The sale of the DuPont Country Club has been completed, co-owner Ben duPont confirmed via Facebook.
The sale was handled by CBRE. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Jeff Woolson, an executive vice president with CBRE who serves as the managing director of its Golf & Resort Group, handled the transaction, along with fellow members of CBRE’s Wilmington office including Dan Reeder, executive vice president; Brian Hopkins, first vice president; and John Kaczowka, senior vice president.
The buyer is a local investment group that includes former DuPont executives duPont and Don Wirth.
Established in 1920, the club was originally built as an amenity for DuPont company employees.
Amenities include three 18-hole golf courses and 25 tennis courts, complemented by a clubhouse measuring approximately 113,000 square feet.
Another feature of the property is the 60-acre Brantwyn Estate, which features a three-story 28,000 square foot mansion surrounded by manicured gardens that are used for weddings and other special events.
Woolson stated: “Private clubs of DuPont’s magnitude rarely trade and the new buyers plan to spend $18 million on improvements, which include a swimming pool, fitness center and new driving range, which will elevate this iconic club to its former glory.”
In his announcement, duPont stated that construction will get underway this fall at the 500-acre plus site. No homes or commercial developments are planned at the property.
The sprawling property has been on the market for some time and there were fears that a battle over residential development would ensue under any new owner.
The club is expected to have a family focus that will be kicked off with a holiday fireworks display on July 7.
A long-time leader in the local technology community, duPont is adding high-speed Internet to the property this week while rolling out mobile apps for members.
The DuPont course has hosted many professional and amateur golf tournaments over the years, most notably serving as the home of the LPGA Tour’s McDonald’s Championship from 1987 through 2004.
