Neighborhood Close-up: Founders Pointe

Located on 325 acres in the Carrollton section of Isle of Wight County, 125 of the development's 320 homes have been built, lining peaceful lanes, private cul-de-sacs and curving, landscaped streets with marsh, creek, river and woodland views. Prices range from $490,000 to more than $1 million.

The enclave is a 10-minute drive from Hampton and Newport News, and 25 minutes from downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth and Chesapeake. Although Founders Pointe is conveniently situated, homeowners say they feel as if they've escaped from the world when they drive past the stone entry.

"Every time I turn in, I think how beautiful the community is, and I feel happy to be home," said Jeni Millikin, whose husband, Aaron, was part of the development team for East West Realty.

The Millikins and their children, Shylah, 7, and Tucker, 4, moved into their ranch home in December 2005. "It's so peaceful here," Jeni Millikin said.

Mark Edwards, senior vice president for East West Partners, which also developed The Riverfront, Gatling Pointe, Eagle Harbor and other communities, said Founders Pointe was selected "Best Community" by the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association in 2005 and 2007.

"It's not one thing that stands out in our East West communities; we pay attention to at least a hundred little things that make a difference," Edwards said. Founders Pointe also won best sales office, marketing campaign and brochure, best entry monument, community signage, logo and advertisement of the year, he said.

A wide variety of traditional home styles intermingle on lots ranging from a quarter-acre to more than 2 acres.

Three miles of walking trails and sidewalks form a loop through the neighborhood's core, where residents can walk, hike, jog or bike. All roads lead to the residents' clubhouse, reminiscent of a rustic cottage, where a full-time activities director provides year-round social and recreational activities for all ages and special interest and fitness clubs.

Residents can escape to the 4,000-square-foot pool with a water slide, baby pool, shade pavilions, bathhouse, sand volleyball court and playground, or take a stroll on the 844-foot observation pier that extends into Batten Bay, offering views of Carter's Creek and the James River.

But residents of Founders Pointe, such as Mark and Lora Byrd, prove that homeowners don't have to step beyond their front yard to enjoy the abundance of wildlife.

The Byrds and their sons, Blake, 7, and Austin, 3, took up residency in January 2006 and had their yard, with lush landscaping, hummingbird and squirrel feeders and birdhouses galore, certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation last summer.

Mark Byrd encourages other neighbors to certify their yards, and he and Johnson are working with neighbors on a bluebird trail, purple martin sanctuary, and butterfly and hummingbird gardens.

"It's exciting to move into a community where the developer cares about the environment and is supportive of efforts like these," Byrd said.

"Some day, in the future, I hope to see Founders Pointe become one of the first in the area to be certified by the National Wildlife Federation."

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net what's inside