Neighborhood Close Up: Crystal Lake South, Chesapeake

Some residents who live near Crystal Lake share stories of growing up there. Now, more memories are in the making with the recent construction of Crystal Lake South. ¶ “They tell us how they swam in there as children more than 30 years ago,” said Ginny Cross , marketing director with Ashdon Builders, which built the new Chesapeake community.

Crystal Lake South residents can step out their back doors and enjoy freshwater fishing and water sports or watch the sunset.

Nestled east of the inter-changes of Interstates 64, 264 and 664, Crystal Lake South will have 75 homes upon completion: 23 lakefront lots on Crystal Lake, 38 waterfront lots in Mariner’s Village on Lake Forest and 14 Grand Isle Drive lots near an abundance of trees and walking paths.

Models include The Nassau, Turtle Cay, Walkers Cay, Paradise Isle, Great Abaco and Grand Bahama.

Homes in the community’s front section start at $415,900 and range from about 2,060 to 3,033 square feet with eight different floor plans. In Mariner’s Village, three models range between 1,896 and 2,315 square feet and start at $349,900.

Maurice Seaton, 56, and his wife, Betty, 54, became Crystal Lake South’s first residents when they moved into their Nassau model in December.

Originally from St. Kitts in the Caribbean, Maurice Seaton, an economics instructor at Old Dominion University, came to Hampton Roads in 1988. After living in Portsmouth's Siesta Gardens for almost 20 years, he and his wife decided to move.

The couple enjoy searching for investment properties, but when they stumbled upon Crystal Lake South, they knew it was where they wanted to live.

With model names reminiscent of his native land, water views, a Florida room to relax in, plenty of greenery, wildlife and recreational opportunities, Crystal Lake South felt like home to Seaton.

"It's secluded, but not isolated," Seaton said. "Our master bedroom overlooks the lake and that was one thing that made it perfect for us."

ABOUT CRYSTAL LAKE SOUTH

Models open daily at noon. Call the sales office at (757) 465-3855.

Nearby schools Southwestern Elementary, Jolliff Middle and Western Branch High schools

Nearby shopping Greenbrier and Chesapeake Square malls, Airline Plaza Shopping Center.

Nearby recreation Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the lakes

Other info Homeowner’s association fees are $29 a month. That includes maintenance of the common areas, landscaping and signage.