THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 2, 1995 TAG: 9511300307
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY GINGER ADAMS, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: Long : 106 lines
If you think immaculate grounds, spacious rooms and quality custom craftsmanship are out of your price range, think again. The Franciscus Co., an award-winning builder in the Hampton Roads area, is building one- and two-bedroom condominiums called Les Chateaux in Chesapeake.
One hundred-ten units, nestled in a quietly developing community off Dominion Boulevard, are swiftly being snatched up at prices ranging from $60,000 and $80,000.
After opening early this year, seven out of the 11 buildings have sold out and Les Chateaux is selling five to seven homes each month. According to sales manager Don Hauck, the development is the fastest-selling condo community on the south side of Hampton Roads.
In French or any other language, that means you'd better look quickly.
Les Chateaux boasts all the amenities of an upscale neighborhood - professionally maintained building exteriors and landscaping, a swimming pool and cabana, along with French sounding street names like Rue Marseilles and Rue St. LaRogue.
The condo plans offer cathedral ceilings, Palladian windows, first-floor master suites, lofts and balconies, private patios and covered terraces. Also offered is a wide range of custom interior selections, including Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces.
And the residents appear quite pleased with their homes. Edward Wallace, a resident since September, is a retired auto mechanic and home builder. He knows good construction and was especially sold on the quality craftsmanship.
``I'm mechanically-minded,'' Wallace explained. ``I've built some apartments and houses myself and I've found the workmanship here to be superb.'' Wallace and his new 4-month-old terrier are happy to call Les Chateaux home, because, according to Wallace, he is getting older and doesn't want to worry about yard work or keeping up a house.
Wallace is typical among condominium owners who want a low-maintenance lifestyle. But that is about the only common thread - condo owners include young families, singles, busy or traveling couples, retirees and those with special needs.
Condo buyers at Les Chateaux are looking for a carefree lifestyle in a home that keeps its value. ``I liked Les Chateaux because I knew it wouldn't depreciate in value like other lower-priced developments,'' explained Donita Clowes, one of the community's first residents.
``It's well-manicured, and I know that in three to four years, if I went to sell it, it would be easy to sell because it is kept up so well.''
Clowes, a single parent and a first-time homeowner, had her own reasons to choose the development. ``I came to look at Les Chateaux when the models first went up. I was looking at everything - at condos, townhouses - but I came back every day,'' she explains. ``I liked them because they were contemporary, and that catches my eye.
``And everyone in the staff was so polite. They make you feel at home. It's like they opened their arms and have taken me under their wing,'' she beams. ``We still talk - they ask me how my family is. They really pay attention to you.''
What she says really sold her were the sales agents and the easy financing. ``I went in frowning, thinking there's no way I could afford a place like this, but I came out with a smile on my face.''
The Franciscus Co. has arranged for several attractive financing packages, all of which involve low down payments and cash requirements. VA buyers can move in for a total of $99 cash.
The $1,340 loan-funding fee is financed in the long-term loan, and the building company comes up with all other costs. With only the $99 cash investment, first-year monthly payments on a $66,990 home can be as low as $482 a month, including principal, interest and estimated property taxes.
A $65 per month condo association fee covers exterior building maintenance, lawn maintenance, an underground sprinkler system, pool membership, street light maintenance, private garbage pickup and fire and hazard insurance.
Now through the end of the year, two plans have the option of including a bonus room that adds 120 square feet of finished living area to the plan for no extra charge by closing in the outdoor patio. With large windows, it can be a Florida room, hobby room or home office.
Les Chateaux offers six models, with prices starting at $59,900. All the homes are Virginia Power certified Energy Saver Homes. Models are open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The community is 10 minutes from downtown Norfolk, 15 minutes from Portsmouth, and 15 minutes from Virginia Beach. From I-64, take Dominion Blvd. south (exit 291B) and turn left at the first signal (Great Bridge Boulevard). Les Chateaux is 3/4 mile on the left.
For more information, call 547-5500. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by Jim Walker
Solidly crafted homes in Les Chateaux...
Edward Wallace was one of the first residents...
Graphic with map
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Schools: B.M. Williams Elementary, Crestwood Middle and Oscar Smith
High schools
Shopping areas: Les Chateaux is seven minutes from Greenbrier Mall.
Recreation: River Crest Recreation Center is close by.
FOR SALE
Model A, two bedroom, two baths, $68,990.
Model B, one bedroom, one bath, $59,990.
Model C, two-stories, two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, $74,990.
Model D, two stories, two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, $75,990.
Model E, two bedrooms, two baths, $73,990.
Model F, two stories and a loft, two bedrooms, two baths, $82,990.
by CNB