Winery Plans Advance as Acadia Farms Seeks Rezoning

The historic Acadia Farms property at 9947 Olde Eight Road in Sagamore Hills Township is once again in the spotlight as owners Gus M. and Nicholas M. Kafantaris seek to rezone two parcels from partially residential and commercial to fully commercial zoning.

The property, once the summer home of multimillionaire industrialist Cyrus Eaton, began marketing itself as an “event center” and “boutique hotel” in 2022, though township officials determined this wasn’t permitted under existing zoning regulations. According to township documents, a public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:45 p.m. to consider the rezoning request.

During the January 21, 2025 zoning meeting, representatives from Acadia Farms and Neff & Associates presented plans to build a winery on the northern part of the property. The owners explained their desire to “clean up the zoning” and move forward with creating a destination venue where customers can be served food, appetizers, and wine. They emphasized that the proposed winery would not be a brewery or distribution center.

Following discussion of the multiple issues involved, the Zoning Commission voted unanimously to forward the request to change the zoning to all commercial to the Summit County Planning Commission for review.

Property records show the estate was purchased in November 2020 for $685,000. The sprawling property features a 5,244 square foot main house situated on approximately 10 acres of land.

Sagamore Hills Zoning Commission Chair Dr. David Koncal previously explained the unique challenges with the property, noting that “it’s a tough area to work with because it is isolated.” He added that when the new Route 8 was built, structures along it were zoned commercial, “leaving the residential area at Acadia secluded.”

The April 21 public hearing will provide an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on the proposed rezoning. Written comments may be submitted to Zoning Inspector Raymond Fantozzi prior to the hearing or directly to the Zoning Commission during the meeting.

The regular Zoning Commission meeting will follow the public hearing, where commissioners may take final action to recommend approval to the Township Trustees. Residents interested in reviewing the zoning map can do so at the township office during normal business hours or on the township website.