THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 6, 1996 TAG: 9601040210
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBERT K. TURNBULL, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: Long : 126 lines
The drive to Sandbridge is more like a journey to a log cabin in the Carolinas, not a beach development on Virginia's Atlantic Coast. The two-lane roads are narrow, curvy and lined with 30-foot trees that create a canopy over the country roads.
Nonetheless, as the last curve straightens and the thick woods disappear on Sandbridge road, there lies a community washed white by the summer sun, wind, salty air and seawater. And a clear view of the endless azure ocean.
As you enter the beach community, passing the Sandbridge Market and the firehouse, you are have three options: Go left to the north end of Sandbridge, right to the south end or straight into the ocean.
North Sandbridge is about 1 1/2 miles long and harbors a greater percentage of year-round residents during the summer than the south end. South end is significantly longer - 3 miles - and is built primarily on a narrow peninsula.
John and Jeannine Leonard have lived in Sandbridge for a year and a half with their son John, 11, and daughter Caitlin, 9.
``Sandbridge has become a family-oriented neighborhood,'' says John Sr. ``We first moved here in 1986 and moved away in '88. But we really missed the place and moved back.
``They are very friendly people here. We know a lot of the kids that Johnny goes to school with and their parents.
``When we moved in, the Civic League brought us plants, cakes and pies as a welcome to the neighborhood. Everyone watches out for everyone else. When someone has a home that is damaged by the weather, neighbors are out lending a hand and helping any way they can.''
Though Sandbridge has a reputation of bearing the brunt of harsh weather, residents say it's not nearly as severe as the media portray. The south end does suffer some road damages when hurricanes hit, but the roads are soon repaired and repaved. Meanwhile, the nearby Navy base at Dam Neck opens its roads to relieve congestion during hurricanes and evacuations.
Barbecues, volleyball, jet skiing, water skiing or just a long walk on an endless beach is what summertime at Sandbridge is made of. ``It can get hot,'' says Leonard, ``but the nice thing is that there is always a breeze out here.''
When asked what was his favorite thing to do during the summertime, John merely points to the beach and says, ``Stay out there. Allll dayyy longgg!''
As warm weather visits Sandbridge during summertime, so do thousands of beach lovers from all around the country. But residents, like Chris Reckling, don't seem to mind.
``The renters just make the place more interesting,'' says Reckling. ``There's so much commercialism that takes over in beach areas. Sandbridge is like an outpost that avoids all that.''
Recently, Reckling and a few of his buddies went on what he calls the `tour de Sandbridge.' ``I never get tired of looking at the homes at Sandbridge,'' he says. ``It's beach-friendly architecture and hard to find any two that are alike.''
Sandbridge truly runs the gamut of beach architecture. Homes range in just about every size, style, price and age. Though Reckling and his wife, Cathy, have lived in Sandbridge for only one year, they bought a house that dates to the 1950s.
Built on cinder block with a flat roof, the dwelling is perfect for fixing up and adding onto, Reckling says, much like many of the other older homes in the area. Recently, Reckling put in a new ceiling and added a rock garden and miniature pine trees to the front yard.
``Being in Sandbridge is in a way like living on an island. It's so peaceful here,'' he exclaims. ``I thoroughly enjoy coming home. It's tough leaving the beach to go to work, or go anywhere for that matter.''
Sandbridge has a little something for everyone. Dolphins and whales that surface near the beach, conch shells and sand dollars that line the water, and the cry of gulls in search of food.
The commute to Sandbridge, however, can undoubtedly be somewhat lengthy. Norfolk is 45 minutes away and even longer during the rush-hour traffic. Chesapeake is reachable in 30 minutes, and most areas in Virginia Beach around 15 to 20 minutes. ``The drive isn't for everyone,'' says Reckling, ``but I'll take that drive any day. It's a small price to pay to live out here.''
Also, Sandbridge is scheduled to undergo a much-needed sand replenishment in 1997, financed partially by a special real estate tax assessment. This would restore a vast amount of the sand that has been swept away by years of high tides, strong winds and the occasional storms that commonly hit beach-front areas.
If you're looking for a permanent beach stay in the beautiful outer banks of Virginia Beach, take a country drive to Sandbridge, buy a home and join the local Hawaii Five-O style Outrigger Canoe Club founded by Reckling and his neighbors.
Haoli maka hiki ho (Happy New Year)! ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]
JIM WALKER
Sandbridge has become a friendly, family-centered neighborhood, says
John Leonard, who moved here in the 1980s.
Architecture reflects the beach atmosphere of an area popular with
vacationers.
AT A GLANCE
Map
Vp
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Schools: Red Mill Elementary School, Princess Anne Junior High and
Kellam High School.
Shopping: The Sandbridge Market and Convenience Store, Shipp's
Chandler, Sealections and Water's Edge Gift Shops. Near Sandbridge
is a Food Lion grocery, a Revco pharmacy and a Farm Fresh grocery.
Recreation: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Little Island City
Park, Hell's Point Golf Club, City Recreation Center at Strawbridge,
the Outrigger Canoe Club and, of course, the beach.
FOR SALE
At 3409 Sandpiper Road, a three-bedroom, 1 1/2-bath house was listed
for $120,000.
At 313 Sage Road, a five-bedroom, 2-bath house was listed for
$208,000.
At 3229 Sandfiddler Road, a five-bedroom, 3-bath house was listed
for $229,900.
SOLD
At 2200 Sandfiddler Road, a six-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath house was sold
in April for $210,000.
At 3252 Sandfiddler Road, a six-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath house was sold
in June for $250,000.
At 2705 Bluebill Drive, a four-bedroom, 3-bath house was sold for
$283,000.
by CNB