THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 8, 1997 TAG: 9702070468
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARY ELLEN MILES, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: 137 lines
An appealing group of townhouse-style condominiums opened in January 1996 in Virginia Beach and the units are already about sold out.
Seven brick buildings containing a total of 39 residences placed on two cul-de-sacs compose Haygood Estate Condominiums in Haygood Estates, a contained community just off Independence Boulevard and Wishart Road. Donald L. Moore is the builder.
Moore was also the developer of Royal Court Estate Condominium, off First Colonial Road. That project was so well received, Haygood Estates was built as the new and improved version, says Karen Volkman, site manager and an agent with Leading Edge Realty.
The brick residences are traditional/transitional style with an accent on Georgian in their balusters, railings and concrete headers. The openness of the style, along with 9-foot-high first-floor ceilings adds afeeling of roominess.
The Tidewater Builders Association has presented the community with two awards, one being the ``Best model complex attached, average sales price above $125,000.''
There are three models to choose from with base prices from $148,900 to $157,880. Square footage runs from 1,863 to 1,976. One model has a downstairs master bedroom.
Location is the key to such a community, says Volkman. It's close to established neighborhoods as well as medical facilities, post office, shopping centers, banks and recreational facilities, she says. It's also a short drive to Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base.
``The area has created tremendous interest among empty nesters, retirees and professional people,'' Volkman says. The limited number of homes along with the size, attached one-car garages and the convenient location are attractive advantages, she says.
In addition, Moore's properties have ``outstanding landscaping,'' says Volkman. ``The outsides of his places look as good as the insides. This area's all fresh and new now, but if you came through in a few seasons, it would still look this way.''
For residents who enjoying digging in the dirt, the mulched areas are available for plants; they aren't considered exterior grounds to be maintained through condo fees.
Exposed aggregate patios, driveways, curbing, walkways and entryways a touch of elegance. Overflow parking areas are scattered throughout the neighborhood, for guests.
Some of the standard features include ceramic tile in the foyers, master baths and half baths; master baths with double sink vanities, jetted bathtubs and separate glass door shower stalls; professionally landscaped and sodded front and back yards; wall-to-wall carpeting; gas fireplaces surrounded by marble; pre-wiring for automatic garage door openers and security systems, and double-hung insulated windows and screens.
The condos are energy-efficient with gas heat and water, and have water-saving toilets and faucets.
With the downstairs master bedroom models, the laundry facilities can be upstairs or downstairs. With the other models, laundry facilities have upstairs hookups with a pan and drain.
A wooden fence separates each residence and shrubbery provides privacy.
A few optional custom features include built in cabinets, shelves, mirrors and appliances.
The condominium fee of $130 per month includes landscaping and lawn maintenance (which includes an underground sprinkler system from a well), exterior maintenance, semiweekly private trash pickup, a master insurance policy, and water and sewerage utility fees.
``It's a lovely area,'' says resident Evelyn Wool. She and her husband, John encountered the neighborhood one Saturday and the next Saturday put a down payment on a unit. ``They were selling very rapidly,'' she says.
They bought the Magnolia model, one of only seven units with a downstairs master bedroom. Visiting friends are surprised how large the townhouse is, she says.
The Wools moved into Haygood Estates last August. They moved from a large single-family home near the old Cavalier Hotel in the resort area.
``We had a three-level, six-bedroom house with a large yard,'' says John. They wanted to downsize the house and yard, and thought about building a smaller ranch house. But they couldn't find a lot where they wanted to build without another large yard, he says.
``We were looking for quality brick construction,'' says John.
``And, it was a priority for us to have a bedroom on the first floor,'' Evelyn says. They searched new construction and a few existing places, but had a difficult time finding what they wanted.
``A lot of the places we looked seemed congested,'' Evelyn says. Haygood Estates is a small area, without outside traffic. The neighborhood is tucked into a larger, busy area.
``This area is very centrally located,'' John says. The section's smallness will help its resale value. ``I've always believed that whatever you bought or built, you should keep resale in mind,'' John says.
The Wools are looking forward to next week's meeting of the condominium association, when they expect to meet many of their neighbors.
Haygood Estate buyers are purchasing a lifestyle, says Volkman. ``The community allows residents to take more time for themselves, enjoying the very best that life has to offer.''
Models are open seven days a week, from noon to 5 p.m. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by TAMARA VONINSKI
John and Evelyn Wool with their dog Snuggles. They explored the
neighborhood one Saturday, bought a unit the next.
More homes are in the works in this small condo community in the
Haygood area.
AT A GLANCE
[Includes Map] HAYGOOD
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Public schools: Pembroke Meadows, Independence Middle and Princess
Anne High schools.
Hospital: Humana Bayside Hospital, on Independence Boulevard.
Shopping: Pembroke Mall is within a 10 minute drive. Several strip
shopping centers line Independence Boulevard, as well as nearby
Haygood and Pleasure House roads.
Recreation: Bayside Library, Bayside Community Recreation Center and
Bayville Park are close. Bayville, Cypress Point, Lake Wright and
Ocean View golf courses are available. The area is an easy driving
distance to Chesapeake Beach, a couple of lakes and fingers of the
Lynnhaven River.
FOR SALE
A Sea Oak model with three bedrooms plus loft, 2 1/2 bathrooms and
1,976 square feet was listed at $148,900.
A Willow model with three bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and 1,863 square
feet was listed at $149,900.
A Magnolia model with three bedrooms plus loft (master bedroom
downstairs), 2 1/2 bathrooms and 1,900 square feet was listed at
$157,880.
SOLD
A three-bedroom plus loft, 2 1/2-bath Magnolia model (with
downstairs master bedroom) with 1,900 square feet closed at $165,600
in October.
A three-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath Willow model with 1,863 square feet
closed at $154,825 in December.
A three-bedroom plus loft, 2 1/2-bath Sea Oak model with 1,976
square feet closed at $155,715 in December.