Witchduck Point, Saw Pen
Point, Virginia Beach
Rural Charm
Meets City Splendor
By Janet Dunphy for The
Virginian-Pilot
Copyright 1994 Landmark Communications Inc.
First Published: 13-Aug-94
It's no wonder so many residents in Witchduck
Point and Saw Pen Point feel like they live in
the country: A horse farm sits across from the
neighborhoods, and homes lie on spacious lots
with no shortage of trees.
The two adjoining neighborhoods, just off
North Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach, are also
rich in history.
Nearly three centuries ago, according to
local legend, Grace Sherwood was tried for
witchcraft in the area. In 1706, she was thrown
into the Lynnhaven River with her hands tied to
her feet, old court records say.
Because Sherwood managed to stay afloat, she
was found guilty of practicing witchcraft. The
name Witchduck takes it name from that 18th
century event.
Around 1960, parts of Witchduck Point were
built on a 30-acre tract known as Delhaven
Nursery and Gardens, a showplace that attracted
many visitors decades ago.
Developer Bailey Parker Jr. bought the
gardens, restored the manor house and barn, and
built a home on the site. He also bought about
100 acres adjoining the property and developed
Saw Pen Point.
``I bought it primarily to raise my family,''
says Parker, who moved from the city's
Thoroughgood neighborhood. ``The children had
horses. It was a real nice environment for them
with the fishing and the crabbing. They didn't
have to go anywhere to hang out.''
Parker still lives in the home he built on
the 10-acre site and also owns 20 lots in Saw
Pen Point.
Both neighborhoods, nearly identical to each
other, border the Western Branch of the
Lynnhaven River. Its inlets and coves, along
with a lake, give many houses waterfront lots.
Witchduck Point, the city tax assessor's
office says, consists of only a few streets east
of Witchduck Road. Still, real estate agents and
residents say the neighborhood also embraces
several cul-de-sacs at the extreme north end of
the street. Saw Pen Point lies to the south.
Most homes are two-story brick styles, and
the average lot size is more than an acre. Some
homes have swimming pools. In addition, plenty
of wooden jungle gyms, and even an occasional
greenhouse, adorn the lush yards.
Home prices range from $165,000 to $1.1
million in Witchduck Point, and from $235,000 to
$780,000 in Saw Pen Point, the tax assessor's
office reports. One house in Saw Pen Point is on
the market for $2 million.
Alice Allman has lived in a waterfront home
at Witchduck Point for five years.
``It's very quiet and there's a lot of
wildlife, like egrets,'' says Allman, a real
estate agent.
``It's family-oriented and people are
involved in the civic organization,'' she says.
The area's residents, she adds, are gradually
changing from retired couples to younger
professionals. Even so, the convenience to
shopping, entertainment and health care
facilities attracts families of all ages.
Pat and Valentino Volpetti have lived in Saw
Pen Point for less than a year, moving from
Brooklyn, N.Y. Pat likes the country atmosphere
in the city.
``I feel like I'm in a little forest,'' she
says.
At the same time, she appreciates the variety
of nearby shopping.
``Just down the street is the action I need
because I'm from New York.''
Also, the historic Lynnhaven House and Old
Donation Church, an Episcopal church dating from
the 1600s, are in the area.
The Volpettis plan to paint and wallpaper
their new home. They will also add new kitchen
appliances, change some floors and update the
window treatments.
``It's Colonial and I want contemporary,''
Volpetti says. The 4,300-square-foot brick home
includes two stories, five bedrooms and three
baths.
Nearby schools also attracted the Volpettis
to the area. Their son, Joseph, will attend
Pembroke Meadows Elementary School next month.
``I had good feelings as far as education,''
she says. ``I think they're devoted to children
here.''
Marcia Jones wants a bigger home for her
three young boys, she says, but she's determined
to stay in the area.
``We love the neighborhood because it's so
convenient,'' says Jones, whose four-bedroom
home in Saw Pen Point is on the market for
$249,000.
``The lots here are so big. You're not on top
of your neighbor,'' she says. ``People drive
slow down the street because they know there are
children. We all watch each other's houses.'' |