DATE: Saturday, May 10, 1997                TAG: 9705080260

SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY      PAGE: 30   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: ABOUT THE OUTER BANKS 

SOURCE: Chris Kidder

                                            LENGTH:   90 lines

IT COMES WITH HISTORY AND SOLITUDE

At Heritage Point on Roanoke Island's north end, a long, tree-lined drive leads to an iron entrance gate. Beyond the open gate, a fountain burbles amid flower gardens. Past the entrance, little is visible but woods: 80 acres that insulate a few carefully built homes from traffic and tourists.

Across the wooded community of 111 single-family homesites, the Albemarle Sound laps at a narrow beach so isolated it can be considered private. Docks at the community's boat basin await their first vessels. A lighted tennis court stands ready for the next match.

Roanoke Island history is Heritage Point's marketing theme. It was here that Algonquin Indians hunted and fished before English explorers arrived in 1584. The English, trying to gain a New World foothold, left little but their story, now replayed for thousands of visitors each year at Fort Raleigh Historic Site, a National Park Service facility whose lands buffer Heritage Point on the north.

In 1862, Gen. Ambrose Burnside's troop stormed through the island's woods on their way to a decisive Union victory in the War Between the States. After the war, a freedman's colony of former slaves occupied a nearby site.

Picked over for years by artifact hunters and well-used as a campground and trailer court before subdivision plans took shape, this place does not really attract buyers for its history.

``People buy in Heritage Point because they like the area, the peace and quiet,'' says Linda Ware, the development's real estate broker.

The fact that the community is bounded on two sides by National Park Service and Roanoke Island Historical Association land suggests that preservation, not development, will guide the neighborhood's growth. Heritage Point owners believe their ``peace and quiet'' will be long lived.

Since Heritage Point went on the market in 1991, 14 lots have been sold, 11 homes built. Seasonal rentals in the subdivision are not allowed by deeded covenant. But second home owners are welcome, says Ware. So far, all houses but one are lived in year-round.

Ware is happy with the pace of sales, which have come mainly from referrals from other homeowners. Her husband, Bobby Ware, has been the development's only builder. And they'd like to keep it that way.

``We don't want to just build you a house,'' says Linda, who lives in the community's showcase 4,300-square-foot Victorian home just down the road from the entrance gate. ``We want to build you a house and remain your friends.''

Single-story homes at Heritage Point must be at least 1,800 square feet; two-story homes must be 2,200. Houses must be built on brick and block foundations. Architectural plans must be approved by the Wares, as agents for the developer, with preference given to traditional Southern styling.

``It's not a tract community,'' says Linda. ``We don't build any two homes alike.''

Most Heritage Point lots are 20,000 square feet. A few are larger. One waterfront lot is nearly 3.5 acres - but only 29,400 square feet are buildable. Prices range from $71,600 for an interior lot to $199,900 for the most expensive bulkheaded soundfront lots.

Prices are nearly 25 percent lower than the developer originally hoped, but have not changed substantially since the first price list was published. There have been no resales.

``This is not a community with a fast turnaround,'' explains Linda. ``It's not a place to turn a fast buck.''

Each Heritage Point lot includes a fee-simple deed to a boat slip in the private marina. In addition to the tennis court and beach, the community has a fishing pier, a waterside picnic area and several acres of common park land.

Plans for a community swimming pool have been scrapped. ``Most of our homeowners have enough room on their lots to build a private pool if they want,'' says Linda.

At the present time, the developer maintains community assets. No homeowners association will be formed until 55 percent of the lots are built. In the meantime, owners pay a $300 annual assessment which, Linda says, will be turned over to the association when it is formed. Even without historical roots and better-than-average amenities, Heritage Point has much to offer. It's a fine woods of tall pines, live oaks, blossoming dogwoods and a dozen other native species that the developer is carefully carving into homesites.

No wholesale clearing is allowed. Only those trees that must absolutely go are cut. For homeowners near the water, fiery sunsets and velvet dusks are part of the scenery.

And there is peace and quiet - if you don't count bird songs. That's worth quite a bit. MEMO: Send comments and questions to Chris Kidder at P.O. Box 10, Nags

Head, N.C. 27959. Or e-mail her (realkidd(AT)aol.com). ILLUSTRATION: HERITAGE POINT

What: An 80-acre, 111-lot subdivision for year-round and

second-home living

Where: Off U.S. Rt. 64/264 on north end of Roanoke Island near

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

Prices: Lots from $71,500 to $199,900

Call: 919-473-1450

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