The Scenic Route Leads You Home to Founders Pointe

A short drive down Sugar Hill Road may seem like any other in Isle of Wight County. But one mile in sits a community of custom homes nestled into quiet lanes and private cul-de-sacs tucked among an inviting marsh, creek and wooded landscape.

And that’s just the beginning of life at East West Communities’ Founders Pointe, the site of Tidewater Builders Association’s first Spring Homearama from May 8-23, where eight furnished and landscaped showcase custom homes will display distinctive architectural styles including several designs by Frank Betz Associates Inc.

True to form, the development company that is known for building environmentally sensitive communities and resorts in two states is doing just that in Isle of Wight County.

“Founders Pointe was such a unique property,” said Branch Lawson, president of Hampton Roads Division of East West Communities, which is developing Founders Pointe. “It is such a beautiful setting. We felt that it really called for a community with great architectural integrity, character and complementary lifestyle.”

With quality custom homes from the mid-$400’s to about $1 million, Founders Pointe overlooks the Batten Bay and boasts breathtaking views that invite outdoor activities. It also offers residents resort-style amenities of a community clubhouse, swimming pool, playground, miles of leisure trails and a full social calendar. Plans are for 319 homes in Founders Pointe, and 150 families have already chosen to live there.

“We’ve got residents from all across the spectrum – from young families to empty nesters to retirees. The community lends itself to programs and attractions and has facilities that are attractive to all of the different ages.”

Location, location, location

Founders Pointe is centrally located between the Peninsula and Norfolk near historic Smithfield in Isle of Wight County. Nestled in a pastoral countryside, the neighborhood offers a quiet retreat from everyday living with the conveniences of neighboring cities.

“It’s not just a great place to live and play,” said Lawson, “but the area is a great place to work. There are numerous employers within 15 minutes of Founders Pointe. For many people in the Hampton Roads market, it’s an excellent location given their employment circumstances. We’re one minute from Route 17. When you turn one way, you’re minutes from the Peninsula. If you turn the other way, you’re minutes from Northern Suffolk, Portsmouth, downtown Norfolk and points east of there.”

Despite an economic downturn, Founders Pointe has managed to consistently sell homes, which Lawson also attributes to its affordability and area amenities.

“The schools are excellent in Isle of Wight County,” said Lawson. “And the real estate tax rates are among the lowest in Hampton Roads.”

The Amenities

Residents enjoy breathtaking views from the nature trails or the 844-foot observation pier with two decks.

“There is also a significant amount of walking paths for a community of this size,” said Lawson.

Founders Pointe also boasts a $2 million Residents’ Club that features a coastal cottage-style clubhouse and a 4,000-square-foot resort-style pool with a 112-foot waterslide. In addition to providing spaces for social gatherings, family activities and meetings, the clubhouse can be used for teen events, yoga classes, birthday parties and more.

“The clubhouse and the pool, again for a community of 300 homes, is extraordinary and people love it,” said Lawson. “It’s a great feature of the community.” Adjacent to the clubhouse sits a sand volleyball court, picnic area with an outdoor grill, playground and walking and jogging trails.

“We like to add amenities up front as opposed to the back end,” said Lawson. “We want people making that important decision to live in our communities to see what it is that we are building and what we are providing for the community.”

For more information on Founders Pointe, contact East West Partners Senior Vice President/Broker Mark Edwards at medwards@eastwestr.com or visit www.founderspointe.com.

Homearama features eight custom showcase homes, as well as an Idea Center with hundreds of products for the home and garden. It’s open May 8-23, noon until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

General admission cost $10 for a one-day pass and $17 for a two-day pass. Active duty and retired military guests and seniors (62 or better) get a $3 discount Mon.-Thurs., and a $1 discount on weekends. Children 12 and under and guests in wheelchairs are free. Ticket sales will stop one hour before closing.

More information and a $3 discount coupon are available at www.homearama.tv.