THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 27, 1996 TAG: 9607260391
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY GINGER ADAMS, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: 100 lines
On any given day, one can find 15-year-old Chris Lewis fishing on the lake behind his house. Maybe he'll catch a bass. Or see some crabs.
In this quiet haven he can watch the sun set over the trees while hanging his feet off his floating dock.
He lives at South Shore Estates, a new upscale development in Virginia Beach off General Booth Blvd and 10 minutes from the oceanfront. The Lewises were the third family to move into the neighborhood, old-timers now at 11 months.
``We really, really love this house,'' says Linda Lewis, Chris' mother, who enjoys going out on their paddleboat. ``The lake is the best thing. There is always something to watch - birds, ducks - it's so tranquil.''
The few current residents agree that the 50-acre bulkheaded lake is the biggest attraction. A recent count showed 18 homes had been built, all on the eastern side of the lake, but plans are to surround the water. There will be more than 200 homes built in all.
South Shore Estates will be displayed in the limelight this fall, being the latest neighborhood to host the Tidewater Builders Association's annual Homearama display. Twelve of the yet-to-be-built homes on the lake will be featured in the show this October. The dwellings will range from $190,000 to $289,000.
The homes are custom-built on lots extending from 10,000 square feet to a half-acre. The average size of the houses is over 3,000 square feet with three to five bedrooms. Amenities in a typical house include natural gas heat and air-conditioning, fireplace, deck and lots of windows. Many home buyers have installed oversized windows and double-size tile showers in the master bath as well.
And every home has a choice lot - either it is on the lake or a canal or on a quiet cul de sac backing up to trees.
There is no homeowners association, but regulations on the water will maintain the area's peace and quiet. Any floating dock must conform to others in the neighborhood and there are no motorized water vehicles, like jet skis, permitted.
Rick Bauer, who works in finance, and his wife Leslie and their 3-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, recently moved to South Shore Estates from Phoenix. ``We looked mainly in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach,'' recalls Bauer. ``But here we got the most amount of house for the money. We liked the architecture and we liked the water both in front and in back.''
He also feels fortunate to have come in on the ``ground floor,'' being one of the first residents and getting a good buy on his property. Typically, the first home buyers in a new neighborhood get the best deals, as property values rise when the neighborhood becomes more established.
Bauer looks forward to seeing the area develop, as more services become available. The nearby Corporate Landing commercial site welcomes new businesses to the community, and the city has plans to extend Ferrell Parkway to the area, providing easy access to main highways.
``The city is really growing down here; it'll be fun to watch it come together,'' he says.
Michael Sampson and his growing family also decided to move to South Shore Estates in September of last year. His wife Cynthia was expecting their second child, and they needed more space.
They chose to build a more traditional home with formal living areas. It is a three-bedroom with a room over the garage, and has 2 1/2 baths. ``We liked the location,'' said Sampson. ``It's a growing area, but it still has a good deal of nature. Sometimes we see deer in the mornings.''
The Sampson home is on a quiet court with close-knit neighbors. ``We all like to get together when our children are out playing. Everyone knows everyone else's child,'' adds Cynthia, thankful for the security of trustworthy neighbors. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
GARY C. KNAPP
Michael and Cynthia Sampson, with Michael 7, and Chrystina, 4
months. They often see deer in the morning.
John and Leslie Bauer and Elizabeth, 3 months, moved here from
Phoenix.
Linda Lewis on her backyard dock.
AT A GLANCE
VP Map
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Schools: Strawbridge Elementary, Princess Anne Junior High and Ocean
Lakes High schools.
Shopping: Retail centers all along General Booth Boulevard, within a
few minutes by car are the resort area and Lynnhaven Mall. The
Farmer's Market is also a quick trip.
Recreation: 50-acre lake, City Recreation Center, Red Wing Golf
Course, Back Bay fishing, False Cape State Park, Oceanfront,
Atlantic Avenue, Ocean Breeze Festival Park, Virginia Marine Science
Museum/IMAX Theater, Sandbridge beach area.
FOR SALE
At 1012 Sandoval Drive, a 3,350-square-foot custom four-bedroom home
on the water was listed for $259,900.
18 houses will be on display this October during the annual Homerama
sponsored by the Tidewater Builders Association. The prices will
range from $190,000 to $289,000. by CNB