Published by Phil Slezak, NC Licensed Broker #242173 — Phil Slezak Real Estate
Where Luxury Meets Nature
Imagine pulling through the secure gates of Portofino — one of the most sought-after gated equestrian communities in the Triangle NC — leaving the hustle of the day behind as you wind past scenic equestrian trails and mature trees. If you're exploring luxury homes for sale in Clayton NC, this is the residence where the Portofino lifestyle becomes real. Welcome to 297 Bonaventure Drive Clayton NC — a home designed for families who want space, style, and community.
From the moment you step inside, the home opens up to greet you. The main level is anchored by durable, stylish luxury vinyl plank flooring, designed to effortlessly handle everything from muddy paws after a trail walk to elegant weekend gatherings. At the heart of the home sits a chef's kitchen featuring premium cabinetry and an expansive center island — a space where morning coffee conversations flow naturally into evening meal prep, all while staying connected to the open-concept living area.
For those who work from home or crave a quiet retreat, a dedicated private office offers the perfect sanctuary — one of the features that makes this one of the most desirable 4 bedroom homes with private office in Clayton NC. A formal dining room is ready for holiday hosting. Upstairs, versatility takes center stage. A generous central loft serves as the ultimate flex space — easily transforming into a media screening room, a vibrant game lounge, or a quiet reading zone. Four spacious bedrooms and three-and-a-half beautifully appointed baths ensure everyone has their own private retreat at the end of the day.
The story continues outside on your generous half-acre lot. Step onto the screened-in back porch to sip your morning coffee or unwind with an evening drink, completely surrounded by peaceful, wooded privacy.
Living in Portofino means embracing a resort-style lifestyle that's hard to find anywhere else in Johnston County real estate. Spend your weekends exploring miles of hiking and nature trails along the Neuse River Clayton NC, cooling off at one of the two community pools, or gathering with neighbors at the clubhouses. Have a passion for horses? Optional boarding is available just moments away at the community's premier equestrian center — making this one of the few Clayton NC homes with horse boarding stables in the area.
And while you'll feel worlds away in this gated oasis, modern conveniences are just minutes outside the gate. Quick access to Publix Clayton NC, Harris Teeter Clayton NC, and shopping and dining at Flowers Plantation makes daily life effortless. Easy commuting via US Hwy 70, and short drives to both downtown Clayton NC and downtown Raleigh NC keep everything within reach. Whether you're moving to Clayton NC for the first time or already living in Clayton, this community offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience. This isn't just a move-in-ready home — it's the lifestyle upgrade you've been waiting for. See the full Portofino community guide or check the latest Clayton NC market data for more on homes for sale in Portofino Clayton NC.
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The Portofino Lifestyle
Portofino isn't a subdivision — it's a destination that happens to have addresses.
Tucked along the banks of the Neuse River in Clayton, NC, this award-winning gated community was built around a simple idea: that where you live should feel like somewhere you'd choose to spend a vacation. Over seven miles of nature trails wind through land that was thoughtfully preserved rather than cleared. A private fishing pond, two resort-style pools, and onsite equestrian facilities round out an amenity package you simply won't find anywhere else in the Triangle at this price point — and it's a major reason why the Portofino lifestyle keeps drawing buyers looking at luxury homes near Flowers Plantation and throughout Johnston County.
The land itself carries weight. Portofino sits on grounds once held by the prominent Flowers family — a name woven deep into the history of Johnston County — and that sense of heritage shapes the character of the community in ways that no HOA document can quite put into words.
Recognition has followed. Portofino earned the NC Homebuilders Association Community of the Year and holds membership in the Audubon International Signature Program — a distinction reserved for developments that demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental stewardship. This is a community that made a deliberate choice to protect the natural beauty around it rather than build over it.
Day-to-day life here moves at a pace most people spend years chasing. Research Triangle Park, RDU International Airport, and the Triangle's major universities are all within an hour. Downtown Clayton and Flowers Plantation shopping are just outside the gate. But inside? It feels like you drove a lot further than you actually did — which is exactly what makes living in Clayton NC so appealing for professionals and families alike.
Portofino is one of those rare places where the trails get walked, the neighbors actually know each other, and the front porch isn't just decorative.
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Designed for Modern Living
Gourmet Kitchen
Large island, premium cabinetry, quartz countertops, and dark subway tile backsplash — the true heart of the home.
3,561 Sq Ft
Generous living space across two levels with an open-concept floor plan, formal dining, and private office.
4 Spacious Bedrooms
Generous bedrooms with plush carpeting, natural light, and a stunning primary suite with navy accent wall.
3.5 Luxurious Baths
Beautifully appointed bathrooms with marble tile, dual vanities, matte black fixtures, and glass showers.
Upstairs Loft
Flexible loft space upstairs — perfect for a media room, game room, or additional lounge area.
Half-Acre Private Lot
Peaceful wooded views from a screened-in porch on over half an acre in the Portofino community.
Every Room Tells a Story
Twilight Facade 
Spa-Inspired Bath An Investment Waiting to Happen
With home values climbing and Portofino's inventory remaining limited, this property offers more space, more amenities, and more upside. This is a deal waiting for the right buyer to cash in.
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See 297 Bonaventure Dr and the Portofino community come alive — from the gated entrance and scenic trails to the resort-style pools and luxury interiors.
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More Than a Home —
An Executive Lifestyle
Located along the Neuse River Clayton NC, Portofino offers over seven miles of nature trails, two sparkling pools, a fishing pond, and access to onsite equestrian facilities. Just minutes from shopping at Flowers Plantation and 30 minutes from downtown Raleigh NC. Whether you're moving to Clayton NC or investing in Clayton NC real estate, the Portofino lifestyle is one of the most compelling reasons to call Johnston County home. Read more about the Portofino lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about 297 Bonaventure Dr, the Portofino community, and living in Clayton, NC.
Your Questions Answered
Quick, straightforward answers about 297 Bonaventure Dr, the Portofino community, and Johnston County living.
What is for sale at 297 Bonaventure Drive in Clayton?
297 Bonaventure Drive is a luxury 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home located inside the gated Portofino neighborhood in Clayton, NC. The home features a chef's kitchen with island, private office, primary suite with spa bath, screened-in back porch, and sits on a half-acre lot backing to mature trees. Portofino offers resort-style amenities including two community pools, clubhouses, hiking and equestrian trails, and a premier equestrian center with horse boarding.
Are there any gated communities with horse trails near Raleigh?
Yes — Portofino in Clayton, NC is a gated equestrian community located just 30 minutes east of downtown Raleigh. The community features 7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, two clubhouses, community pools, and a premier equestrian center. It is one of the Triangle's most sought-after gated communities for buyers who want luxury living with horse amenities close to the city.
Where can I buy a home with horse boarding in Johnston County?
Portofino in Clayton, NC offers on-site horse boarding at the community equestrian center. Located in the heart of Johnston County, Portofino is a gated community with riding arenas, 7 miles of trails, and a full-service equestrian facility. Homes in Portofino range from 3 to 5 bedrooms and include luxury features like private offices, chef's kitchens, and screened porches.
What are the HOA amenities in the Portofino subdivision in Clayton?
Amenities at Portofino in Clayton include 7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, two clubhouses, community pools, and a premier equestrian center. The community also features gated access, a playground, sand volleyball, and walking paths throughout the neighborhood.
Explore Nearby Areas
297 Bonaventure Dr sits in Clayton, NC — perfectly positioned near several vibrant Triangle communities. Here's what's just a short drive away.
Raleigh, NC
North Carolina's state capital and the heart of the Triangle — home to NC State, a thriving food scene, and a booming tech job market, all about 30 minutes from Portofino.
~30 min driveSmithfield, NC
The Johnston County seat with a charming downtown, the Ava Gardner Museum, and premium outlet shopping — just 15 minutes east of Clayton along I-40.
~15 min driveWake Forest, NC
An upscale, tree-lined town north of Raleigh known for its historic downtown, Wake Forest University campus access, and family-friendly neighborhoods — about 45 minutes away.
~45 min driveGarner, NC
A growing Wake County town just south of Raleigh with easy I-40 access, parks, and a revitalized downtown — roughly 25 minutes from Clayton via US-70.
~25 min driveWork With Phil Slezak
Phil leads one of the top-producing real estate teams in the Greater Triangle and Brunswick County areas — with over $200 million in sales and a growing footprint across North Carolina and beyond.
Excellence is our standard. Customer satisfaction is our passion.
— Phil Slezak, Real Estate Broker
Brokerage
421 Fayetteville St, Ste 1100 · Raleigh, NC 27601
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