Find your own ideal piece of Chesapeake Bay waterfront
Chesapeake Bay waterfront property comes at a premium for a good reason: It’s invariably stunningly beautiful. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to witness the sun gleaming off the shimmering silver surface of the Bay or one of its thousands of rivers or tidal creeks, with ospreys whistling overhead and a great blue heron poised at the edge of the reeds, ready to pounce on breakfast.
Of course, there are some practical considerations beyond just the cost. In the Bay area, we have several tiers of homes with water access: waterfront, which means a home that’s adjacent with direct water access; water view, which is not exactly right on the water but close enough to see it daily; water privileged, which means being in a community that has a communally owned beach, boat ramp and marina (or any combination thereof); and winter water view, where once the leaves drop, you can get a glimpse of the water if you lean out of your bathroom window at just the right angle. The relative price for properties generally decreases the further they get from the water’s edge.
There are features that impact the relative price of waterfront properties as well. Some lots are so far up the creek that they’re only technically waterfront twice a day, at high tide, while others boast water deep enough to moor a yacht. Zoning regulations can restrict how close to the water’s edge you can build, and how much foliage you can remove to improve the sightlines or govern the size of a pier.
While global warming has made the winters in this region milder, it’s also caused sea level rise. A wise buyer will consult the Sea Level Rise Viewer, a tool provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on their website. It will give you an idea of where the water’s edge is projected to be 50 years from now. Ironically, there are areas in the southern portion of the Bay where the sea level is rising at the same time the land surface is subsiding. This online tool can give you the assurance you need when making such a big investment.
Erosion is a constant problem on the Chesapeake Bay. Fortunately, a relatively new technique called a “living shoreline” can provide protection from the action of the tide and waves at the same time it improves the natural habitat. Instead of a solid rock wall from one side of the property to the other, a living shoreline comprises a series of low stone sills separated by gaps, backfilled with sand and planted with native grasses and shrubs. The gaps allow access in-and-out water access for horseshoe crabs, diamondback terrapins, grandkids and other wildlife.
While the Chesapeake Bay is just 200 miles long from mouth of the Susquehanna River at Havre de Grace, Md., to where the Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean between Cape Henry and Cape Charles, Va., there are 11,000 miles of shoreline, and one little piece of that could be yours. The fun part is in the finding of it. Start exploring now.
David Dew
(804) 436-3106 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Managing broker, David started his real estate career 20+ years ago and knows the market extensively. Richmond, VA native, David moved to White Stone with his wife Katie Horsley Dew. Before real estate, he was a loan officer and branch manager at a local bank. David and Katie have successfully made a team for themselves as leading brokers with Platinum sales and Top Agent awards. The relationships and dedication to their career fulfill them to serve their clients. David and Katie reside on Dymer Creek with their two children and thoroughly enjoy and are grateful for all life has to offer.
Katie Horsley Dew
(804) 436-6256 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Growing up in the family firm, Katie has been surrounded by real estate her entire life with her grandmother, founder of Horsley Real Estate and father, now principal Broker, passing along the work ethics and marketing skills to continue to grow with her buyers and sellers, and set the family firm above the rest. A husband and wife team, David and Katie cover all the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay, specializing in waterfront estates and homes. Blessed with two children, David and Katie reside on Dymer Creek and love living a fulfilled life with family and business.
Neena Rodgers
(804) 436-2326 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Neena has been a top producer and consistent Platinum Award recipient since joining the Horsley firm in 2003. She is proud to have been named a Top Virginia Realtor 5 years in a row. A Cum Laude graduate of American University, Neena and her husband moved to “The River” in 2001 for the wide open spaces and uncluttered waterways, and her family relishes their time cruising and sailing. Neena’s clients love her tenacity and integrity, and she attributes her success to hard work, an extensive knowledge of the waterways and care and concern for every client. Neena manages the Horsley office in Deltaville.
Sandra Lent
(804) 694-6101 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
With a career that spans 20+ states and thousands of transactions, Sandi has devoted her career to residential real estate. Whether a waterfront estate or cozy condominium, Sandi’s analytical perspective and negotiating skills are ideal in guiding her clients to fulfill their real estate goals. White glove service is her trademark, providing uncommon experience in every type of residential sale. When she and husband Tim chose the Piankatank River in Hartfield as their new home in 2001, Sandi put this knowledge to work. She appreciates and understands all the amazing benefits of life in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region.
McKann Payne
(804) 815-4192 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
McKann Payne is a native of Urbanna, in the Middle Peninsula. She is uniquely suited for success in real estate with her in-depth understanding of the region, an astute eye for design, and her superb organizational skills with a can-do attitude. This has earned McKann loyalty and respect in the real estate industry. Prior to entering real estate, McKann was an accomplished master educator for nearly 20 years with superior communication skills, which she has carried into real estate. McKann is a graduate of James Madison University. She and her husband, Chad, and their son reside in White Stone on the beautiful Carters Creek.
Bernadette La Casse
(804) 384-7740 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Bernadette La Casse has lived on the Chesapeake Bay since 2005 and loves the unique charm and laid-back pace of the region. She has been involved in real estate since 2014, and looks forward to helping you navigate your real estate needs. Bernadette is proud to consistently be voted one of the Top Agents in Virginia, and works closely with her team as Broker for the busy Mathews/Gloucester branch office of Horsley Real Estate. She is dedicated to providing the critical local and regulatory information necessary for her clients.
Rosemary Griffith
(804) 387-1807 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Rosemary and her husband have lived in the Bay area since 2009 after building their waterfront home in Mathews. Originally from McLean and Richmond, she knows waterfront living is buying a lifestyle that she loves sharing. She has been a full time Realtor since 2014 after many years in the film business and owning a local food shop in Mathews. She works very hard for her clients to ensure a pleasant and positive experience.
Diana Wolfson
(940)395-1775 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Diana Wolfson a native of Potomac Maryland, grew up on the Chesapeake Bay sailing with her father every weekend. In 2013 she and her husband and two sons relocated to White Stone VA full time and opened NN Burger. Diana became a Realtor in 2017. She has had great success with Isabell Horsley Real Estate working out of White Stone and Urbanna offices. “I have an amazing career serving my clients helping them facilitate their real estate transactions.”
Shelley Ritter
(301) 717-5157 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Shelley has developed an eye for homes through a background in real estate staging, visual merchandising, interior design, and sales. This makes Shelley a great asset in finding you a home or a buyer for your property. Working with clients in the home furnishing fields, Shelley came to appreciate the deep connection between people and their houses. In today’s world, we are spending more time at the home than ever before. Our house has become a home office, our favorite restaurant, and center of family entertainment. Whether you are a buyer or seller, Shelley’s keen eye and creativity can work for you.
Andrea Holt
(804) 854-9530 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Andrea Holt moved to the Chesapeake Bay area from Fairfax, VA in 1997 when she and her family purchased a marina in Deltaville on the Piankatank River. Andrea has combined experience in marketing, general construction knowledge, and above all, a passion for the Bay and rivers of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. She is a consecutive Platinum Sales Awards with the Northern Neck Association of Realtors and is named a Top Agent in Virginia Living Magazine. Today Andrea lives on a 20-acre farm, in Wake, one mile from the Rappahannock River.
Virginia Stoughton
(804) 577-3584 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Virginia has deep family roots in Lancaster County as her family has lived here back to her great grandparents. She was born in White Stone, moved out of the area, and returned in 2006 to raise her three boys. Since starting her real estate career she has earned the loyalty of numerous clients due to her exceptional customer service and knowledge of the area. Virginia is excited to exceed your expectations.
John Mecke
(804) 577-0363 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
John Mecke began his time on the Northern Neck in 1998, but began his love of the Chesapeake in the 1950’s sailing on his father’s Star Class, “Flying Cloud” on the northern Chesapeake Bay. An active member of the community he combines his in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market with 38 years as a Sales & Marketing Executive to offer the skills and business acumen that is important in successfully fulfilling the needs of his many clients.
Margaret Eppes Curtis
(804) 435-2919 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Margaret, a Richmond, VA native, attended St. Catherine’s School. She worked for 46 years and retired from Bank of Lancaster as Vice President and head of the residential lending department specializing in portfolio and secondary market home mortgages as well as coordinating construction loans with owners and builders. After retirement, she became licensed realtor in 2011. She has been married 55 years and enjoys fishing on their charter boat Gypsy Charters with Captain Ted Curtis, sailing, gardening & Mah Jongg.
Rhonda Wells
(804) 436-4709 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Rhonda has lived and worked in the Northern Neck Area for 17 years. She has been a realtor for 34 years and started her real estate career in Richmond, VA. Since then, she has earned many awards. Living in White Stone Rhonda knows the area and knows the ins and outs of the Real Estate business.
Johanna Carrington
(804) 467-9766 – [email protected] – horsleyrealestate.com
Johanna Carrington knows the territory! She and her husband moved over 20 years ago to the Northern Neck, where they raised their three children, and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and friendly community. As an artist and former designer, Johanna has an eye for detail and offers professional guidance for all your real estate needs. Give her a call today to learn about selling your home or starting the search for your dream waterfront or inland property.
Neill Shultz
[email protected] – 804.580.0476 – shultzrealtors.com
Neill has a strong passion for his family and the Northern Neck. Neill is a Virginia native and grew up in the Northern Neck boating and sailing on the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. He also grew up in real estate; his father was a real estate attorney, and his mother has remained a top broker in the area for decades. Neill started in real estate in 2012, joining a family real estate team that represents the top agents with Long & Foster for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia. Neill’s professionalism and knowledge of the market conditions have supported his clients into making educated choices in an ever-changing market. He is an excellent guide through the selling and buying process with strong negotiation and closing skills. Neill is always striving to be at the forefront of marketing, utilizing all of the latest technology to be sure his listings stand out among the rest. More than anything, it is his love for the water and his community that drives his passion in waterfront real estate. Neill has been on the Kilmarnock planning commission for over 6 years and serves his community through volunteer efforts.
Lisa Shultz
[email protected] – 804.724.1587 – shultzrealtors.com
Lisa is a Virginia native and started in real estate in 2012, when she joined her family real estate team. The Shultz Team represents the top agents for Long & Foster with The Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of VA. Service to her community and clients is of the utmost importance. Lisa has been awarded the Long and Foster Service Award 2 years in a row. She also serves on the Long & Foster advisory board for the Richmond/Chesapeake Bay Region. She is tenacious through the negotiation and transaction process, providing her clients support every step of the way. The Shultz Team uses all of the latest technology to market their property listings so that they stand out online and in print. Lisa and her husband, Neill are raising two young children in the Northern Neck and on the waters of The Chesapeake Bay.
Beverly Shultz
[email protected] – 804.436.4000 – shultzrealtors.com
Beverly is an Associate Broker and started in real estate in 1991 in the Northern Neck with Bowers, Nelms & Fonnville. She was named Rookie of The Year and launched her successful career in real estate. In 2012, Beverly joined her son and daughter-in-law in a real estate team. The Shultz Team represents the top agents with Long & Foster for the Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula. Beverly was raised in Mississippi and moved to Northern Virginia with her family in 1979, but once they crossed over the Rappahannock River, they knew they were home. With 30 years of real estate experience in the Northern Neck, Beverly has unsurpassed knowledge of the area’s waterways and lifestyle.
Dawn Parrish
[email protected] – 804.833.5351 – shultzrealtors.com
Dawn began her real estate career in 1997. Starting on the property management side of the industry, she serviced the needs of 200+ residents at multiple properties. The sale of her first home sparked an interest in the buying and selling side of the industry and she became licensed in 2006. She’s found great passion and pride in walking the path of home ownership with many clients throughout the years. Dawn and her husband, Shane, have been married since 2002. They have three children, Jacob, Mya and Courtney with 2 fur babies Levi and Palace. After enjoying part-time river life, they decided to make the Northern Neck their full time home!
Luke Andreae
[email protected] – 866-761-8138 – DiscoverPuntaGorda.com
Luke leads the team of real estate professionals known as The Andreae Group at RE/MAX Harbor Realty in Punta Gorda, FL. Punta Gorda is located on the SW coast of Florida – between Naples & Sarasota. Located at the confluence of the Peace River & Charlotte Harbor, our area offers some of the best fishing & boating in the nation. The protected waters of Charlotte Harbor lead directly to the Gulf of Mexico & beyond. Keep your boat docked at your backdoor & let your adventures begin from your backyard. Our team specializes in waterfront properties – helping boaters & water lovers find their Florida home.
