Oak Meadow
Wilson, AR
Located in historic Wilson, Arkansas, this restored 7,218± square-foot, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath antebellum-style home sits on 25± beautiful acres, eight of which are in row crop production. Built in the 1930s by Jim Crain, this historic estate was designed to be a showstopper, from the front entrance to the front door and beyond. Jim Crain and Robert Lee Wilson, Jr. ran the Lee & Wilson Company, based in Wilson, which, at the time, amassed 65,000± acres of row crop land. To this day, the Crain family still owns thousands of acres of farmland in the state.
The 550± foot, oak-lined drive epitomizes a Southern manor and leads you to the doorsteps of its Classical Revival home, featuring two-story squared Doric columns. If you are a wingshooter, the property also boasts a highly productive dove field.
As you walk out the back door, you will find a charming courtyard lined with magnolia trees, aptly named “Magnolia Alley,” complemented by a stunning backdrop view of a beautiful lake and golf course built by business mogul Gaylon Lawrence. Several years ago, he transformed the town, bringing commerce and infrastructure, including a luxury hotel, restaurants, shops, and even wine tastings.
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Overview & Facts
- Jim Crain of the Crain Company built the home in the late 1930s which was once known as the “Showplace of the Delta.”
- Original copper accents still adorn the exterior of the home, with “1937” engravings.
- Just beyond the side door is “Magnolia Alley,” a beautiful courtyard lined with mature, iconic magnolia trees.
- On the opening weekend of dove season two years ago, the owners and their friends harvested 15 limits in three hours over a sunflower field.
- In 2010, Gaylon Lawrence purchased the town of Wilson and transformed it into a destination location, investing in infrastructure such as the Wilson Cafe, Gunn’s Fresh Market, Hampson Museum, The Grange, The Louis Hotel, Menda Spa, a local golf course and field club, and more. https://www.wilsonarkansas.com/
- Though rural, the area is equipped with a state-of-the-art fiber optic network and public WiFi.
- Wilson holds frequent events, including wine tastings and live music shows, throughout the year.
- In 2014, “The Delta School” was founded as a private K-12 school in Wilson and was recently donated to the state community college.
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Property Details
Opportunities
Five years ago, the Smith family restored Oak Meadow to its current state, adding numerous enhancements to both the home and landscape. While many improvements have already been made, there is still vast potential to further personalize the home and grounds into the Southern estate of your dreams. The tennis court, pool, built-in grilling area, and greenhouse are beautifully set up, offering a great opportunity for a visionary to restore them to their former glory—the very reason why Oak Meadow once held the title of “Showplace of the Delta.” If you enjoy hosting, the layout is ideal for both formal events and casual cookouts.
Recreational opportunities are abundant both on the property and in town. In years past, the owners of Oak Meadow planted sunflowers along the north and west property lines, creating a highly productive dove field. For those who enjoy a round of golf or waterfowl/upland game hunting, Tin House Golf Club and the Field Club in Wilson offer a variety of options, all just minutes from the estate.
Location:
Wilson, AR. 11 miles from Osceola, AR, 44 miles from Memphis, TN, 59 miles from Jonesboro, AR, 56 miles from Caruthersville, MO
History
Jim Crain of the Crain Company built the home in the late 1930’s and it was once known as the “Showplace of the Delta.” Jim served as the managing trustee of Lee & Wilson Co. for 17 years. A pioneer in agricultural industrialization, he played a key role in implementing levee and drainage systems to remove water from farm ground, enabling crops to be grown. Additionally, he was instrumental in refinancing the Mississippi County drainage districts. After 38 years with Lee & Wilson, Mr. Crain retired. During his career, he also served as Chairman of the State Highway Commission, Chairman of the Wilson School District, a trustee of the Methodist Hospital in Memphis, and helped organize the first cooperative industry in Arkansas, the Delta Products Company.
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Broker’s Comment
“Oak Meadow embodies rich delta history, while simultaneously offering access to modern amenities and entertainment. With some vision and planning, there is a real opportunity to capitalize on the current owner’s progress to make this property one of the finest around.”