Luxury retreat McNelly Farms has opened on 48 acres at 8015 E. McNelly Road, north of Bentonville, according to a Thursday (Aug. 14) news release. Amenities include fire pits, patios, chef’s kitchen, wine cellar, movie room and speakeasy lounge.
The property features a two-story, 16,319-square-foot estate home and a guest house with seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, accommodating up to 20 guests. The retreat, which is available for full-property booking, was developed by Howse brands founder and Arkansas entrepreneur Jay Howard in partnership with NASCAR Hall of Famer and Arkansas native Mark Martin.
“This is a place people won’t forget,” Martin said. “It captures the best of the Ozarks, grounded in hospitality and just minutes from everything downtown Bentonville has to offer.”
According to the release, the home was renovated and furnished by the Howse interior design team “to reflect the character of the Ozarks with the elegance of a private resort.”
“This has been a vision years in the making,” Howard said. “We wanted to create something that feels rooted in the land but delivers a completely elevated experience. McNelly Farms is about gathering, reconnecting and experiencing Arkansas in a whole new way.”
A spokeswoman said that “more than seven figures” were invested in the property beyond the purchase price, and this is phase one of a multi-phase development.
According to Benton County property records, Crowhow LLC, whose managing member is Howard, bought 8015 E. McNelly Road for $3.33 million in March 2023. Jeffrey Bay and Jodi Bay were the sellers. Rogers-based Generations Bank provided an 18-month loan of $3.63 million and a nine-month loan of $750,000. In May, the property was transferred to McNelly Farms LLC, whose managing members are Howard and Martin. Generations Bank provided a one-year loan of $4.39 million.
Records show the house was built in 2008. The property includes a 6,000-square-foot utility building, a 4,800-square-foot barn, multiple outbuildings and pole shed.
According to the website, the retreat offers group adventure experiences and will soon accommodate weddings and corporate retreats. The property booking starts at $2,500 per night. A booking from Aug. 15 to 16 for 20 guests is $4,229 after taxes and fees. A booking from Dec. 24 to Dec. 25 for 20 guests is $3,666 after taxes and fees.