About Isle of Wight County, VA

Discover Southern Living Homes in this Waterfront Community in Virginia

At Gatling Pointe, you can cruise the river from our private marina and bring home your catch-of-the-day. Take a refreshing dip in our riverside pool or just relax among friends at our clubhouse. Enjoy a great meal at the yacht club restaurant or sit back and enjoy the view.

Most Gatling Pointe homesites are wooded and surrounded by water, offering approximately one-half acre of privacy in a protected environment with breathtaking views. Situated where the James and Pagan Rivers meet, the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club is the perfect meeting place for friends and family.

Residents of East West communities enjoy a wealth of activities and events designed to bring friends together and take full advantage of abundant recreational amenities. From golf tournaments to cookouts, dances, crafts, book clubs, fairs, parades and more, your whole family will find plenty of fun just steps outside your door.

Three times awarded "Community of the Year," Gatling Pointe and Gatling Pointe South feature quality custom homes by the region's premier builders with amenities that rival most resorts. Nestled in Isle of Wight County, adjacent to historic Smithfield, you're only 15 minutes from Newport News and Hampton, and an easy commute to downtown Norfolk. Discover the best in waterfront living at Gatling Pointe, a centrally located waterfront community located in the heart of Hampton Roads. It offers unique waterfront living with resort-style amenities where dreams come true and a real sense of neighborhood is found.

Home values in Gatling Pointe range from the $300's to over $1,000,000.

Features and Amenities

• Gatling Pointe Yacht Clubwith 68-slip deepwater marina (20' to 50' slips) and a club with restaurant and lounge
• Club canoes available to explore the waterways
• Riverfront swimming pool and kiddie pool
• Tennis courts and playgrounds
• Beach volleyball court with summer-league play
• Protected natural environment
• Central Park recreation area
• Leisure trails lead to the riverfront club and marina
• Year-round programmed activities and social events.

The view above is from Lot 28 Southport Landing in Gatling Pointe South. The 2 acre lot is for sale for $375,000 and offers deep water access to Jones Creek. Five neighbors have already built piers and boat houses for their boats. To see more check out this video slideshow.

For more information about Gatling Pointe or other East West Communities in Virginia, contact Mark Edwards or Donita Frantz with East West Realty at 757-238-9009.

For Information about East West Partners’ communities, visit www.eastwestcommunities.com. Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West Realty Sales Centers are open 7 days a week onsite. Equal Housing Opportunity

5 Reasons to Relocate to this Waterfront Community in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia

If you've been waiting on the sidelines the least couple of years, waiting for the right time to buy a new home, now might be that time. As various news report show an increase in sales nationally in the last couple of months, as interest rates continue to be at record lows, and as foreclosures are at the lowest point in years, many feel the worst of the housing recession is behind us. At Founders Pointe, near Smithfield, Virginia, many have chosen to move forward with their dream home and new home sales activity is on the rise.

Many families realize that now is the best time in decades to buy a new home. The custom home builders are including more quality in their homes and buyers are recognizing the excellent value offered. If you're looking to make a move to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia this year, be sure to check out Founders Pointe, located in the Hampton roads area of Virginia.

Here are my TOP 5 Reasons to Relocate to Founders Pointe:

1. ATTRACTIVE LOCATION

Founders Pointe is located in the Carrollton area of Isle of Wight County, which is part of the Hampton Roads region. Although, Isle of Wight County is on the western edge, it's easy to get anywhere, and it's nicely removed from the city. You can also rediscover a small town atmosphere as Founders Pointe is near the historic town of Smithfield. (Incorporated as a town in 1750, Smithfield is well known to have one of the best preserved historic districts in the country for a town reflecting different periods of historical architecture. there are landmarks like St. Luke's church built in 1632, and the Smithfield Inn & restaurant built in 1752. Another favorite tourist spot is the Smithfield Station.)

Families relocating from out of the area usually don't mind a 20-25 minute drive into work, and they prefer to live in a community with more to offer than just a house in a typical subdivision. It only takes ten minutes to reach the Hampton/Newport News area via the James River bridge. Isle of Wight County offers a laid-back, peaceful lifestyle, the lowest tax rate in the region (.65/$100), and it is central to the southside of Hampton Roads cities and the Peninsula.

Founders Pointe is located on the point of land on the left situated just to the southeast of the James River Bridge and just west of the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge tunnel. Founders Pointe is just 10 minutes to the Peninsula, I-664, and only 25 minutes to Downtown Norfolk. It is also only 40 minutes to Colonial Williamsburg and 45 minutes to VA Beach. To see a map of where Founders Pointe is located, visit http://www.founderspointe.com/our-location/conveniences/.

2. Overall Neighborhood Concept and the Resort Style Amenities

The centerpiece of Founders Pointe are the exceptional resort-style recreational amenities the community has to offer. Rarely, does a neighborhood with only 300 homes have a clubhouse and pool, but to find it on the scale of the Founders Pointe Residents' Club, that's truly unique. (Monthly Association dues are only $87/month which includes maintenance of the common area and access to the amenities.)

• Residents' Club with swimming pool and 112′ water slide
• 844′ observation pier offering panoramic views of Batten Bay and the James River
• Three miles of biking/walking trails and sidewalks
• Playground and sand volleyball court
• Full-time Activities Director coordinating year-round events for all ages.

  In addition to hosting sporting and fitness activities, the clubhouse serves as a center for holiday celebrations, themed social events for adults, and special interest clubs. A full-time activities director keeps the community's social calendar full with a year-round schedule of exciting events. The clubhouse's swimming pool and waterslide is augmented by a children's playground and sand volleyball court. Both children and adults make use of the network of nearly three miles of sidewalks and walking trails that wind throughout the community. An observation pier overlooks Batten Bay, with views reaching to the James River and the Hampton Roads. Founders Pointe provides a nurturing environment in which children can thrive and adults can relax.

3. Quality Homes, Distinctive Architecture

East West Communities, our community development team, spent alot of attention to the overall architectural theme and streetscape early on in the development process. Detailed front porticos, large front porches, proper symmetry and proportion- all all important aspects of creating an attractive streetscape, no matter what cul-de-sac or street you're on the the community.

A Preferred Builder team of ten quality homebuilders have helped carry out the vision of developing one of the most attractive and best looking neighborhoods in our region. You'll find a wide variety of distinctive home styles such as English Cottage, Craftsman, American Traditional, Colonial, and European Transitional style. Since our grand opening in the spring of 2005, over 150 families have decided to relocate to Founders Pointe. Founders Pointe was selected as "Community of the Year" twice by the local homebuilder association. You can see the beautiful homes on the Interactive Map.

4. Sense of Place, Community

We often hear that one of the main reasons 150 families have relocated to our community is the real sense of community they find in their neighborhood. From the stone front entrance monument, past the well landscaped parkway entry, to the lakeside clubhouse and pool, and along the winding pathway to the observation pier on the river, visitors will quickly realize they have arrived at one of the most attractive neighborhoods in the Hampton Roads region.

The friendly front porches, well landscaped common areas, and the winding sidewalks also help add to the neighborly feel that our residents talk so much about. The roads that lead to Founders Pointe are lined by trees and some spectacular views over the waterways which also gives our commuters a chance to unwind on their way home.

Once home, residents enjoy the various activities found at their neighborhood clubhouse which overlooks a lake and a well landscaped trail system. There is also an opportunity to enjoy access to the water at the observation pier. We often hear, that's it's worth an extra 10 minute drive home to get home, where residents enjoy the panoramic, spectacular views across the water and the marsh that surrounds the tributaries leading to the James River. The experiences our families have with their children and grandchildren rival those at some of the great resort destinations.

5. Timing- Unique Opportunity, Beautiful Waterfront Property

With the low interest rates and the aggressive new home pricing by our builders, now IS a great time to buy a new home! The timing is excellent also because of the early stage of construction for the community. There's an outstanding team of builders offering top quality construction with six new home plans now available for sale for the spring season! Homesites start in the $90's and new single family custom homes start in the $400's- an excellent value!

Finding a waterfront location so close to the major employment centers like Founders Pointe is rare and a unique opportunity. Be forewarned, one visit to see Founders Pointe, and you're likely to want to drop anchor here for good.

For Information about East West Partners’ waterfront communites, visit www.eastwestcommunities.com. Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West Realty Sales Centers are open 7 days a week onsite.

Gatling Pointe Community Christmas Fund

For the past 23 years the Gatling Pointe Community in Smithfield, VA has been making Christmas a little brighter for those less fortunate than us. This year we have 4 families with children ranging from 6 months to 12 years. They aren’t asking for much – wipes and diapers for the babies, school clothes, coats, shoes, a toy or game, books, etc.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Make a cash or check donation to “Gatling Pointe Community Christmas Fund”

2. Buy a gift card for Bloom, Farm Fresh, WalMart, Target or Peebles.

Gift Cards and Cash and checks may be put in the Christmas Fund box at Gatling Pointe Yacht Club or delivered to 20543 Southport Landing.

3. Choose an item (or two) from the wish lists available at Gatling Pointe Yacht Club. Purchase the item, wrap it and label it w/ the recipient’s name. Please place your gifts under the Christmas tree at the club by Dec. 15^th . Be sure to check off the delivery box on the wish list sheet – so we know you have brought your gift down to the club.

4. Help shop, wrap and/or deliver gifts. Email your name to gpyc@charter.net.

Thanks for supporting this cause!

Tavern Holidays: Memories of Christmas Past

Enrich your family's Holiday Season by visiting Historic Boykins' Tavern this Saturday. Learn a little about history and share the appreciation for the past with your kids or grandkids...step back in time and get in the Christmas spirit!

Saturday, December 10 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m., 17130 Monument Circle

Visit with War of 1812 living historians on the tavern’s lawn before coming inside to admire both colonial and Victorian holiday decorations and learn a bit of holiday history. Also be sure to bring your camera for a visit with a Victorian Santa who will check his list twice for your name. This look into memories of Christmas past will also feature a collection of old toys, refreshments and activities. A perfect holiday event for families and it's free and open to the public.

Boykin’s Tavern was named for Francis Boykin, who served as a lieutenant with Patrick Henry and later camped with George Washington at Valley Forge. It is the only surviving structure associated with the Isle of Wight Courthouse of 1800. Additionally, the tavern, which features architectural details that are rare in rural Virginia, played a significant role in both the Revolutionary War and Civil War.

Boykin’s Tavern is located at 17130 Monument Circle in Isle of Wight. The museum is open March through December from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Boykin's Tavern Museum
Isle of Wight County

For further information, contact Isle of Wight County’s Historic Resources Department at (757) 357-0115.

"Toys for Tots" Car Show & Music Fest
was held this past Saturday in Downtown Smithfield, Virginia. The Admission was a toy to be donated to needy families. This holiday season is sure to enrich the lives of Smithfield residents and others visiting our historic town. Patrons at the "Toys for Tots" Car Show enjoyed food and beverages all day with the admission being bringing a toy to share. Toys for Tots is a great cause and it is one of many family events scheduled for Downtown Smithfield this holiday season. The Smithfield High School Band performed and ROTC also performed.

The Todd House was one of the featured homes on the Homes Tour.

Annual Tree Lighting & Wreath Hanging at the Isle of Wight County Courthouse and the Christmas Homes Tour in Downtown Smithfield The Candlelight Tour was held this past Friday, December 2nd and the Historic Homes Tour was this past Saturday.

The magic of Christmas shines especially bright in the Historic District of Smithfield this year! The Candlelight Holiday Homes Tour on Friday evening featured beautifully decorated homes, light hors d'oeuvres and festive music. Saturday, the Historic Homes Tour showcased seven historic homes and buildings.

Featured Homes: The Todd House at 22 Main Street, The Wills-Gwaltney Home at 112 S. Mason Street, the former first jail of Smithfield at 106 N. Mason Street, The Rectory at 117 N. Mason Street, The Academy at 205 S. Mason Street, The 1750 Courthouse at 126 Main Street, and The Thomas House “Mansion on Main” located at 36 Main Street.

Breakfast with Santa at the Smithfield Inn

Saturday, December 17, 112 Main Street in downtown Smithfield

Seatings will be at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Call for reservations!

For further information call (757) 357-1752.

Breakfast with Santa at the Smithfield Center
Saturday, December 10 from 8:00 until 10:00 a.m., downtown Smithfield

Enjoy a hot pancake breakfast with Santa and the Elves! Bring your camera to capture your child sharing their Christmas wishlist with Santa. Tickets: $5.00, children under 2 are free. Please purchase tickets in advance. Sponsored by the Smithfield Kiwanis, the Smithfield High School Key Club and the Smithfield Center.

For further information call (757) 356-9939

Downtown Smithfield Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Smithfield

A wonderful old-fashioned parade that sums up the heart of Smithfield. Bring the whole family and give a smile to a young child...This year's theme is "Main Street Holiday Magic!"

For further information call (757) 357-5182.

2011 Christmas Parade Application

Tavern Holidays: Memories of Christmas Past at Boykin's Tavern

Saturday, December 10 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m., 17130 Monument Circle

Visit with War of 1812 living historians on the tavern’s lawn before coming inside to admire both colonial and Victorian holiday decorations and learn a bit of holiday history. Also be sure to bring your camera for a visit with a Victorian Santa who will check his list twice for your name. This look into memories of Christmas past will also feature a collection of old toys, refreshments and activities. A perfect holiday event for families and it's free and open to the public.
For further information call (757) 365-9771.

Christmas Concert featuring William & Mary's Gentelmen of the College and Smithfield's Sweet Adelines
Sunday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m., 210 N. Church Street in downtown Smithfield

General admission. Admission is a donation to the food bank (non-perishable items please).

For further information call (757) 357-7338.

Victorian Tea at the Isle of Wight County Museum
Sunday, December 11 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., 103 Main Street in downtown Smithfield

See vintage Victorian serving pieces while discussing period manners and etiquette. Create your own Christmas ornament while enjoying afternoon tea. $10 per child. Registration required. Geared to 1st-5th graders. Registration opens Oct. 3.
For further information call (757) 356-1223.

"First Light: The Story Behind the Celebration" Lecture at the Isle of Wight County Museum
Monday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m., 103 Main Street in downtown Smithfield

At this lecture by Winette Jeffery of the Hampton History Museum, guests will learn of America’s first documented English Christmas. Capt. John Smith’s journal of 1608 details the events leading up to, during and following Christmas with the Native Americans. Free admission.
For further information call (757) 356-1223.

Tell Me A Story at the Isle of Wight County Museum
Tuesday, December 13 from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m., 103 Main Street in downtown Smithfield

This program, geared for children ages 3 to 5, introduces youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight and features books, songs and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Victorian Christmas.

For further information call (757) 356-1223.

Smithfield Little Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol "
Thursday through Sunday, December 15 - 18

Directed by Kristin Wilda. The theater is located at 210 N. Church Street in downtown Smithfield.
For further information call (757) 357-7338.

Christmas Concert at Smithfield High School

Thursday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m.

No admission fee, but donations accepted. Refreshments served. Silent auction

For further information call (757) 357-3108.

"Firehouse Bluegrass" Benefit Concert
Friday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department

Fire Station 10 is located at 15020 Carrolltton Blvd. (Route 17) in Carrollton. Bring your own lawn chair. Proceeds benefit the volunteer fire & rescue of Carrollton, Smithfield and northern Suffolk. Refreshments available to purchase. Admission: $5 per person. Children free.

For further information call (757) 613-6183.

Breakfast with Santa at the Smithfield Inn

Saturday, December 3 & 17, 112 Main Street in downtown Smithfield

Seatings will be at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Call for reservations!

For further information call (757) 357-1752.

Smithfield Farmers Market's "Jingle Bells" Market
Saturday, December 17 from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon, downtown Smithfield

The Olde Towne Curb Market is now the Smithfield Farmers Market! The Market has a new name, but it's stil the unique market, packed with plenty of produce, handmade goods you've come to enjoy and still features live music every week! The Smithfield Farmers Market is entering its 9th year. The market takes place every Saturday morning throughout the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, in the parking lot behind Bank of Southside Virginia. Specialty markets are held throughout the year as well.

For further information call Market Manager, Kristin Wilda at (757) 375-3031.

Curatorial Coffee Klatsch at the Isle of Wight County Museum
Wednesday, December 21 at 10:30 a.m., 103 Main Street in downtown Smithfield

What's in the museum's closet? Join our curator for a discussion about one of the museum's artifacts in this monthly program. Bring your morning coffee. We have the doughnuts!

Admission to the museum is free.
For further information call (757) 356-1223.

Curatorial Coffee Klatsch at the Isle of Wight County Museum
Wednesday, December 21 at 10:30 a.m., 103 Main Street in downtown Smithfield

What's in the museum's closet? Join our curator for a discussion about one of the museum's artifacts in this monthly program. Bring your morning coffee. We have the doughnuts!

Admission to the museum is free.
For further information call (757) 356-1223.

Annual Lighted Boat Parade at the Smithfield Station

Friday, December 23 at 8:00 p.m., Smithfield

An annual holiday event!
For further information call (757) 357-7700.