Archive for March, 2013

Gorgeous 90 Acre Farm Near The Water For Sale On The Eastern Shore of Virginia– Perfect For Hobby Or Commercial Farming

Friday, March 22nd, 2013
Aerial view of 90 acres farm near Nassawadox  VA

Aerial view of 90 acre farm near Nassawadox VA

For anyone thinking of  buying a farm or little farmette  here on  the Eastern Shore of Virginia and getting  “back to the land”  so to speak,  you’ll be in good company.  For literally hundreds of years,   the  traditional economic engines of the Eastern Shore  have been seafood harvesting, commercial farming and small family truck farming.  In fact,  Northampton County, Virginia  still has some of the most productive farms in the entire state.  But like everything else, things change and some of the smaller farms are being purchased by folks who aren’t planning to make a full-time living in farming but who are interested in getting involved in doing something on the land, even if it doesn’t provide their  full-time living.  Blue Heron Realty Co. has just listed a beautiful 90 +/- acre farm near the water  with exceptional soils and a great  location, a property which would be absolutely perfect for starting a small farm operation.  From raising horses to  planting a boutique vineyard to setting out a few acres of  organic tomates to a raising a small herd of alpacas to becoming a serious beekeeper,  there is a lot of fun and satisfaction that comes with getting back to a simpler life with hobby type farming and this particular farm could help in getting started on that path. ( For more information on this property, go to www.blueheronva.com/farm_for_sale/ )  Obviously a  back to the land life is not for everyone but, as a Realtor, over the years I’ve had a lot of fun and satisfaction helping some very interesting folks, from all sorts of professions, find just the right little farm or farmette here on the Eastern Shore from which to  create a new lifestyle and move in new directions with their life.

Alpaca resting on ground

Raising alpacas can be lots of fun

For example, we recently represented a client who bought a 20  acre parcel from a seller who whose company was promoting and  transfering him to the West Coast.  The seller,  an executive with the  Virginia Beach branch of a large firm  who commuted for 5 years from the Shore to Virginia Beach daily,  had acquired, a couple at a time,  a little herd of  cute, cute, cute  alpacas.  He said that when he first moved to the Eastern Shore he had absolutely no idea that he would get interested in farming and now,  just a few years into it,  the hardest thing for him about the entire move was having to leave his alpacas.  He and his wife had totally fallen in love with being out and about on their farmette,  raising these  gentle,  fleecy beauties had become a life-changing experience !

Horse grazing near Nassawadox VA

Get in touch with your inner cowboy

That really isn’t really unusual  on the Eastern Shore– I know so many folks who have some acreage who are doing  all kinds of  ” back to the land ”  things with their property.   The important thing is to have a  parcel of land with rich, well-drained soils  because whether its growing a crop or doing animal husbandry, soil structure and drainage is critical for both crops and pasture lands.  A lot of folks here have horses, some for show, others for breeding. I even know one couple who has built an amazing dressage show ring on their waterfront acreage, complete with bringing a special trainer in from the West Coast to work with their very talented horses.  Lots of other folks here have just a couple  horses and love to participate in the formal Trail Rides sponsored bythe Eastern Shore Trail Ride Association.

Another client who recently purchased about 10 acres of beautiful waterfront is looking forward to managing  a small herd of milk goats when they build on their property.   Their hobby is making goat cheese and cheese making  is a real passion for them.  Not only do they make the soft, creamy goat cheese that has the  lush  tang and is so nice when mixed with herbs but they also make a rich form of  feta cheese, one of my husband’s favorites– give him a little feta, crispy crackers, some salty Greek olives and a glass of  Cabernet , he’s set.  Dealing with goats and making goat cheese would not be my thing but these folks  absolutely are looking forward to it  as their  retirement activity, something with a challenge to keep them active and something to bring them in closer touch with the land.  And  I am looking forward to easy access to a steady supply  of  their flavorful homemade goat cheese !

Open land for cultivating near Nassawadox VA

Rich sandy loam soils perfect for cultivation, pasture, horticulture and much more

Which brings me back to  the excellent 90 acre farm for sale near Nassawadox.  Tremendous possibilities abound for uses for this property.  The soils are BOJAC, the best soil type on the Eastern Shore, rich, sandy, well-drained, perfect for any use whether cultivation, vineyard, orchard, horses, alpacas, honey bees, etc.   You name it,  this is a great piece of property for all sorts of land -based activities. About half of the property is in woodlands, the balance is in open fields.  Location is great,  within 15 minutes of  shopping , boat ramps, beaches, premier golf, medical, restaurants, etc. yet far enough away that you feel that you are out in the country, possibly a twenty first century pioneer, a rare opportunity indeed.    ( Posted by Marlene Cree, licensed  Virginia  agent with Blue Heron Realty Co., 7134 Wilsonia Neck Dr., Machipongo, VA )

 

 

A Wee Bit O’ The Irish On Virginia’s Eastern Shore

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

Holiday graphics 002It’s getting to be that time of year again, the time when we enjoy a wee bit o’ the Irish here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Neither Hubby nor I have any Irish roots nor have we ever been to the Emerald Isle but we love all things Irish. Well, maybe not all— can’t stand smoky pubs, bitter Guinness stout, carrageen moss in food, potatoes mashed with kale or cabbage, called colcannon, etc.  But I do love the color green— shamrock green, apple green, sea green, olive green, forest green, all great.  The concept of leprechauns and pots of gold at ends of rainbows is truly delightful.  And we both really enjoy Irish hardshoe dancing, the amazing sounds of the bodhran, the Irish frame drum, and of course, the favorite drink of the Irish …… tea ! ( Did you think it was beer ?  Somewhere I read that the Irish are the world’s biggest tea drinkers, with a per person average of 6 cups a day and that, by law,  all restaurants and pubs must serve tea during all open hours.  Little trivia,  just sayin.)

So,  March 17th is fast approaching, the day when I always like to indulge my taste buds with a little Irish cuisine and atmosphere. Haven’t decided yet whether to do Shepherd’s Pie at home or to go out to one of our two Eastern Shore authentic Irish Pubs, Kelly’s Gingernut Pub or The Blarney Stone, both of which serve mouthwatering  food accompanied by live traditional music on St. Paddy’s Day.

Kelly’s, located 3 blocks from the beach on Mason Avenue in the historic district in Cape Charles, VA is always a great choice, with some of the Shore’s best fish and chips served daily. On St. Paddy’s Day they go all out with traditional favorites– Corned Beef and Cabbage, a savory Irish Stew served with soda bread, Cottage Pie, a salmon dish, mussels, etc. , all well prepared and scrumptious. And of course, a pint or two of the good stuff with which to wash it all down would be in order, all the while toe tapping to some real Irish jigs.

In Onancock, on North Street, just 3 blocks from the Town Wharf, the Blarney Stone also offers up some great choices. The Pub Steak is great, served with a medley of pan fried potatoes (which I like even better than chips ).  Bangers and Mash,  Shepherd’s Pie,  Fish and Chips are served everyday. But on St Paddy’s Day, other traditional dishes are added to the menu– obviously Irish Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Salmon with Champ, Coddle maybe even Skirts and Kidneys or Bubble and Squeak ( despite the weird name,  Bubble and Squeak is really quite tasty ).  Plus The Blarney Stone boasts that it has 17 authentic brews on tap, something for every thirsty someone.

So, choices, choices. Good to have, not so easy to make. Home, Kelly’s, Blarney Stone ? ?    But nearly a week  till The Day, so plenty of time to decide where to go, what to do.  As they say, hard choices but someone has to make them.  ( Posted by Marlene Cree, licensed agent with Blue Heron Realty Co., 7134 Wilsonia Neck Dr., Machipongo, VA )

Elegant Waterfront Home For Sale On The Eastern Shore of Virginia Designed By William E. Poole

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

A Storybook Setting for this French Provincial

Standing proudly on a high knoll overlooking a broad expanse of  rippling blue saltwaters  on the  Eastern Shore of  Virginia is  this like-new William E. Poole designed home.   Poole, an internationally famous Southern architect based in Wilmington, S.C. ,   is especially known for creating comfortable homes featuring warm and romantic living environments. That talent is evident throughout this elegant  Chesapeake Bay area like-new brick  home of about 4700 sq. ft. for sale.  Inspired by  French Provincial Revival traditions yet designed for today’s conveniences,  the house is positioned to  fit perfectly into the site.  One of about 20 homes in a tiny neighborhood of  upscale waterfront homes near Franktown, VA  and shielded from the little  winding roadway  by  a stand of mature  trees,  as you drive up  the house seems to be  peeking out, wanting to see what’s going on.

Enjoy beautiful waterfront views from the veranda

The approach to the entrance from the circular drive is across a patterned brick  walkway to an entrance portico and an impressive solid mahogany circle top front door.  Once inside the spacious foyer, which features  an elaborate barrel style vaulted ceiling and entry columns, one’s eye is immediately drawn to the gorgeous water views from the great room beyond.

 

Jarvis dock at sunsetGreat pains have been taken to connect the interior spaces to the natural beauty of the outdoors.   A bold picture window,  flanked by tall doors on either side, is the dramatic focal point of the great room, presenting as it does the mesmerizing vistas of the broad blue inlet beyond.  Given the very desirable southwest exposure of this home, sunsets seen through that wide expanse of glass are absolutely spectacular.  ( A very important feature for those who, like moi, are not always in, shall we say,  top form at sunrise but who really love a great sunset.)  Another focal point in the great room is the sunstantial fireplace with marble hearth and surround, elaborate mantel with dentil molding and frieze plus raised panel overmantel.  Outside, a covered tiled veranda,  the epitomy of  relaxation, runs the most of the length of the entire house and is  the perfect place to enjoy a light lunch or savor a refreshing glass of Chardonnay on a breezy summer’s day.

This Chef’s Kitchen will inspire gourmet creations.

Divided from the great room and morning room by  partial walls with archways and fluted pilasters, the chef’s kitchen  is central to everything, the soul of the house.  Custom cherry cabinets, honed counters, also sculpted around the sink, custom tile, decorative tile backsplash behind gas cooktop, double ovens, extra deep storage drawers, oversized Lazy Susan corner cabinet and large pantry with frosted glass doors are just a few of the features which make this a superlative place to whip up everything from a simple coddled egg to an elaborate 6 course meal. The adjacent, quite spacious dining room features a lovely chandelier with embossed silk shades and elaborate ceiling medallion, a beautiful room in which to enjoy entertaining friends and family.

Spacious Master Bath Suite

The first thing you notice when entering the master suite is the stunning waterview through the glass side panels and French doors which also combine to allow lots of natural light to flow into the room, giving it a bright and airy feel. And the private tiled covered veranda off the master bedroom offers a secluded nook for relaxing outdoors away from any activities in other areas of the house. But the piece’ de resistance is the master bath suite. Featuring two separate colorful bombe style dressers as sink vanities, a roomy claw foot tub, large glass shower and a super-sized walk-in closet with large dresser organizer and beaucoup space for shoes and clothes plus plenty of linen storage space, this bathroom is dressed to the nines !

Reading Alcove

Cherry steps lead upstairs to an office, another bedroom, a bathroom, and a media room. A cozy little reading alcove for guests in the overlook to the great room below offers bookshelves and relaxing space for visitors away from activity elsewhere in the house. (Speaking of the overlook, did I mention that the great room has a soaring 19 foot ceiling ? And a handsome fireplace with elaborate mantel and marble hearth and surround  ?  Or that the floors on the first floor are cherry ?  Or that the morning room is amazing, with windows on 3 sides ? Plus lots, lots more ? ). Actually, this whole house is amazing. And it sits on a spectacular waterfront parcel which includes a backyard dock and boat lift complete with good boating water and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay. To see it on-line click on www.blueheronva.com/boating_properties/ or call 757-678-5200 for a showing.      ( Posted by Marlene Cree, licensed Virginia agent with Blue Heron Realty Co., 7134 Wilsonia Neck Dr., Machipongo, VA )