Residents say why they love The Riverfront at Harbour View (The Virginian Pilot: Neighborhood CloseUp article)

THE RIVERFRONT AT HARBOUR VIEW  

LEW AND KAREN HENDRICKS looked at just one neighborhood when they decided to move to Hampton Roads three years ago.   By SANDRA J. PENNECKE | Correspondent  (This story ran in the Virginian Pilot on Saturday, April 2nd, 2011)  

That community, The Riverfront at Harbour View, had them hooked from the start.  

   "We fell in love with it," Karen said. "We feel really blessed." After 30 years in a single-family home in Pennsylvania, the couple designed a 4,000-squarefoot house in the 11-year-old community along the Nansemond and James rivers in northern Suffolk. 

Not only did the Hendrickses love the style of homes, but also the river views, amenities - including an 18-hole golf course - and host of activities available to residents. "I wanted somewhere where I could flourish," said Karen,   who is retired and participates in two bunco groups, a golf league, wine tastings, parties and whatever else comes up. The social offerings also attracted Mike and Belinda Arthur, who moved to the The Riverfront two years ago from Hampton. As empty nesters, the couple wanted activities that could keep them busy. A full-time activities director schedules programs activities for all ages. "It's beautiful and there's so much to do," Belinda said. "It's like being on vacation year-round living here." 

   Developed by East West Communities, The Riverfront at Harbour View was the site of 2001's Homearama, the Tidewater Builders Association showcase of custom homes, and will host the event again this fall. The community is located off Interstate 664 near the Suffolk city line, and is about five minutes from Chesapeake, 10 minutes from Portsmouth, and 15 minutes from Norfolk and Hampton.                                                     

   When fully developed, the upscale community will have about 1,200 dwellings, with two-thirds of the properties featuring premium views of the water or golf course. Custom-home styles include French country, English cottage, Craftsman , traditional and transitional with European architectural influences. Homes sell for $500,000 to $2 million. Also   available are condominium and carriage homes starting around $260,000. 

   Mark Edwards, broker and senior vice president for East West, said the property's natural beauty, convenient location, housing price range and styles, and resort-style living combine to make it a unique community. 

   The Riverfront at Harbour View was selected Community of the Year multiple times by the Tidewater Builders Association and was the first inductee into the association's Community Hall of Fame. 

   Fall Homearama, featuring eight to 13 homes starting in the low $500,000s, will be Oct. 15 to 30 at The Riverfront. Visit www. tbaonline.org for details. (Also, visit the-riverfront.com)

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net

ABOUT THE AREA:

The Information Center/Model is at 6101 Walkers Ferry Lane and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends. For more info, call (757) 638-9100, or visit www.the-riverfront.com. 

   Nearby schools: Northern Shores Elementary, John Yeates Middle and Nansemond River High schools

    Nearby recreation The Residents' Club with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, plasma screen television and gazebo cabana bar; Swim Club and pavilion with junior Olympic swimming pool and 100-foot waterslide, and a second swimming pool (with an infinity edge) overlooking the 26-acre Eagle Lake; two waterfront parks with piers and gazebos; a 43-acre lake with walking/jogging paths; two tennis courts and volleyball courts, lakefront amphitheater with gazebo and picnic area; children's playgrounds, leisure/ biking trials; Village Square Parka, 2-acre landscaped park with waterfalls and a babbling brook; and the 18-hole Riverfront Golf Course. All are on site. 

   Nearby shopping: Harbour View East, Harbour View Marketplace and Chesapeake Square Mall 

FOR SALE:

     At 3002 North James Drive, a lakefront four-bedroom, four-bath home with a four-car garage, full basement with a finished media/ game room and 5,000 square feet lists for $1,349,900.

   At 3304 Rivers Bend Place, a four-bedroom, 3 ½-bath brick ranch home with a three-car garage, front porch and 3,760 square feet lists for $689,000.

    At 5200 Sandstone Court, a four-bedroom, 3½-bath home with 3,850 square feet with a front porch and courtyard-style garage lists for $679,000.

    At 3428 Village Square Place , a four-bedroom, 3 ½-bath home with 2,900 square feet and a three-car garage lists for $549,900.