Standing four stories tall and flanked by two imposing silos made from Italian Terra cotta, the Wakefield Barn has been an iconic landmark in the surrounding community for nearly 90 years. Original owner John Sprunt Hill was a North Carolina born businessman, banker, philanthropist and son-in-law of George Washington Watts, co-founder of the American Tobacco Company. Hill assembled his 2,200-acre tract, of which the Wakefield Barn was the centerpiece, during the Depression to create a show place where he could demonstrate the latest in agricultural, architecture and dairy practices. Wakefield Farm also served as a place where Hill could indulge his hobby of raising Guernsey cows.
In 1947, Hill sold the farm to his son George Watts Hill. After his son sold the property in 1951, it passed through a variety of hands until purchased by the North Hills Corporation in the 1980s. North Hills removed an 1840s plantation house that pre-dated Hill’s ownership and other historic buildings from the tract but spared the barn complex. When the developers of the Wakefield subdivision bought the farm in the late 1990s, the barn complex was threatened again, until Mary Schilling purchased the complex to convert the property to a horse farm. During her ownership, the property was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Wake County Historic Landmark.
In 2017, the Park Hachby Group, LLC acquired the property with plans to develop it as an event venue while respecting its heritage as a dairy farm complex. The new owner first replaced the degraded roof with architectural shingles. Other projects included removing a non-historic stairway to the hayloft and restoring window openings to original 6/6 sash windows. First-floor stalls originally used for cows were opened and refinished as cocktail spaces. The second-floor large open hayloft was painted and converted to event space, providing a unique atmosphere comparable to a Gothic cathedral. Twelve chandeliers were installed to complete the decor. On the outside, the barn was repainted and the space surrounding the building was hardscaped and landscaped to provide a seamless flow for guests. In addition to the main barn, the former cows birthing barn serves as an elegant brides’ parlor.
As beautiful as the inside of the barn is, the grounds on the farm are equally breathtaking. Today, the property spans fourteen acres of rolling landscape. With its charming rustic atmosphere, The Historic Wakefield Barn offers a unique and memorable experience, whether for an intimate gathering or for one on a grander scale. The 8,000 square foot barn can comfortably accommodate 80 to 250 guests. An historic property that has stood the test of time, The Historic Wakefield Barn is set to be enjoyed for generations to come.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2023 Anthemion Award to the Park Hachby Group, LLC; John Caliendo Architect; T & K Planning Construction, Inc.; Chad Biggs Event Planning & Design, LLC for the Commercial Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse of the Wakefield Barn, 12617 Old Falls of Neuse Road, Wake Forest.