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.''

Quick Facts

Housing
Click here for listings currently for sale in Real Estate Web.
Schools
  • Elementary: Pembroke Meadows Elementary
  • Middle: Independence Middle
  • High: Princess Anne High schools
  • Private:
  • Click here for Virginia Beach school rankings.
  • Shopping
    Pembroke Meadows, Giant Square and Haygood shopping centers contain a range of stores. Pembroke Mall is a few minutes by car south on Independence Boulevard.
    Recreation
    Nearby facilities include the Virginia Beach Recreation Center-Bayside and the YMCA on South Boulevard. The Chesapeake Bay is only a few minutes away by car.
    Hospitals
     
    Price history
    The range is from $165,000 to $1.1 million in Witchduck Point, and from $235,000 to $780,000 in Saw Pen Point, reported the Virginia Beach tax assessor's office.

    SOLD

    A sampling of recent sales: At 1212 Witchduck Bay Court, a 3,000-square-foot waterfront colonial with five bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a swimming pool sold for $358,000 in June. At 4005 Sherwood Lane, a 4,000-square-foot waterfront colonial with six bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths sold for $450,000 in June. At 4401 N. Witchduck Road, a 3,722-square-foot ranch with five bedrooms and three baths sold for $285,000 in April. At 4201 Dougherty Court, a 3,500-square-foot colonial with five bedrooms and four baths sold for $316,000 in March.