Spring Homearama has natural appeal in Isle of Wight County

By Nora Firestone
Correspondent

CARROLLTON

Before they even cross their thresholds, folks at Founders Pointe in Carrollton are winding down.

They're winding down the country roads that lead them home from work in busy nearby cities. They're winding down the neighborhood nature paths, amid the woodlands and meandering tributaries of the James River. Even the kids have grown accustomed to winding down - descending the giant water slide to their 4,000-square-foot pool.

"It's a beautiful setting," said Branch Lawson, president of the Hampton Roads division of East West Communities, developers of this resort-style community in Isle of Wight County.

"You just pick up a different feel here," he said, noting the distinctive architectural design, well-planned streetscapes and a location offering residents a kind of sanctuary only minutes from major hubs throughout Hampton Roads.

So it's no surprise that the Tidewater Builders Association's very first spring Homearama would "wind up" here.

Now in its 29th year, Homearama traditionally takes place each autumn, showcasing the latest in design, technology, decor and innovations within the custom home building industry.

"The spring Homearama, the first of two this year, gives us the chance to stimulate interest in new homes and new home products during the traditional selling season," TBA President Bill Halprin said.

The event started its 16-day run Saturday.

When complete, Founders Pointe will feature 319 custom homes that start in the mid-$400,000s.

The community is buffered by 134 acres of integrated and surrounding protected woodland and wetland areas. Twenty acres of recreational common area include walking trails and bridges and open space, a residents' clubhouse, pool and playground.

The eight Homearama houses, boasting 2,900 to 3,800 square feet and and costing about $500,000 to $695,000, are just steps away from the neighborhood's 844-foot pier. It offers two observation decks and stunning views over Batten Bay and the James River.

For the event the houses are dressed floor to ceiling in keeping with themes such as The Artist's House, featuring a working artist's studio and exhibit by artists from the Isle of Wight Arts League; The Charity House, benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, Smithfield House, honoring the area's motto: "hams, history, hospitality and heArt"; and A Tribute to Ryan Farish: The Music House, designed for electronic and digital music, entertainment and connectivity.

Behind the scenes, spring Homearama homes employ various degrees of energy-saving upgrades - Energy Star-rated appliances and high-efficiency HVAC systems, tankless hot water heaters and windows, and sought-after "green" and conservation-related certifications.

"They're a lot of bang for your buck," Halprin said. "They're very consumer-friendly. W e think that people can come and actually buy here."

Halprin expects 80,000-plus people to visit the showcase of homes. An exhibitors' tent will feature information about new and innovative products and services for homeowners and buyers.

About 135 families now live at Founders Pointe; amenities have already been built. Homeowners association fees of about $80 per month include pool and club membership and support maintenance of community areas and full-time activities director, according to Mark Edwards, senior vice president/broker at East West Realty.

"The way things are today, with the hustle and bustle, people want to get away," Halprin said. "I think that's (a most) attractive feature."

East West Communities is a longtime developer of award-winning communities and resorts nationwide, including The Riverfront in Suffolk, Gatling Pointe in Smithfield and Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg.

"They do a great development," Halprin said. "Working with them, we're putting our best foot forward."

Does spring Homearama have a future?

"If all goes well," Halprin said.

 Nora Firestone, nfirestone@verizon.net