maker from Maryland. The road alongside Rocky Creek was the center of much activity, as it ran through Washington, D.C. to Atlanta, Georgia. There were wagon shops, a general store, a doctor’s office and a grist mill, and the property became a popular community center within the northern part of the county. After the Holland family sold the property, it eventually ended up in the hands of Thomas Summers in 1903. Summers’ granddaughter Elsie Hall then inherited the land. The current owners purchased the property from Elsie in 1999 and named it Rocky Creek Ranch. They have worked diligently to preserve the history and natural beauty of this one-of-a-kind property.

“Concierge Auctions continues to attract luxury buyers nationwide who seek to purchase the most premier, incomparable properties,” stated Laura Brady, Vice President of Marketing for Concierge Auctions. “Rocky Creek Ranch could be utilized in a variety of ways, be it a vacation home, a full-time residence or a corporate retreat. The sellers are committed to finding a new steward for the property, and we look forward to finding out who that will be on September 27 th.”

Rocky Creek Ranch is located minutes from historic downtown Statesville, which was first settled in 1753. It is home to Fort Dobbs State Historic site, the only North Carolina Historic Site associated with the French and Indian War. Statesville is located approximately 50 miles north of Charlotte and is in close proximity to a corporate airport with a 7,000-foot runway. The area enjoys four beautiful and distinct seasons.

The auction of Rocky Creek Ranch will be held on September 27 th. A 3% commission is offered to the buyer’s representing broker. The property is open for preview daily from 1 to 4 p.m. by appointment only. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details. For more information visit RockyCreekAuction.com or call 877.705.9361.

Concierge Auctions PR