Culpepper Landing

MARK AND DEANNA Butler always envisioned living in a community where neighbors knew neighbors, amenities were within walking distance and beauty surrounded them.

They believe they've found that at Culpepper Landing, a transitional neighborhood development under construction in Chesapeake.

The Deep Creek community is adjacent to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Preserve, the Intracoastal Waterway and a 160-acre preservation area.

Tim Culpepper, whose great-grandfather in 1926 acquired the acreage on which the community is being built, is heir to the family property. About 320 of its 490 acres are under development, with the balance set aside for conservation, Culpepper said, adding, "W e wanted to bring something to the community that brought back some of its historical elements to the area."

"Our plan includes a mix of many elements, from... bike trails to kayaks, from generation to generation," said Culpepper, of Robinson Development Group.

While many areas inspire back-deck lifestyle, Culpepper said a transitional neighborhood development creates more of a "front-porch community" that allows for a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle.

In all, Culpepper Landing will feature 1,100 dwellings, including single-family homes and cottages with detached garages and courtyards, condominiums and row houses.

Amenities will include parks, playgrounds, walking trails, conservation space, commercial/retail area, landing and marina, hotel, pool and clubhouse. Additional acreage has been deeded to the Chesapeake school system as the location of a future elementary school, according to co-site manager Gian Hasbrock of Rose & Womble Realty.

The Butlers, both 38, and their children - Lucas, 3, and Olivia, 15 months - are watching their dream home evolve through The Walters Company Inc., one of six builders constructing there.

Deanna Butler calls it a community within a community.

"The more they talked about it, the more we knew it was something we wanted to be a part of," she said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net