THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 27, 1996 TAG: 9601260448
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARY ELLEN MILES, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: Long : 123 lines
Larkspur Farms is a pearl in the Virginia Beach ocean of real estate. With the city's vacant land dwindling and building permits being doled out sparsely, the new construction of 43 semi-custom houses, neatly tucked behind part of well-established Larkspur was a pleasant surprise to many residents.
Once farmland, the site is near Larkspur Middle School. The neighborhood is built on one street, Lodgepole Drive, the only entrance and exit, which offers seclusion with companionship.
Two building companies, Beco Construction and Gilliam Corp., have models open daily. Prudential Decker Realty is handling sales. Beco's first model opened last summer and Gilliam's opened late fall. Most of the lots are 10,000 square feet, with some larger.
Sandy Arrington, site manager for Beco Construction, says Larkspur homeowners were worried when they heard the farmland was to be developed.
Since then, ``many of the homeowners have told me how happy they were to see single-family houses in this price range being built here. The neighborhood is very private, and for property to pop up in such a location, is quite a deal for a buyer,'' she says. ``Kempsville (the borough) is a very sought after area for the central location and schools.''
Judy and Wayne Mitnik were also attracted to the good schools and moved to Larkspur Farms in December. ``The location was a big draw for us, and we wanted more space'' says Judy. They wanted a new house, but were reluctant to move to Chesapeake or farther out in Virginia Beach, she says.
``We have friends who live in Larkspur and have always felt that Kempsville or Larkspur would be a perfect location for us, being about halfway to either Norfolk or the Oceanfront,'' she says. ``But, we didn't think there were any new houses or lots in those areas, so this was perfect.
``It's so convenient for us. It cuts 35 minutes off my work commuting time. We have the best of both worlds - a new house within a long standing neighborhood.''
The Mitniks moved from a house in Norfolk less than half the size of their new 3,000 square foot dwelling. They have three full baths and what could be five bedrooms. The large room over the garage is used as a playroom for their 2-year-old son, and they had an additional room downstairs to use as an office. They also added a backyard deck.
``We made a lot of modifications,'' Judy says, ``and appreciated the builder's flexibility. We really didn't want to build our own house. But, we're very happy with it.
``All the neighbors seem so friendly. I think it's because we're all moving in at the same time,'' she says. They plan to have more landscaping and build a fence this year.
Randy Scott, site manager for Gilliam Corp., believes the builder's standard features are a big draw for home buyers.
``Rather than have a lot of options to pay for, our homes are loaded down with standard features,'' he says.
Some of the standard features are a large deck; non-vented, gas fireplace with logs; built in microwave; large cabinets and built in lazy susan; jetted tub, separate shower and double vanities in the master bath; electric garage door openers; ceramic tile or hardwood foyers; upgraded carpeting; architectural shingles with 25-year warranty;two-zone 92 percent efficient natural gas heat; two- or three-car garages, and 9-foot first-floor ceilings.
They offer five two-story floor plans and one ranch, varying in square footage from about 2,500 to just under 3,000. Most plans are four-bedroom, 2 1/2 baths. One five-bedroom plan is available.
Base prices for Gilliam houses run $208,900 to $227,500. An added bonus, says Scott, is the builder will pay closing costs (less pre-paids, credit check, PMI and VA funding fee) plus one discount point.
Standard features in the Beco houses vary according to floor plan, but the builder customizes the houses to the buyers' wishes.
Some of the features that can be found are architecturally designed elevations with dramatic windows for natural lighting; low maintenance, 20-year warranty shingles; brick skirt foundation; bathroom linen closets; formal living and dining rooms, and a downstairs laundry room that includes a table for folding clothes.
``Our foyers are outstanding, because they're very light and open,'' says Arrington. ``The master bath is also very nice, with a ceramic tile shower, glass doors, separate tub and double vanity.''
Base prices for Beco houses run $179,900 to $208,900. They offer 5 ``very flexible'' housing floor plans, all two-story, with four to six bedrooms (one plan has a downstairs master), and three full baths, says Arrington. Square footage runs from 2,600 to 3,100.
``With customized homes, the builder will make changes to the basic floor plan,'' Arrington says, adding that buyers have been taking advantage of the builder's adaptability and no two houses are alike. ``People have been adding rooms,'' she says.
Both builders also offer multiple elevations and options, open floor plans, large walk-in master closets, energy-efficient utilities, a large room over the garage and kitchen, and models with two inside sets of stairs. Beco Construction has four lots left, Gilliam Corp. has 14. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by Gary C. Knapp
Wayne and Judy Mitnik moved in December. The wanted more spaces and
thought Larkspur Farms was a "perfect location"
The neighborhood homes are built by Beco construction and Gilliam
Corp.
Graphic
Public schools: Kempsville Meadows Elementary, Larkspur Middle and
Kempsville High schools.
Shopping areas: Several strip shopping centers are nearby, as well
as Pembroke and Lynnhaven Malls. Gas stations, restaurants, banks,
pharmacies and grocery stores are all close.
Recreation: The Kempsville Recreation Center, Kempsville Library,
Kempsville Greens Country Club, Larkspur Swim and Racquet Club, YMCA
and Mount Trashmore Park are all quite nearby.
At 4584 Lodgepole Drive, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath,
2,500-square-foot contemporary, with three-car garage was listed
for $216,900.
At 4624 Lodgepole Drive, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath,
2,600-square-foot contemporary was listed for $218,900.
At 4633 Lodgepole Drive, a four-bedroom, three-bath,
2,980-square-foot transitional, with end-load garage was listed for
$232,500.
At 4520 Lodgepole Drive, a four-bedroom, three-bath,
2,980-square-foot transitional, with brick front is $229,900.
At 4601 Lodgepole Drive, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath,
2,600-square-foot vinyl traditional on a corner lot was listed for
$179,900.
by CNB