John Edwards' former estate transformed into Triangle subdivision

The expansive 102-acre estate of John Edwards will soon be subdivided and transformed into a small neighborhood of 12 "elegant farmhouses."

Edwards’ old home has been separated from a sprawling recreational and guest house. The main residence, which now sits on 10 acres, sold in 2021, for $2.7 million.

In 2016, Edwards tried selling the property for $6.9 million. A year later, in 2017, the price was lowered to $5.9 million. There were no takers.

Edwards partnered with developer Tom Heffner to transform the land into more affordable parcels with 12 houses. Most of the properties are between 2.25 and 5.5 acres, selling for $1.5 million to $2.5 million, with private wells and individual septic tanks.

The subdivision also features 25-30 acres of open space, with ponds and a creek that runs along the backside of the property.

Two homes have been completed, and four are under construction. Three new homes will start construction in the next 30 days, and three more will start construction this year.

The development is expected to be complete by mid-2023.

Heffner says the strong demand for the 12 lots shows the intensity of the housing market.

"The subdivision has been developed and sold out before it almost ever goes on the market," he said.

The property has been well-known and well-traveled, even as far back as the 1700s, when the historic land was part of the old Hillsborough to Pittsboro Road.