New Houses, Great Neighborhood

Built by R. L. Williams Builder, Inc., The Port Gibson (Plan D-807SC) features steeply pitched gables, irregularly shaped windows, and contrasting materials of stucco and shingles. This design takes inspiration from the time-honored styles of the 1920s.

Today, many new developments strive for the same quality and appeal featured in old neighborhoods. Some of the most desirable new places successfully combine architecture and landscape, exuding the ambience of a traditional neighborhood.

Working together in Smithfield, Virginia, the Spady family and developer/realtor team Branch Lawson and Mark Edwards set Gatling Pointe's new Olde Towne Place into motion. This new development takes inspiration from many older, established neighborgoods. Our company's philosophy is to be sensitive to the environment," says Branch. "As a developer, the first thing I consider is the topography. Developing the land and building the house go hand in hand," he explains, "and it's critical to build quality homes that respond to the natural conditions of the landscape."

Spady family for generations, is covered with tall hardwoods and pines and an abundance of mountain laurel and holly. "Taking advantage of the natural beauty, we carefully preserved what we call `landmark' trees," Branch. says. "And the mountain laurel and holly remain to create backyard privacy."

Branch and Mark knew that the styles of the homes should respond to the landscape. Setting the architectural guidelines for the community began when Mark learned about the Southern Living Hometown Collection by Stephen S. Fuller. "I remember thumbing through an issue and noticing an advertisement for the collection," he says. "The Covington Cove was featured, and its style and character appealed to me."

After reviewing the collection of 20 designs, Branch and Mark introduced the series of plans to builders participating in The Peninsula Housing and Builder's Association's annual Parade of Homes event. "Five designs were selected and built from the Hometown -Collection," Mark adds. "These houses really set the tone and look for our neighborhood, ultimately creating a real sense of continuity and place.

Located in the center of the neighborhood, the common area includes an iron fountain, park benches, and paved walking area. "The park has become the focal point of the neighborhood," says homeowner Vivian Van Selow. "It's the gathering place for the neighbors. We meet and visit with each other quite often."

The Van Selows were immediately drawn to the comfortable, familiar feeling of Olde Towne Place. "We fell in love with the Port Gibson house," she says. "And we feel like we've lived here forever."

Constructed by Jim Burden Custom Builder, the design for our Willow Bend (Plan D-817SC) features a wraparound porch that adapts well to a wooded lot.

(Left) Built by Van Dyke Construction Company, Inc., Shiloh Creek (Plan D-805SC) emphasizes cottage appeal. See plan on ,page 122

(Right) The precise scale and elegant details of Adam-style architecture create instant character in this new house. Built by Parker Lancaster Corporation, Covington Cove (Plan D-819SC) has a columned side porch indicative of the period.