Visionary Lifestyle

Story by Jon Westman

As seen in Coastal Style magazine – summer 2005

The setting is unparalleled. The community is visionary. Its two championship golf courses are legendary. The town's rebirth is extraordinary. Bay Creek Golf and Marina Resort in Cape Charles , Va. had already redefined the concept of a master planned community by creating a secluded, yet readily accessible paradise along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay .

Through the incomparable vision of developer Dickie Foster, miles of once barren land on Virginia 's Eastern Shore have been thoughtfully transformed into a world-class resort complete with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer designed golf courses, a state-of-the-art marina, preeminent restaurants, first-class retail shopping and magnificent residential opportunities.

This vision has invigorated an old, forgotten railroad town with the hope that it can recapture the spirit of its glory days from the early 1900's, when it was a thriving residential village and the regional nucleus for commercial commerce. Since Bay Creek's arrival, Cape Charles has realized escalating property values, an influx of tourist traffic and renewed interest in this quaint and quiet bayfont community.

Now Foster has raised the bar even higher at Bay Creek through the unveiling of the new Vision Home series–a collection of four exquisite residences that celebrate Cape Charles's proud and historic past. Strategically positioned throughout the community, Hawkstone Hall, Magnolia Plantation, Jasmine Plantation and Verandah Bay will range from 4,800 to 7,000 square feet of interior living space.

Foster and his wife Judy will call Verandah Bay home, a grand residence inspired by late nineteenth century architecture that once stood tall along the town's banks. "The style is one that an old captain would have lived in back in the 1800's on the shore here," Foster said. "It has an old look with intricate details that harkens back to a different time." It is a time that Foster has not only preserved during the development of Bay Creek, but one he intends to share with residents and guests of the community long into the future.

"Our heritage is being created everyday," Foster said. "We must try to preserve the past. We are not trying to create modern history. We are trying to create things that have stood the test of time. Everything we are doing today, if it is done right, people 50 years from now will be trying to preserve."

Verandah Bay accomplishes this feat by elegantly incorporating both architectural and decorating details throughout the residence that conveys an old world charm. The designs in each of the rooms were drawn from antiquity or a classic influence. The use of large marble bricks in the home recalls some of the finer finishing elements found in manor home construction during the early part of the century.

Entering the home through the front door, after taking note of the beautiful wrap around plantation porch, you will immediately feel both welcomed and inspired standing in the foyer. From here, you'll be captivated by the stunning views seen through the large windows that are emphasized in the home's open floor plan. To your right is the magnificent formal dining room, elegantly decorated through rich, warm colors and accessories. To your left is a "simple and elegant stairway," according to Foster, which leads to the second floor guest suites. Majestic columns that frame the great room are directly in front of you.

Beyond this area to the right of the home is a relaxing sunroom and grand kitchen that beautifully and seamlessly incorporates barrel ceilings, various types of granite and marble and state-of-the-art-stainless steel appliances. The space, boasting a bar and wine cellar, is large enough to prepare a multiple course dinner and entertain guests simultaneously.

On the opposite side of the first floor, beyond the staircase, is a beautiful library that proudly displays the original painting of the third hole on the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course. This room is connected through pocket doors to the stylish master bedroom. This space, similar to the adjoining great room, offers breathtaking views of the golf course, lighthouse and bay.

Verandah Bay is situated in Heron Pointe, a residential section of Bay Creek that takes advantage of the incredible vistas that appear from every direction. The Fosters' residence was designed to showcase portions of the Arnold Palmer championship golf course, the construction of an exact replica of the Old Plantation Flats Light Station, an 1866 Chesapeake Bay lighthouse that was dismantled in 1962, and the astonishing sunsets that dance along the Chesapeake Bay horizon.

Foster's favorite room, however, is a second floor hideaway originally designed for storage. "I added a window in there so I could watch the sunset," Foster said. "In reality, it is a great sunroom. I can escape there from time to time and enjoy the views of the lighthouse and the golf course."

These unrivaled views are also available from the veranda located outside, accessible from the master bedroom, great room and sunroom. Cozy seating and a relaxing swing, complemented by surround sound and a ceiling fan, create the ideal late summer afternoon setting.

A widow's watch located on the roof provides an uncompromised 360-degree view of the picturesque landscape that embraces the residence. The prominent use of wood flooring recovered from a demolished 1890's seaport building lends to the impression of the home's historic appeal. Reclaimed from the Channel Side Warehouse in Tampa , FL, the material was shipped to Cape Charles, cleaned, denailed, and reprocessed with new tongue and grooves. Special care was taken to preserve the old patina and surface of the wood.

One of the most distinctive features of the home is the extensive use of ceramic mosaic tile. Manufactured locally in Exmore by New Ravenna Mosaics, the incredibly beautiful and sophisticated design appearing in the Fosters' master bathroom is perhaps the most awe inspiring detail in the home. "They did a wonderful job of creating that look from old European bathrooms. It's as if it has been here for a long time," Foster said. "All of the bathrooms in the home have this look." New Ravenna Mosaics also created an intricate mosaic tile pattern depicting the ancient Roman occupation of Tunisia in a backsplash above the range in the kitchen.

"I feel like the luckiest guy in the whole world," Foster said. "My wife and I say to one another, "Do you believe we live in a home like this?'" Verandah Bay will serve as the residential cornerstone during VisionFest–a 10-day, public celebration at Bay Creek this fall to commemorate the opening of the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. The festivities will incorporate tours of the Vision Homes, the Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse replica, new residential communities at the development and its marina and restaurants. Events will include a magnificent oyster roast, a classic car showcase, cooking demonstrations by chef Amy Brant in the kitchens of select Vision Home residences, a chamber music concert by the Virginia Arts Festival, as well as additional live entertainment and excitement. This is a ticketed event with portions of the proceeds benefiting Cape Charles charities.

"The Vision Homes set a standard," Foster said. "What you are going to see is architectural quality. That is most important to me. If you want to be a leader, you have to lead. You have to focus on the outcome, not the income. And if you want a good outcome, you have to do it right. That's what we've done here."