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South Harbor Is Featured In National Real Estate Website

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John Burns Real Estate Consulting, a nationally acclaimed real estate resource, is featuring South Harbor in its November Design Lens website. The site features communities that use innovative trends and community design. This website is for members only, but you can read the story they posted below.

What is the vision for the community?

South Harbor was designed as the ultimate “fun-first” 55+ community — where every day feels like a vacation and neighbors quickly become friends. Our vision was to create a place where active adults can live fully, stay fit, connect often, and embrace a lifestyle filled with laughter, wellness, and discovery.

Is there anything notable about the history of the site?

East West Communities has deep roots in this region, having developed five other master-planned communities within 10 miles of South Harbor. The property sits in scenic Isle of Wight County, Virginia, near the James River, surrounded by creeks and natural tributaries. The site features a scenic tidal creek that divides the property — which is now joined by a signature bridge allowing two-way golf cart traffic connecting the homes on the southern side of the community with the spectacular Residents’ Club and amenities across the way.

Can you share a general timeline for how this community came to be?

East West Communities acquired a portion of the land in 2016 and acquired the remainder of the property and had the land rezoned in 2020. South Harbor joins a proud legacy of award-winning East West neighborhoods nearby, including Eagle Harbor (just across the street); Gatling Pointe/Gatling Pointe South and Benns Grant in nearby Smithfield; Founders Pointe in Isle of Wight County; The Riverfront in Suffolk; and Liberty Ridge and Summerplace in Williamsburg. These communities are home to over 4,800 families.

Are there any themes or values to the community? How were they integrated?

Five themes were explored during community planning:

  • Peaceful, serene setting
  • Extraordinary amenities
  • Active lifestyle
  • Wellness
  • Fun

“Fun” was the clear winner — and it became the foundation of everything we do. You’ll find it in the Residents’ Club décor (complete with a jukebox, popcorn machine, table shuffleboard, and a Pac-Man game table), in our year-round lineup of events hosted by a full-time Director of Fun, and throughout the SportsGarden® – where neighbors compete, laugh, and play together in 10 different games and sports including pickleball, bocce, shuffleboard, a 2,200 square-foot putting green, horseshoes, and more.

How many homes will be built at completion? How far along are you now?

Launched in March 2023, South Harbor has already sold 190 homes — making it 56% sold out. Upon completion, the community will feature 340 homes, including 112 single-family detached homes and 228 attached townhomes.

Can you provide insight into the site planning?

Preserving and capitalizing on the land’s natural beauty was a top priority. Two sections had been previously farmed and naturally became the location for the home sites and amenity area. The remaining 40% of the land has been kept as protected open space, ensuring lush tree buffers and natural privacy for many homes. In fact, 65% of the homes back up to natural areas.

Tell me about the amenities.

South Harbor’s amenities redefine resort-style living:

  • Residents’ Club with indoor and outdoor entertaining areas
  • Heated resort pool with lap swimming, water aerobics, volleyball & extended season
  • Sun shelf with chaises and shaded areas
  • Outdoor hot tub with a cascading waterfall
  • Fireplaces,  fire tables, and multiple covered outdoor gathering spaces
  • Pedestrian bridges linking to miles of nature trails and sidewalks
  • SportsGarden® featuring:
    • Two lighted pickleball courts
    • Bocce ball, cornhole, horseshoes, shuffleboard, putting green, badminton
    • Grandkids’ playground and dog park
  • Year-round events & social programs
  • Walkable access to shops, restaurants, and parks
  • Close proximity to the James River, shopping, parks, and wellness facilities

What is most popular among residents?

Pickleball, pool time, and evenings around the fireplaces and fire tables are on the list, but it is the miles of walking paths that we hear is the most popular amenity! Residents love the outdoor spaces that seamlessly flow from the clubhouse to covered patios, lounge areas, and gathering spots designed for easy conversation and connection.

Lifestyle programming – what events and activities do you offer?

With a full-time Director of Fun, there’s something happening every week! Popular events include:

  • Holiday Celebrations
  • SportsGarden® Concerts & Games
  • Food Truck Nights
  • Wine & Beer Tastings
  • Potluck Dinners
  • Thirsty Thursdays & Friday Night Cheers
  • Oktoberfest, Halloween Fright Night, Holiday Cookie Exchange
  • Dive-in Movies
  • Polar Bear Plunge
  • Adult Luaus and Block Parties
  • Sports Tournaments
  • Chili Cook-Offs
  • Paint Nights
  • Game Nights
  • Dinner & a Movie
  • Book Club, and more!

Were any notable consultants involved?

Yes – Basham & Lucas Design Group of Jacksonville, Florida, served as amenity designer. This talented firm has partnered with East West on numerous award-winning communities and plays a key role in creating our signature resort-style environments.

What architectural styles are featured?

Inspired by the waterways and coastal charm of Hampton Roads, both the homes and clubhouse reflect a relaxed Coastal Craftsman style — light, breezy, and timelessly inviting.

Marketing and branding success:

Our playful, signature theme — “Because We’re Not Kidding When It Comes to Having Fun” — has resonated strongly with prospects and residents alike. It perfectly captures the personality of South Harbor and the joyful, spirited lifestyle that defines the community.

Anything else worth noting?

South Harbor is now the best-selling active-adult new home community in the area. It’s home to singles and couples, many of which are grandparents who moved here to be close to their family, who value connection, comfort, and affordability — with homes starting in the low $300s. We’re most proud of the friendships, laughter, and happiness that fill every corner of this community.