Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History

My goodness!  Who would have ever thought such a fuss would have been made over me!

I’ve never seen anything like it in my 125 years.  I guess that old saying IS true:

Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History!

In case you missed the article in the Virginian-Pilot, “Look Who’s Talking” was the title in the paper.  An abbreviated version is available on-line.  Here is the article on the Hampton  Roads website!

What are you waiting for?  This is a special opportunity to own a home that is truly a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ property!  Call and make an appointment today: (757) 678-7200

 

 

and you can add me to that list too!

 

(Blushing) I’ve made the cover of Gracious Living!

I am very flattered to have such a wonderful write-up in the Virginian-Pilot Gracious Living section!  The entire cover page, no less!!

Did you miss it?  Here is the link in case you missed it, “Look Who’s Talking”

Eastern Shore Victorian home blogs for itself

Looking forward to the Sunday ‘Gracious Living’ publication in the Virginian Pilot!

In case you missed the article in the Virginian-Pilot, “Look Who’s Talking” was the title in the paper.  An abbreviated version is available on-line.  Here is the article on the Hampton  Roads website!  The photographer was here this week and the editor was quick to follow-up with an in-depth interview.   I may be 125 years-young, but I’ve had no problem staying current with 21st-century technology!

I blog, have a Facebook page and Twitter too!

If you are shopping for a home, you are probably shopping for a mortgage too.  Allow me to recommend a local Hampton Roads company: New American Mortgage.

This company has been bucking all the odds in the face of the current economy.  They break their company record for the previous month just about every month for three years now!  Plus they have been voted ‘Best of’ in a number of different categories for a number of years in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads!

The hard-working processors and underwriters at New American Mortgage will do more in the FIRST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS to get your loan approved than most other mortgage companies will do in three weeks!

Now that you know where to get your mortgage, what are you waiting for?  If you haven’t made an appointment to see me yet, you are missing the home of your dreams!  You know you are tired of touring homes that just don’t have what you’re looking for, they all leave you wishing they had the ‘it’ factor.  Make an appointment today to come for a visit: (757) 678-7200.  You could be enjoying your Saturday morning coffee on the back porch admiring the camellia’s in just a few weeks!

Beauty In a Winter Sky

The winter sky is beautiful.  No matter the season, I never tire of greeting the morning here in Eastville.

If these walls could talk . . .

If these walls could talk . . .

You often hear folks say, “If these walls could talk . . .”  My walls would tell you a story that would span over a century.  They would speak of hard times and joyous ones.   They would tell you about the numerous parties hosted here by my three owners over the last 125 years.  They would speak of the abundant harvest of shellfish and agriculture from the Eastern Shore.

 

Agriculture is and has always been the foundation for the economy of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.   The last decade has seen the area become better known for tourists with the Harvest Festival and Birding Festivals and many smaller Harbor Parties given by the local towns.

 

Two years before I was built the railroad was extended from Maryland down to Cape Charles.  This was a great boon to the local economy.   It resulted in area watermen and farmers being able to get their harvest not only to northern markets but also to southern markets on the railcars floated across the Chesapeake Bay by barge to the Hampton Roads.  The addition of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in the 1960’s made the Eastern Shore much more accessible and resulted in more folks purchasing a second home to vacation and enjoy the beautiful setting and mild climate.

Folks refer to me as a ‘grand old home’.  It’s been my pleasure to welcome weary travelers for a visit or host and afternoon soiree or the party for the prom. This 1886 Victorian at Eastville Station is looking

forward to welcoming new visitors, just as it has for almost 125 years now!   The ‘back forty’ is still owned by the same family that built me originally. Come see us!

Bloom where God Plants You!

While some folks are already struggling with winter weather, we have been blessed with beautiful mild weather here on the lovely Eastern Shore of Virginia.

I’ve been right here for almost 125 years now and while Eastville has seen some harsh winters, it is usually mild here compared to other areas.  Most years we have at least one day in January that hits 70 degrees.  We’ve had some warm days this month and some seasonable cold days too.

Well, this past weekend was just lovely.  My owner was enjoying her morning coffee on my sunny southeastern porch while she admired the beauty of the winter-blooming Camellias.  She wished more folks would have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful blooms could.  So she scrambled up a ladder to gather the pretty pink blooms from one Camellia bush and then the lovely white blooms from another.  She gathered branches of English Boxwood and clippings from the Acuba and then she called the nursing home in Nassawadox.  She asked the nurse to gather as many vases as she could find.  “I know we have three or four.  I’ll look for more,” said the nurse.

My owner arrived to find the counter covered with at least 20 vases.  Luckily she had plenty of lovely blooms to fill them all.  The residents that received them smiled with delight at the unexpected and beautiful winter blooms!

What are you waiting for?  It’s time you enjoy the unexpected delights of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, we’ll leave the light on for you!

News Flash! Price reduction!!

There have been a good number of showings the past few weeks and great positive feed back.  Well, talk is cheap!  Those of you subscribing to the feed will be the first to find out the price is being reduced to $325,000.00.

Yes, this once-in-a-lifetime property could be yours for the price of a condo in the city.  I will miss it, no doubt.  But I have an opportunity and my opportunity will also be an opportunity for you! I trust you will take great care of this fine grand-dame and make many wonderful memories here with your family and friends!

Make an appointment to see it today!

(757) 678-7200

All is well following Hurricane Irene

In my lifetime I’ve seen many Hurricanes and a number of nor’easters that were worse than some of the ‘Hurricanes’.  Most ‘old timers’ on the shore say the Hurricane of 1933 was the worst they remember.  I’ve been right here since 1885 and weathered all the storms in the last 125 years unscathed.  Most were concerned Irene would be a record breaker.  She certainly was large enough, over 500 miles wide!

Folks were very worried about Hurricane Irene but once again the unique location of the Eastern Shore of Virginia allowed us to be spared the force of the Hurricane felt in the Carolinas and even NJ and NY.

Power was only out here for less than two hours yesterday and again this morning but has now been restored.

My owner is celebrating with a Sunday morning omelette made from fresh eggs, garden fresh basil, tomatoes and swiss along with fresh peaches.

They just don’t build homes like me anymore.  I can add ‘earthquake’ to the things I’ve been through without a scratch.  You probably heard there was a 5.8 quake in Virginia this past week.  Never thought I’d see the day.  You folks better start paying attention.  God is trying to tell you something!

Hoping you and yours have fared as well as this lovely Victorian home for sale on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  What are you waiting for?  This is a once-in-a-lifetime home whose acquisition will ensure years of unforgettable memories for you and your family and friends.

Life, it’s what happens while you are busy making plans.

Home Sales Increase, Prices Increase, Contracts Increase!

Some great news in the housing market!  Scott Rogers has a great article with outstanding visuals as well:

“Finally, some signs of hope for the local housing market!

I just completed my monthly analysis of the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County real estate market, and there are plenty of reasons to be excited.  Download the full market report (PDF, 7MB) or read on for some highlights.”

Read the full story here: Scott Rogers Housing Report!

Additionally, the Daily Press is reporting that July home sales on the Peninsula rose 6%!  Now, if you are looking for a wonderful home at a great value you should schedule an appointment to see this wonderful 1886 Victorian home at 6058 Willow Oak Road, in the lovely village of Eastville, Virginia.  Call today to schedule a showing: 757. 678.7200 – you’ll be glad you did!

Sunday Morning on the Shore

Rambling musings…

Heat Wave Across America

It has been hot this week here on the shore, but not nearly as unbearable as most of the Nation was this week.  While folks in the City had to deal with high temperatures that climbed higher even after sunset; here on the shore relief is quick as the sun goes down.

The beauty of living on the shore means you are only a few minutes from the bay or the sea; leaving you with many options for recreation. The resident hound enjoyed a day at the beach this week chasing sand crabs and keeping cool in the Chesapeake Bay.

Ahhh, Sunday morning; made for relaxing after enjoy an omelette made with fresh country eggs, and garden fresh green peppers, tomatoes and basil with fresh hash browned potatoes.

Life, it’s passing you by while you are busy planning for the future.  Isn’t it time to start LIVING and ENJOYING the simple gifts life has to offer?  This wonderful 1886 Victorian could be yours for less than the price of a condo in the City.

$348,843.  gets you a 5 BR, 3 BA home (plus 2 half baths) with about 3,500 square feet of living space on almost three and a half acres.  The grounds include 100-year-old English Boxwood gardens, massive mature trees, space for your horse or hounds with numerous outbuildings for your home business or hobbies (woodworking, kennel, etc.)  But most of all, it offers the beauty and relief of LIVING on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with its God-given bounty and beauty.

Escape the City! 

What are you waiting for?  Call to make an appointment to see this wonderful property today.  

The owner is a licensed Virginia Broker.  

A 4% commission is offered to the selling Broker. If you are an agent out of the area, the owner is happy to pay a generous referral fee!

Be sure to ‘Like’ the house on Facebook.

The bounty of a Sunday morning stroll through the grounds.

Summer is wonderful here.  Gentle breezes, beautiful blue skies, garden fresh vegetables and God given treats right here in the fertile soils that grace the Eastern shore.

A few minutes stroll through the grounds this morning resulted in fresh, ripe peaches and figs to accompany the sizzling bacon and French toast for breakfast!

  

and there are even pears for cooking later!

Life, it’s what happens while you are busy making plans.  

 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, approximately 3,500 s.f. and almost 3.5 acres all for under $350,000.00 – what are you waiting for?  You are about to miss the home of your dreams! Call 757.678.7200 to make an appointment today.

Figs from the backyard, peaches from the front yard and eggs from a neighbor.  Add some fresh orange juice and bacon . . . the end result is an outstanding breakfast with french toast to rival any 5 star resort!

Make plans to see this beautiful 1886 Victorian on the Virginia Eastern Shore.  This home is currently available for sale.  The owner is a licensed Virginia Real Estate Broker with Bay Breeze Realty and would be happy to cooperate with your agent.  There is currently a 4% commission offered to the selling agency.  

Come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!  A 3,500 s.f. Victorian with high ceilings and beautiful wood floors.  Five bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths.  First floor bedroom or family room, den, numerous outbuildings, mature trees and shrubs, thousands of flowers.  

The only thing missing is YOU!

You can stop looking.  You just found the home of your dreams!

Make an appointment today to see this lovely home.

(757) 678-7200

Eastern Shore Virginia 1886 Victorian Featured in Washington Times

Hey! That’s me!

This week’s Washington Times Friday Home Journal has a GREAT feature article about me!!

Resort living: Business or leisure on Eastern Shore

Whether your dream is to live in a quiet country village with a population of a few dozen people or you want to enjoy the lifestyle of an innkeeper in a charming bed-and-breakfast on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, you may want to take a drive to Eastville, Va.

The Victorian home at 6058 Willow Oak Road in Eastville, in Northampton County, was built in 1886 and has had just three owners in the past 125 years. This quiet property 15 minutes from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel is on the market for $348,843.

The grounds of the estate, which covers almost 3 1/2 acres, include hundreds of trees, flowering shrubs and perennials, including a 125-year-old walnut tree planted when the house was built. The temperate weather in this pocket of the Eastern Shore encourages an abundance of blooms all year long, including dogwoods, crape myrtles, weeping cherry trees, forsythia, a bay tree, gardenias and rhododendrons. The grounds include a 100-year-old English boxwood garden.

See the Washington Times Friday Home Journal article here:

Resort living: Business or leisure on Eastern Shore

Got Vegetables?

Do you dream of being self-sufficient and growing your own vegetables?  If you lived here, you could have enough space on your own property to grow all the vegetables you would need to feed your family!  You could also have fresh parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme at your finger tips!  There is also a bay tree that stands well over 30 feet tall for seasoning your spaghetti sauce or gumbo.  And if you were truly blessed, your neighbor might even bring you vegetables as beautiful as these. . .

Life, it’s what happens while you are busy making plans.  

Make plans to see this beautiful 1886 Victorian on the Virginia Eastern Shore.  This home is currently available for sale.  The owner is a licensed Virginia Real Estate Broker with Bay Breeze Realty and would be happy to cooperate with your agent.  There is currently a 4% commission offered to the selling agency.  

Come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!  A 3,500 s.f. Victorian with high ceilings and beautiful wood floors.  Five bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths.  First floor bedroom or family room, den, numerous outbuildings, mature trees and shrubs, thousands of flowers.  

The only thing missing is YOU!

You can stop looking.  You just found the home of your dreams!

Make an appointment today to see this lovely home.

 (757) 678-7200

Thank you for your service.

If you are an American, you owe your freedom and unending gratitude to the brave individuals (and their families left at home) that have risked, and in some cases given, their lives so that you and I and our families can continue to live in the greatest Country in the world. Thank you for your service. What you have given can never be repaid.

 

 

Living in 1886 . . .

It is hard for modern day folks to imagine life in 1886.  Well, I was there.  That is the year I was built.

It is no wonder the ‘Fainting Couch’ was popular.  It was a necessity of the day as women wore fashions that so

restricted their waistlines that it was not uncommon for a woman to faint!

Funny, the more things change the more they stay the same.  It is curious to see the  Harper cartoon that highlighted one of the anarchists of the day, Johann Most; an individual that was a leader in the labor movement of the day.

There was also the accident off the coast of Cape Cod when the schooner Jennie R. Morse, from Philadelphia heading for Boston, was run in to and sunk by an unknown steamer on the night of May 1-2, off Cape Cod.  Thankfully, all hands were saved. She had a cargo of 800 tons of coal.

And Van Gogh was busy painting poppies, lovely red poppies. . .

So, if you are looking for a special house that will be a blessing to own, you can stop looking.  You just found the home of your dreams!

Arrange an appointment to come and see me today.  For an appointment call (757) 678-7200, you will be glad you did.  They don’t build them like me any more, you know?!

Did you know that exactly where I am located happens to be one of the longest growing seasons in the region? You know what that means, right?  It means the weather right here, where I am, is the mildest for the longest period of time — every year.

Life, it’s what passes you by while you are busy making plans.  Isn’t it time to start living?  If you lived here you would spend more days enjoying your life with your family & friends.  Boating, fishing, hunting, gardening, biking, birdwatching, horseback riding or just unwinding on the swing with a good book.

In 125 years my owners have enjoyed me so much I have rarely changed hands.  In fact, in all that time, I have had only 3 owners.  May I be a blessing to you as I have been to those before you!

Fresh Strawberries, red, ripe and delicious!

Mmmm, strawberry season on the Eastern Shore.  If you lived here you would have enjoyed fresh picked and perfectly ripe strawberries today.  Just sayin’

1886 Victorian featured in London Free Press publication

Oh, hello!  Thank you so much for stopping by.  Would you care for a cup of tea?  I was just writing a short note to my cousin, Twelve Oaks:

Twelve Oaks!  Look!  Pretty soon I’ll be as popular as you!  Can you believe it, there I am! Featured in a London publication!

http://www.lfpress.com/homes/2011/05/05/18109466.html

Your real estate agent called.

She said you can stop looking.  You’ve found the home of your dreams!

Life.  It’s what happens while you are busy making plans.

Escape the city, buy this great home in the country today.    Yesterday was the tomorrow you had planned for; how’d that work out for you?

It’s time for you to start living.  Today.

Congratulations to Animal Kingdom on winning the Derby!

  If you were here, you could have saddled-up and gone for a ride when you were finished watching the Kentucky Derby!

Congratulations to my friend, “Animal Kingdom” on the wonderful win at the Derby today!!

Eastern Shore, Virginia Historic Home Featured in Canadian Publication

Hey, that’s ME!  Wow! One of the largest media outlets in Canada has featured me as their lead Real Estate story this week.

Sherry Noik, the National Homes Editor for Sun Media published the story, “Virtually sold – Home speaks for itself in cyberspace”

Noik writes, “Go ahead and write on the wall of this house – its Facebook wall.  Not only does the home have “friends,” it tweets and blogs, too. You might say it, uh, sells itself.”

You can view the complete story here.

It’s been a great week here and I have had lots of visitors.  The weather is just breathtakingly beautiful.  In fact, the weather here is usually beautiful.  Better than most places on the East Coast, most of the time.  You might say I’m located in that ‘sweet spot’.  Not too far north and not too far south and sandwiched on a beautiful peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay.

What’s that?  I hear the sea gulls laughing and taunting me to enjoy the beautiful afternoon.  What are you waiting for?  If you lived here you would be starting your weekend unwinding on my porch and strolling through the boxwoods as the birds sing and the gentle Eastern Shore breeze caresses your cheek.

Life, it’s what happens while you’re busy making plans. Plans to visit soon, you can stop looking — you just found the home of your dreams!

Details Matter . . .

And boy do I have DETAILS!

Even the hobby house located out back has charming detail.  The hobby house has been used as a kennel in the past but could be an exercise room, hobby room or even home office depending on your needs.

There are sections of a fence that surely dates back one hundred years.

The detail under my eaves is very unique and beautiful.

There are a few old mill stones in both my front and rear walkways.  These mill stones are said to have come from the old mill that was located on the road at the southern end of the 40 acres that sits to the south of me (my ‘back yard’ as they say).

Oh, and my roof, my lovely slate roof.  It is not plain by any stretch of the imagination!  It has a lovely pattern on all sides.  It is my original roof.  Truly, they do not build them like me any more.  It would cost ten times my price to build me from scratch, if you could get the materials!  The old growth trees just are not around any more.

When you come in the front door, you will notice the beautiful leaded stained glass that sits above my double front doors.

As you continue down the front hall you might admire the pair of beautifully etched glass doors that separate the hallway from my double parlor.

Above both entryways between my double parlor is the lovely wooden fretwork that is also original.

And I have so many more features!  You will just have to come and see for yourself!

Call (757) 678-7200 to arrange a tour, you’ll be glad you did!

My Montage for Twitter

Did you know that I Tweet too?  Be sure to follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/1886Victorian

My cousin, Twelve Oaks, would be proud. Watch my video!

It would be easy to imagine Rhett and Scarlett strolling through my gardens while they planned an afternoon soiree or a wedding in my 125-year-old box wood gardens.

My cousin, Twelve Oaks, may have had the box office hit; but she would have been proud of me too.  I can hear her now, “You sure do have the right moves!”

Beauty and romance abound on my grounds.  What keeps your honey happy?

Gardening and enjoying thousands of flowering bulbs that take care of themselves?  And what about you? In your spare time do you enjoy golfing, boating, hunting or fishing?  Everything to keep everyone happy is within just ten minutes of your next doorstep.

Seeing is believing and you can see for yourself because I have the leading role in this video.  Sit back and enjoy your mint julep while you imagine strolling around the lovely grounds and through the halls and rooms of your next home.  

Wow, if Twelve Oaks could see me now! Click below to watch the video:

What are you waiting for?  You know you want to escape the city!  Life is what happens while you’re busy making plans.

Happy Birthday To My Current Owner!

In my 125 years I’ve witnessed numerous birthdays of folks of all ages.

~

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Happy Birthday!

The weather is here, wish you were …too!

Aaaahhh,  it was beautiful here today.  Sunny and mild.  Perfect for an afternoon trail ride.

Of course, there are some places further north that are still dealing with snow.  That’s too bad.

You should seriously consider moving here and enjoying beautiful weather while you also enjoy the outdoors.

Lovely Victorian farmette for sale on Eastern Shore of Virginia. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 half baths; 3.5 +/- acres numerous outbuildings.  Come for a weekend and stay for a lifetime.  Escape the city!

The Floor Plan for a Beautiful Victorian Home For Sale on Eastern Shore of Virginia

All of this activity has folks wanting to see my floor plan.  I’ll put one up of the drawing and then try to go back and drop some photos into the areas to give you an even better idea of my rooms!

This is Level One:

And this is Level Two:

 

How much will all this cost a month?

You have many options when it comes to a mortgage on this home.

Based on the sales price of $348,843.00 with a 15% down payment; your monthly payment for a 30 year mortgage would be approximately (drum roll, please) … only $1555.00 per month.

Your rent on an apartment in the city is more than that!!!

This

Rent on an apartment can run more than $1555.00 per month!

OR

You could own an entire farmette in the country!

Lovely Victorian farmette for sale on Eastern Shore of Virginia. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 half baths; 3.5 +/- acres numerous outbuildings.  Come for a weekend and stay for a lifetime.  Escape the city and enjoy your life!

What are you waiting for?  Life is what happens while you’re making plans…

Just another ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUS SPRING DAY!

Well, that might depend on where you are today.  Are you stuck in the City? Still wishing you had the nerve to take advantage of the terrific prices in the current real estate market?

You have a unique opportunity to own a historic home that is over 125 years-old and has only had THREE owners in that long-span of time.  Are you wondering why there have been so few owners over such a long period of time? Because once you live here, you won’t want to leave!

If  you were here  . . .you would be enjoying an unbelievably beautiful Spring Day.  You would be rambling around your spacious 125-year-old Victorian home.

You would be relaxing in a pair of your favorite jeans and knocking around the hundred-plus-year-old English boxwood gardens picking flowers on a lazy Saturday morning.  Then you’d be enjoying a great cup of fresh brewed coffee while you take your time and assemble lovely arrangements to scatter around the house.

Yesterday, upon returning from a brief Washington, D.C. business trip, (and thankful that it takes only a few hours drive, and only two turns, to get from downtown Washington, D.C. to my doorstep); my owner was astounded at the number of blooms bursting everywhere on my lovely grounds.  (What, you are not used to a house talking to you?  This is MY blog, remember?)

It took less than five minutes to gather and assemble this outrageously beautiful arrangement!

If you want to escape the city, this IS the place to accomplish your dream.  If you enjoy the beauty of nature, bird watching, gardening, growing and arranging flowers – you will be in heaven on my grounds.  All of this for less than the price of a condo in the city!

Priced to entice at $348,843.00, it’s time to take your dreams seriously.  What are you waiting for?

Life is what happens while you are making plans.

Lovely Victorian farmette for sale on Eastern Shore of Virginia. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 half baths; 3.5 +/- acres numerous outbuildings.  Come for a weekend and stay for a lifetime.  Escape the city and enjoy your life!

Pink Dogwood tree in backyard.

Towering Bay Tree next to Beautiful White blooming tree in back yard.

Pink Camellia's in the side yard.

White Lilacs blooming in foreground of 100+ year-old Crepe Mrytle

White Camellia's blooming on shady side of house.

No, seriously . . . What are you waiting for?!

Unlimited flowers at your finger tips!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

What could be more romantic than waking up in a beautiful 1886 Victorian home each and every day?  Or coming home to your weekend home on the shore?

Enjoy the day, tell someone you love them and make an appointment to come see this wonderful home!

Just a test.

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