FEATURES – SEPTEMBER 2009

The Property Plunge

WATERFRONT LIVING IN HAMPTON ROADS GIVES BUYERS PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR PLACES AND PRICES

By Karen Haywood Queen

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Imagine waking up to a view of the river, the bay or the ocean. Or even if you don't have that water view, living just a short stroll from the beach or riverfront where you can walk along the shore, sit and gaze on the water, sail, water ski, fish, kayak or canoe. Choices abound to live on or near the water across Hampton Roads, the namesake of our region that refers to the numerous waterways that define it.

"They're just not making any more waterfront properties," says Courtney Rollins, a realtor with William E. Wood and Associates. "I live on the water, on Lake Placid in Virginia Beach, and I encourage everyone to buy on the water if they can. It's just going to make your value go up."

Those who dream of water views are willing to sacrifice. "You don't find good waterfront that often," says Mark Edwards, senior vice president and broker at East West Realty. "People who want to get on the water, they'll do what they have to do."

Although you can certainly pay millions for the view, you can get a good deal on or near the water if you put some elbow grease or money into a property that needs work. "The best buys on the water are those houses that have obsolescence or are in need of a face lift," says Realtor Harriet Goodove of Prudential Towne Realty in Virginia Beach. "The owner can do the work whenever they desire."

Whether you live on or near a river, the oceanfront, the bay or a canal, the water can create a relaxing vacation mindset year round. "I can see the water from my living room or from the deck," says Beth Bangley of her home just one block off the beach in Virginia Beach's Croatan neighborhood. "We can sit out and see the boats going out to the harbor and the tankers going by. I just appreciate the beauty of the beach. We walk on the beach in the late afternoon and early evening. We can go up on our deck and look at the water."

Although her home was on the market at press time, she and her husband hope to find their next home nearby. Their neighborhood between the Rudee Inlet and Camp Pendleton is just a short bike ride from the main Oceanfront. "We can bike up the main highway, take a right over the Rudee Bridge and we're on the boardwalk. We can hear the music from the boardwalk."

Here are some of your many options across Hampton Roads for living near or on the water.

 

THE VIEW: The James River

THIS HOME IN GOVERNORS'S LAND

at Two Rivers west of Williamsburg, at 2984 Kitchum's Close, is on 10 acres at the end of a cul de sac on the James River in a resort community. "When you first drive on the property, the outside of the home, the brick and masonry work, is absolutely breathtaking," says Realtor Chris Pickett of Rose and Womble Real Estate.

The particulars: 22,000 square feet. Five bedrooms, five baths (each bedroom has an attached bath), four half baths, sun room, game room, family room, large living room. Front staircase and two side staircases. Two main floors, plus basement and large attic. Built in 2001. Priced at $8.9 million.

Water fun: Enjoy the large outdoor pool during good weather, swim laps year round in the indoor pool, and relax in the sauna. The pool room also includes two half baths, a separate washer and dryer, and an adjacent deck. Take advantage of resort amenities at Governor's Land including marina, pool, country club, tennis, golf and more.

Extras: Private cook's kitchen adjacent to main kitchen. Basement level includes suite with bedroom and bath and additional living area—perfect for an older relative.

The showstoppers: The circular driveway, the backdrop of the James Rivers, entrance way featuring traditional Southern curved staircase meeting at landing in the middle, outdoor pool with large deck.

Location, location, location: End of a cul de sac in Governor's Land resort community west of Williamsburg, on 10 acres right on the James River.

 

 

The View: Water views from nearly every room

THIS OCEANFRONT HOME AT

5008 Ocean Front Ave. in Virginia Beach's North End offers water views from nearly every room, says Realtor Peggi Welton of Rose and Womble Realty. Two upstairs decks and three beach-level decks offer plenty of options to relax and entertain outside. Inside, the home offers a completely renovated kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances as well as a great flow for entertaining.

The particulars: 6,222 square feet, six bedrooms, six baths (with five of the bedrooms offering attached baths), three half baths, completely renovated in 2007, plenty of parking. Priced at $5.85 million.

Location, location, location: On the Atlantic Ocean.

NEIGHBORHOOD SNAPSHOT
CROATAN: COASTING THROUGH LIFE

Residents of Virginia Beach's oceanfront Croatan community, bordered by Camp Pendleton and the Rudee Inlet, appreciate being close to but separate from the main Oceanfront. "The neighborhood is nestled all by itself," says Sylvia Vance, who has lived here for 22 years with her husband, Kim.

Croatan, originally part of an estate, was developed in the 1980s, Vance says. There are approximately 500 homes, including about five under construction now and a few lots remaining, Vance says. Neighbors are a mix of retirees and families with children.

Beth Bangley and her husband, John Hughes, like to bike over the Rudee Bridge and over to the boardwalk for concerts or to eat at one of their favorite restaurants. "The end of the boardwalk is just across the jetty," she says.

Neighbors enjoy watching tankers and other ships in the harbor and watching surfers catch waves. Croatan also is a favorite for surfers, who are restricted to a small section of the Oceanfront. "Surfers can park here in the daytime," Bangley says. "It's not uncommon for me to look out and see surfers. They're a dedicated crew. Even in the winter, they'll be out in their wet suits."

Here, the water is the main draw. But not the only one. Residents also love the wooded lots, the nearby lake, the wildlife and the connected community.

Neighbors belong to a voluntary civic league as opposed to a homeowners' association. "We have probably the most active civic league in Virginia Beach," Vance says.

Clubs include a women's club, book club and supper clubs. The neighborhood has a website (www.CroatanBeach.org), a monthly newsletter and an active email list. If someone loses a dog or a cell phone, an email goes out. If anything suspicious is going on, an email goes out. If anyone wants a recommendation of a roofer, a gardener or any other workman, neighbors are happy to offer suggestions, Vance says.

Events include a July 4th party, National Night Out the first Tuesday in August, a group who cheers on runners in the Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon, and a Halloween party. "We just came from the 4th of July party—close to 850 people came," Vance says. "The parade included some of the mounted police and a huge fire engine."

At last year's half marathon, Vance was among about 75 Croatan neighbors who dressed up as penguins and danced to Happy Feet to support the runners—and won first prize of $750 for best neighborhood.

"We just enjoy walking down the street because we know everybody," Vance says.

 

The View: Atlantic Ocean from upstairs bedrooms and rooftop decks

THIS OCEANFRONT HOME AT

6406 Ocean Front Ave. in the North End of Virginia Beach offers a no-maintenance exterior, two large rooftop decks and a patio, and a large room over the garage perfect for teenagers or live-in relatives.

The particulars: 4,000 square feet, five bedrooms, five baths (with four of the bedrooms including an attached bath), updated kitchen and bathrooms. Priced at $2.35 million.

Location, location, location: On the Atlantic Ocean.

Keep in mind: Although you're on the ocean, views from lower level rooms will be dunes, says Realtor Peggi Welton of Rose and Womble Realty.

For the rest of The Property Plunge, pickup our September 2009 issue wherever magazines are sold.

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