THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 12, 1996 TAG: 9610110431
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ANAHITA WAGER-SMITH, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: 110 lines
In the heart of the Great Bridge area, Etheridge Pointe is a new single-family community in Chesapeake being developed by both Beco Construction and Towne Development Corp.
Centrally located, the secluded neighborhood is nestled among several well-kept, established subdivisions made up of brick ranches and two-story homes built in the early to mid-'80s.
Residents can enjoy the quiet country atmosphere while residing a few minutes away from major highways, nearby Navy bases and adjacent cities.
What sets this ``middle America `` development apart is its design flexibility, schools, proposed recreational facilities and expansive lots.
Flexible floor plans are offered by both builders. New owners Tom and Leslie Bennett chose Etheridge Pointe primarily because of its picturesque location and their being able to carry out design modifications that have allowed them to customize their home.
For instance, the Bennetts did not want a step-down family room as called for in the plans and were pleased with the capability to modify the design at no extra cost.
In addition, they were able to conserve space by cutting out a wall in their family room to slide in their big-screen television. These changes have allowed them to build ``a custom home without paying that large customized price,'' Leslie says.
And having had previous experience in construction, Tom had the know-how to judge the structural aspect of their home and is pleased with its quality of construction.
A striking aspect of their spacious home is found in its bright airy-feel created by its cathedral ceilings and bay windows.
This atmosphere also extends into their kitchen and prevents Leslie from feeling boxed-in as it opens to the living room and the family room, giving her the ability to freely communicate with family and guests.
Having recently moved here from Texas, the Bennetts are pleased with the community's higher educational standards. The city of Chesapeake has recently built Hickory High School nearby and is currently in the process of completing Hickory Middle School.
Since they have just three neighbors so far, the Bennetts are thoroughly enjoying their space and are looking forward to playing in the nearby to-be-developed 3-acre park which is to include a bike trail and a picnic area.
Space is important to them as their home contains over 2,000 square-feet and sits on a 17,400-square-foot lot. Having had to live in a condominium while awaiting the completion of their home, 13-year old Leah and 10-year old Malorie are pleased to have their own rooms.
The family will always have plenty of elbow-room between them and their neighbors as the average lot size is 16,000 square-feet.
A variety of buyers is expected, ranging from newlyweds to retirees. The traditional/transitional homes are mostly built slabs and will be offered from $135,000 to $168,000, ranging from 1,892 to 2,950 square-feet.
The dwellings will consist of three to five bedrooms with up to three floor plans and an option for a first-floor bedroom. No property owners or homeowners association fees are required.
Once purchased, the homes will be constructed in three to four months.
For more information call Sandy Arrington of The Prudential Decker Realty at 482-9774 or Ann Hargroves of Re/Max Central Realty at 482-8763. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
ANAHITA WAGER-SMITH
The subdivision is roomy and away from urban bustle but it's
convenient to all the amenities found in Great Brige.
Leslie and Tom Bennett with daughters Malorie, bottom left, and
Leah. They liked the flexible floor plans.
AT A GLANCE
Vp Map
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Public schools: Hickory High School, Hickory Middle School, Butts
Road Intermediate, Butts Road Primary.
Shopping: Greenbrier Mall Shopping Center.
Hospital: Chesapeake General Hospital
Recreation: Great Bridge Community Center, Seven Springs Golf
Course, Chesapeake Central Library, Great Bridge Lock Park, which
has a two-lane boat ramp, walking trails and a fishing and crabbing
area.
Assessments: The city assessor reports a range from $150,000 to
$175,000.
FOR SALE
At 524 Bradwell Reach, a four-bedroom, two-bath, 2,950 square-foot
transitional with a two-floor entrance foyer and vaults, ready for
occupancy in November, was listed for $173,200 through Towne
Development Corp.
At 626 Broadwinsor Crescent, a three-bedroom with a finished room
over the garage, two-baths, a 2,500 square-foot traditional on a
corner lot with a garage, ready for occupancy in November, was
listed for $157,290 through Towne Development Corp.
At 444 Etheridge Road, a three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,892 square-foot
contemporary with vaulted ceilings, columns and a two-sided
fireplace, ready for immediate occupancy, was listed for $145,250
through Beco Construction.
SOLD
At 732 Hawkhurst Drive, a four-bedroom, three-bath, 2,100
square-foot transitional with brick front was recently sold for
$160,800.
At 704 Hawkhurst Drive, a four-bedroom, three-bath, 2,100
square-foot transitional with a deck and cultured marble tub and
shower was sold recently for $155,400.
At 729 Hawkhurst Drive, a three-bedroom with a finished room over
garage, two-bath, 2,200 square-foot all-brick ranch with a vaulted
ceiling, two-sided fireplace and cultured marble tub and shower was
recently sold for $170,125. by CNB