Donald Trump is at it again, and has already started renovations on his newly acquired Vineyards. The property formerly belonged to Patricia Kluge who lost the 1000-acre vineyard and adjoining estate to foreclosure in February. Although Trump purchased the winery and vineyard in April, he is still battling with Bank of America for the massive Virginia mansion, currently listed at $16 million.
With true Trump business savvy, he also purchased 200 acres around the house for less than $500,000. The acreage includes the home’s front yard and most of the driveway and backyard, practically ensuring that Bank of America will accept his bid of $3.6 million for the estate. Trump also erected signs reading, “No Trespassing. This Land is Owned by Trump Virginia Acquisitions LLC,” and hasn’t groomed the lawn in an effort to further deter potential buyers.
“Maybe someone is stupid enough to buy the house,” Mr. Trump said. “I wish them luck.”
Trump, who has been family friends with the Kluges for over 30 years, stepped in to help maintain Patricia Kluge’s dream of keeping the house, land and vineyard together and staying involved in the winery. Trump saw the potential for a kind of Virginia Mar-a-Lago, with a golf club and guest rooms, built around a vineyard instead of Palm Beach.
The Donald’s son Eric has taken over the project and is running the vineyard with assistance from Ms. Kluge. Eric took to YouTube to detail their progress so far, and some of their future plans.
“The best feeling is getting your feet on the ground, landing on the property, going in there and giving them the ‘Trump Touch’, really sprucing them up and making them that much better,” said Eric to the cyber world last Friday. “Starting in the pavilion we’re redoing the bathrooms, we’re adding an incredible bar, we’re redoing all the ceilings, putting in incredible chandeliers and millwork—what we do best.”
Plans also include revamping the carriage museum into a banquet facility, since the vineyard is a prime wedding location.
Eric concluded his message, assuring viewers and Patricia Kluge, “We have a lot of great plans for the property. We’re going to make the property successful. This is an asset that we’re really to going to be proud of for years to come.”
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