
DATE: Saturday, August 30, 1997             TAG: 9708290503

SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY      PAGE: 3    EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY THERESA TWISDALE, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY 

                                            LENGTH:  106 lines

CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION: * A story in Tuesday's Hampton Roads section on a hotel proposal in Chesapeake gave the wrong first name for Walton ``Pete'' Burkhimer Jr. Correction published in The Virginian-Pilot, Saturday, August 30, 1997, page A2. * AT HOME: WINDMILL SHORES, PORTSMOUTH TOWNHOUSES NEAR CITY'S ONLY "BEACH"

When a fire destroyed the model townhouses of The Classics of Windmill Shores, the developers didn't miss a beat. Another dwelling, built with military families in mind, was quickly drafted to fill the role.

``We took advantage of this home being here rather than set up a trailer in front of the damaged homes,'' says Dee Churchill of Rose & Krueth Realty, the site manager of the townhouse complex since last fall. The two damaged models are already being demolished with new structures in the works.

The Classics, one mile from Churchland Park in Portsmouth, was built by Rosewell Homes, which has constructed more than 900 dwellings in Hampton Roads. The larger subdivision, Windmill Shores, is just west of Craney Island and south of Portsmouth's ``beach'' along the shore of the body of water known as Hampton Roads.

``Windmill Shores is really a completely different kind of community in that it was started several years ago by a different builder,'' Churchill says. ``That builder passed away and Mr. (Paul) Ferrell came in to finish up the homes. So the former builder built about half and we built about half. Some older townhomes are mixed in with the newer townhomes.''

The community is arranged in a loop formation.

Of the 73 Colonial-style townhouses of The Classics, one of the newer complexes in Windmill Shores, only five plus the soon-to-be-rebuilt models are currently available for sale. Two models start at $75,350 and can go to $76,650 depending on the amenities.

All are two-story homes with three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The heat, stoves and dryers are gas-fueled and energy efficient. Dishwashers and garbage disposals are also included.

Hardwood flooring in the foyer is optional; vinyl carpets are selected by the buyers. The standard gas fireplace includes a stained mantel, glass doors and a blower. The homeowner only need purchase the gas logs.

The ground floors have nine-foot ceilings. Other amenities include deluxe kitchen cabinets, cultured marble vanities and fiberglass tubs. The exteriors are accented with brick fronts, Palladian windows, bays and classic over-door treatments.

The older homes were equipped with 1 1/2 baths instead of 2 1/2 and two bedrooms whereas the newer models have three. The older units front River Shore Road while the newer ones are farther back, come in a court.

With no homeowner fees or deed restrictions, homeowners are free to extend their backyard fences. Each backyard also contains a patio and a spacious storage facility.

``The community is very diverse, including single-families who are very happy with their space, young families with up to three children and some older folks in which these are their very first homes ever purchased,'' Churchill says. ``I can honestly tell you that as a Realtor I would enjoy living here myself. This feels like home to me. And I've gotten so involved with all my folks here that I feel like they are all my neighbors anyway.''

Janie Brown, who moved into The Classics in July, was sold on her home because of the big Palladian window in the home office room. Her home is identical to one of the damaged model homes, so she has been gracious enough to use her home as an example until the original model is rebuilt.

``I used to live in rural Suffolk,'' she says, ``but move out here to be a little closer to things. ``I looked at a lot of townhouses before I moved here, but the prices were so much higher and that didn't even include the extras that come with these.

``I've gotten every extra you can put in it: upgraded carpet and padding, storm doors and a built-in microwave. Some I looked at didn't even have plaster walls or window sills. I have been happy from day one. Everything has just been running so smoothly.''

Ilona Parker, who bought one of the largest homes, moved from Virginia Beach to be closer to her job. ``I was actually looking for a house instead of a townhouse, and once my Realtor brought me over here I saw that this had everything I wanted and was looking for.''

``When all is said and done and the buyer moves in, they feel they got their value and it is gratifying for us that our buyers feel that way,'' Churchill says.

Kevin Heard and Darlene Hurst decided to buy their townhouse when they outgrew their apartment. ``We had looked at one other place before we came here and the site manager was rude to us,'' Heard says. ``Dee was very nice to us, got our interest and gave up prompt service. And we liked what we saw.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photos

TING-LI WANG

Left to right, June Williams, Crystal Villarreal, Amber Harrell and

Trae Corey find the neighborhood good for hanging out.

Janie Brown...

Graphic

At a Glance

Schools: Churchland High, Churchland Middle and Churchland

Elementary schools.

Shopping: Chesapeake Square is five miles ago. The High Street West

corridor has many shops and restaurants.

Recreation: Churchland Park; Downtown Portsmouth offers the

Children's Museum, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and walks