Villa Maria
Property Details
| Sale Price: |
Property Description
SVN | Northco is pleased to present, as exclusive advisor to ownership, the sale of Villa Maria ("Property"), a sprawling ±24 AC campus featuring four unique buildings, including the irreplaceable Villa Maria (Marian Hall). Set in the middle of 3,000 acres of private gardens and parkland (Frontenac State Park), and perched above Lake Pepin in Historic Old Frontenac, Minnesota, the Property is truly beyond compare.
Villa Maria has rich history, and nearly endless re-use opportunities. Currently, with its use as an event/wedding venue, the Property can accommodate up to 290 guests. With large windows, expansive grounds, high ceilings, elegant lighting, and a full commercial kitchen, this is the ideal atmosphere for events that will not soon be forgotten.
With its flexible commercial zoning (Commercial Recreational, one of only five such designations in all of Goodhue County), the Property is ripe for re-development, with uses including residential conversion (with the potential to build up to 30 stunning coops, condominiums or apartments), boutique hotel/resort, destination spa/wellness center, religious use, rehabilitation center, and much more. All of these opportunities can be executed at several multiples below replacement cost, and by multiple purchasers.
The Property is being offered for sale (with possible seller financing), lease, and/or joint venture for all or individual parts of the project
Highlights
- The Property is the most unique and remarkable development opportunity in Southeastern Minnesota from the Twin Cities to the Iowa border
- Remarkable French Country Chateau style estate, situated on high elevation with fabulous views of the Lake Pepin river valley and the bluffs on the east shore of the lake
- The Property is available for sale, lease, or joint venture. It could also be sold in parts (event center uses, restaurant, multifamily/hotel use, the development of a spa/wellness complex with pool building, land in front of Villa Maria for music festivals and or groups, etc.)
- The four structures include: Villa Maria (±64,600 SF), Ursuline Hall (±3,428 SF), the Pool Complex (±3,388 SF) Maintenance Building (±1,344 SF), and the Garage (±2,156 SF)
- The replacement value for all structures exceeds $20M (conservative estimate at under $300 PSF reconstruction value).
- The primary building, Villa Maria, was built in 1946, and has been substantially renovated over the past 5 years. Floors 1-4 (the residential floors) are framed and ready for completion.
- The Property is surrounded by, and connected to, 3,000 acres of private gardens and parkland, the regionally famous Frontenac State Park
- The Property is currently operating as an event venue, but a number of different re-use scenarios are possible
- $13,540,000 prospective value upon stabilization per a third party 2021 appraisal, based on a hotel redevelopment and/or condominium or coop sales
- Approximately 10 miles from charming Red Wing, MN; 45 miles to Rochester, MN; and 60 miles to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area
- The Property is near numerous vineyards, orchards, Airbnb/VRBO rentals, charming lakeside towns on both sides of Lake Pepin (Alma, Pepin, Maiden Rock, Pepin, and Wabasha, to name only a few), and three marina complexes (Red Wing, Lake City, Pepin)
Map
Location Description
Villa Maria is set in the middle of 3,000 acres of private gardens and parklands - perched above Lake Pepin in Historic Old Frontenac, Minnesota. Frontenac is nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, providing residents and visitors with a scenic backdrop. It's situated about 65 miles southeast of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and 12 miles southeast of Red Wing, MN, making it accessible yet remote enough to offer a tranquil atmosphere. Frontenac is known for the Frontenac State Park, which boasts stunning vistas of the Mississippi River, as well as hiking trails through the hardwood forest and limestone bluffs. The town maintains a quaint, small town charm with historic buildings, with numerous buildings on the National Register. The surrounding region is known for its vineyards and wineries. Frontenac and nearby areas are part of Minnesota's burgeoning wine country, with several vineyards offering tastings and tours.
Area Activities:
- Frontenac State Park
- Mount Frontenac Golf Course
- Lake Pepin
- Sheldon Theater of Performing Arts
- Pottery Museum of Red Wing
- Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum
- Falconer Vineyards


