THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 13, 1994 TAG: 9408120477
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JANET DUNPHY, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: Long : 148 lines
It's no wonder so many residents in Witchduck Point and Saw Pen Point feel like they live in the country: A horse farm sits across from the neighborhoods, and homes lie on spacious lots with no shortage of trees.
The two adjoining neighborhoods, just off North Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach, are also rich in history.
Nearly three centuries ago, according to local legend, Grace Sherwood was tried for witchcraft in the area. In 1706, she was thrown into the Lynnhaven River with her hands tied to her feet, old court records say.
Because Sherwood managed to stay afloat, she was found guilty of practicing witchcraft. The name Witchduck takes it name from that 18th century event.
Around 1960, parts of Witchduck Point were built on a 30-acre tract known as Delhaven Nursery and Gardens, a showplace that attracted many visitors decades ago.
Developer Bailey Parker Jr. bought the gardens, restored the manor house and barn, and built a home on the site. He also bought about 100 acres adjoining the property and developed Saw Pen Point.
``I bought it primarily to raise my family,'' says Parker, who moved from the city's Thoroughgood neighborhood. ``The children had horses. It was a real nice environment for them with the fishing and the crabbing. They didn't have to go anywhere to hang out.''
Parker still lives in the home he built on the 10-acre site and also owns 20 lots in Saw Pen Point.
Both neighborhoods, nearly identical to each other, border the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River. Its inlets and coves, along with a lake, give many houses waterfront lots.
Witchduck Point, the city tax assessor's office says, consists of only a few streets east of Witchduck Road. Still, real estate agents and residents say the neighborhood also embraces several cul-de-sacs at the extreme north end of the street. Saw Pen Point lies to the south.
Most homes are two-story brick styles, and the average lot size is more than an acre. Some homes have swimming pools. In addition, plenty of wooden jungle gyms, and even an occasional greenhouse, adorn the lush yards.
Home prices range from $165,000 to $1.1 million in Witchduck Point, and from $235,000 to $780,000 in Saw Pen Point, the tax assessor's office reports. One house in Saw Pen Point is on the market for $2 million.
Alice Allman has lived in a waterfront home at Witchduck Point for five years.
``It's very quiet and there's a lot of wildlife, like egrets,'' says Allman, a real estate agent.
``It's family-oriented and people are involved in the civic organization,'' she says.
The area's residents, she adds, are gradually changing from retired couples to younger professionals. Even so, the convenience to shopping, entertainment and health care facilities attracts families of all ages.
Pat and Valentino Volpetti have lived in Saw Pen Point for less than a year, moving from Brooklyn, N.Y. Pat likes the country atmosphere in the city.
``I feel like I'm in a little forest,'' she says.
At the same time, she appreciates the variety of nearby shopping.
``Just down the street is the action I need because I'm from New York.''
Also, the historic Lynnhaven House and Old Donation Church, an Episcopal church dating from the 1600s, are in the area.
The Volpettis plan to paint and wallpaper their new home. They will also add new kitchen appliances, change some floors and update the window treatments.
``It's Colonial and I want contemporary,'' Volpetti says. The 4,300-square-foot brick home includes two stories, five bedrooms and three baths.
Nearby schools also attracted the Volpettis to the area. Their son, Joseph, will attend Pembroke Meadows Elementary School next month.
``I had good feelings as far as education,'' she says. ``I think they're devoted to children here.''
Marcia Jones wants a bigger home for her three young boys, she says, but she's determined to stay in the area.
``We love the neighborhood because it's so convenient,'' says Jones, whose four-bedroom home in Saw Pen Point is on the market for $249,000.
``The lots here are so big. You're not on top of your neighbor,'' she says. ``People drive slow down the street because they know there are children. We all watch each other's houses.'' ILLUSTRATION: PETER D. SUNDBERG/Photos
Bailey Parker Jr. bought a nursery in the Witchduck Point area about
35 years ago and built his home on the site. He also purchased 100
acres adjoining the property and developed Saw Pen Point.
A horse farm across from the neighborhoods contributes to the
country atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Lynnhaven River gives many homes
waterfront lots.
Nearby schools helped lure Pat and Valentino Volpetti, with son
Joseph, to Saw Pen Point. ``I had good feelings as far as
education,'' Pat says. ``I think they're devoted to children
here.''
Developer Bailey Parker on his Witch Duck Point property: ``I bought
it primarily to raise my family. The children had horses. It was a
real nice environment for them.''
Pat Volpetti and her husband, Valentino, with son Joseph, moved to a
4,300-square-foot home with five bedrooms in Saw Pen Point less than
a year ago. ``I feel like I'm in a little forest. . . ,'' Pat says,
but ``just down the street is the action I need because I'm from New
York.''
AT A GLANCE
Staff Map
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Public schools: Pembroke Meadows Elementary, Independence Middle
and Princess Anne High schools.
Recreation: Nearby facilities include the Virginia Beach
Recreation Center-Bayside and the YMCA on South Boulevard. The
Chesapeake Bay is only a few minutes away by car.
Shopping areas: Pembroke Meadows, Giant Square and Haygood
shopping centers contain a range of stores. Pembroke Mall is a few
minutes by car south on Independence Boulevard.
Assessments: The range is from $165,000 to $1.1 million in
Witchduck Point, and from $235,000 to $780,000 in Saw Pen Point,
reported the Virginia Beach tax assessor's office.
FOR SALE
A sampling of current listings:
At 3901 Richardson Road, a 2,700-square-foot waterfront ranch
with three bedrooms is listed for $299,000.
At 1032 Saw Pen Point Trail, a 4,000-square-foot colonial with
five bedrooms, four baths an office and a swimming pool is listed
for $349,000.
At 4112 Roenker Lane, a 3,600-square-foot Georgian with four
bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a room over the garage and a swimming pool is
listed for $349,000.
At 1085 Saw Pen Point Trail, a 3,500-square-foot two-story brick
home with four bedrooms, three baths, an office, a swimming pool and
a dock is listed for $349,000.
SOLD
A sampling of recent sales:
At 1212 Witchduck Bay Court, a 3,000-square-foot waterfront
colonial with five bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a swimming pool sold
for $358,000 in June.
At 4005 Sherwood Lane, a 4,000-square-foot waterfront colonial
with six bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths sold for $450,000 in June.
At 4401 N. Witchduck Road, a 3,722-square-foot ranch with five
bedrooms and three baths sold for $285,000 in April.
At 4201 Dougherty Court, a 3,500-square-foot colonial with five
bedrooms and four baths sold for $316,000 in March.
by CNB