Real Estate

Simpsonwood Retreat Property Up For Sale

A Gwinnett County judge has ruled that the restrictive covenants that governed how the pristine land that fronts the Chattahoochee River could be used has expired.

The 227-acre Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center property is now for sale.

A Gwinnett County judge has ruled that the restrictive covenants that governed how the pristine land that fronts the Chattahoochee River could be used has expired.

Many residents in Peachtree Corners thought that the land, once owned by Miss Ludie Simpson then deeded over to the United Methodist Church, would remain as she requested, "to keep the land so that all people could enjoy God's beautiful creation."

But on Aug. 14, the Superior Court of Gwinnett County ruled that the Simpsonwood Board of Trustees and the Conference Board of Trustees may "freely use and convey the (Simpsonwood) property ..."

The judge stated in his ruling that "it is undisputed that the restrictive covenants were honored ... during their legally enforceable term of 20 years and for two decades thereafter."

Peachtree Corners' mayor Mike Mason said the National Park Services and Gwinnett County may be interested in purchasing the property to be used as park space.

"We're glad to be involved and help in any way we can," said Mason who added that he supports the idea of turning the land into green space for community use.

The city's need for park space was identified in the city's Comprehensive Plan said Diana Wheeler, the city's Community Development Director. The county has also acknowledged that the city of Peachtree Corners is in need of passive parks based on its population.

In an announcement posted on The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church website, the Conference Board of Trustees has turned the sale over to a commercial real estate broker.  

"The marketing of the 227-acre Simpsonwood property continues a lengthy, prayerful and research-dependent process," said Keith Cox, Conference Treasurer & Director of Administrative Services with the United Methodist Church North Conference Center in an email.


Peachtree Corners Patch will have more on this story as it develops.



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