April Soundings 2021

The Official Newsletter of Bay Creek, Cape Charles, Virginia

In This Issue: Bay Creek Realty Q1 Real Estate Update

April 2021 | Issue 10

and surpassing

MEETING EXPECTATIONS

Muirfield Bluffs at Bay Creek A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity in a Once-in-a-Lifetime Community Spring is Here and the Nature Preserve is coming to life The Latest from Chef Jason Van Marter | Coach House Tavern, Bay Creek Bay Creek Builder Guild Member Spotlight: K.M. Cash Construction Spring is here and the Pearl Market’s Popping!

Bay Creek Soundings is published regularly by Bay Creek.

Drop us a line at info@BayCreekLife.com or call toll free 844.620.2900 Or you can always see us at BayCreekLife.com

Bay Creek is now in full spring bloom and couldn’t be lovelier. As we head into May, the Bay Creek team is focusing on continuing the trajectory of achievement and the enhancement of the community.

The last six months have seen marked accomplishments in many of our most important initiatives—further activation of our beautiful Nature Preserve, focusing on multigenerational experiences, and enriching the ‘everyday’ of Bay Creek residents and owners. General Manager, Bobby Masters, shares some notable benchmarks that continue to be met and surpassed at Bay Creek.

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Soundings

“When Preserve Communities came to Bay Creek, our team had a very specific but multidimensional mission: To create a dynamic, thriving, multigenerational coastal community on Virginia’s Cape, unprecedented in the region,” says Bobby.

“We held that statement as our North Star and that’s what we reference in everything we do here. We’re constantly evaluating our work and making sure every action is serving the people who live and own here, our guests, and the generations of family and friends that will follow,” he says.

To that end Bobby and the development team continue the hard work of making Bay Creek the most exceptional Eastern Shore retreat it can be, while not disturbing its authentic character.

“The Nature Preserve continues to be one of the most exciting projects here,” says Bobby.

“In the last few months, we have continued to responsibly open up areas for folks to access and enjoy. People are out in the Nature Preserve every day—walking, exploring, taking a bike ride with their family—it’s great.”

“Avid Trails has been a great partnership. They continue their work putting in more trails and opening up these incredible views on the property that people just haven’t seen before,” Bobby explains. “We have had a lot of feedback from residents about the Shoreline Trail Most notably, the conservation efforts and especially,” he adds. “That trail’s giving people Nature Preserve activation has added an this view, probably one of the most spectacular incredible amount of enjoyment for in the community. It was always there, but no Bay Creek residents and guests. one had been able to access it.”

April 2021 | Issue 10

says Bobby. “We’re continuing maintenance on the golf holes that are focused not just on repairs, but also improvements. We’re looking at vastly improved drainage on the course, better bunker condition, and cart paths that are smooth and easy to navigate” he explains.

The Life Center is headed for a much-anticipated renewal, with new furnishings, new landscaping and a focus on beautiful spaces and meaningful programming. “The Life Center is such a great resource for our owners and guests,” Bobby “The Nature Preserve is really one of those once-in- says. “A waterfront pool and those great views, a-lifetime kind of places. It’s something Bay Creek it’s easy to say this is a great space. And it is. But we want people to get the most out of it,” he has that just doesn’t exist elsewhere,” Bobby says. says. “So, we’re not only beautifying the look of it, “In the coming months, we’ll be continuing work on BaseCamp at the edge of the conservation area. we’re adding new fitness classes and focusing on This’ll give folks easy access to kayaking, canoeing, nutrition and wellness programming,” he explains. hiking…anything involving the outdoors.”

“We’re also committed to the education piece of this, too,” he adds. “Joe Fehrer is our on-staff naturalist and he’s conducting nature walks and activities on the Preserve all the time. We believe the programming he’s creating, with the participation of our residents, is going to be a priceless addition to Bay Creek. It’s getting people out there enjoying nature, and that’s a multigeneration thing.”

Beyond the Nature Preserve, Bay Creek is readying itself for an active spring and summer season.

“Golf is a special part of Bay Creek and we’re committed to keeping the courses in top shape,” The Bay Creek beaches are readying themselves for the season too. “We’ll be offering expanded chair and umbrella service at multiple coves, food and beverage, and kayak launching stations this season,” says Bobby. “It was well received last year, and we want to continue to expand that in the upcoming months. We’re looking forward to one of the best spring and summer seasons Bay Creek has ever had.”

Soundings

Bay Creek Realty Q1 REAL ESTATE UPDATE During the past eighteen months, Preserve Communities has invested well over one million dollars in Bay Creek Realty to renovate and improve the Bay Creek Discovery Center, recruit and hire the most talented real estate professionals on the Eastern Shore, and create a marketing program to engage prospective purchasers to visit us and experience the lifestyle of the community and the Eastern Shore through our exclusive “Member For A Stay” package.

The results have thus far exceeded all expectations. Coming off a record 2020 where we welcomed 102 families to Bay Creek as proud new property owners, the first quarter of this year has started off with a roar as well. Typically the quietest time of year for both Discovery Visits and property sales, the community has already welcomed 25 new families to Bay Creek in January, February, and March. Clearly Bay Creek’s one-of-a-kind lifestyle offerings, the majesty of its location on the Eastern Shore, and our new and enhanced amenities and programming are resonating in a big way!

The Power of Bay Creek Realty Bay Creek Realty is owned and managed by Bay Creek’s developer, Preserve Communities.

Located just off Highway 13 on Stone Road, our team is collectively the most knowledgeable, experienced and successful group of professionals in Cape Charles, ready at all times to share the magic of Bay Creek with prospective new owners. All three of our Sales Executives and our Director of Sales reside in Bay Creek; they live this enviable lifestyle every day and they know the property and “what’s next” better than anyone.

As a testament to their undisputed expertise in helping families find the perfect spot within Bay Creek, the Bay Creek Realty team participated in nearly 3 out of every 4, or 72%, of all transactions in 2020, and they have participated in 76% of all transactions so far this year. If this is the year you put a priority on finding your dream place on the East Coast, we would be honored to assist. Call us at 844.620.2900 or send us a message at Info@BayCreekLife.com.

April 2021 | Issue 10

NEW HOMES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Bay Creek’s Showcase Builders are gearing up to build new homes available for purchase in the highly desirable Bayside Village enclave.

Preserve Homes & Neighborhoods (PH&N), the building arm of Preserve Communities, has now broken ground across from the Life Center on the Bayside, which will serve as PH&N’s model home.

PH&N has also commenced construction on the Mason, a 4 bedroom, 4 ½ bathroom home now available for purchase.

The Mason is a quintessential Southern coastal home, with upstairs and downstairs front covered porches that extend the indoor living areas outside, where the sights and sounds of the nearby Chesapeake Bay await. Inside, enjoy gathering with family and friends in the open living and dining area. The inviting breakfast room, adjoining a sleek gourmet kitchen, is the perfect place to grab a light breakfast before heading out for a morning walk through the nearby Nature Preserve. The first-level owner’s suite is perfectly proportioned—a large walk-in closet and private bath along with a door leading out to a sleeping porch. To view a floor plan and learn more about The Mason, click here.

Also in Bayside Village, Showcase Builder Keith Cash of K.M. Cash Construction is beginning construction of a new Cobb House Retreat, while Showcase Builder Laura Zito of Terry Industries is preparing to break ground on a new Oyster Bay Cottage.

Designed by Allison Ramsey Architects, one of the Southeast’s most acclaimed coastal home designers, The Cobb House Retreat (shown below) and Oyster Bay Cottage are historic-inspired 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom cottages offering wonderfully spacious layouts with a distinctive seaside charm. The large great room and dining spaces flow effortlessly into the well-proportioned kitchen, offering open and comfortable areas for gathering. There are two bedrooms downstairs, including the Owner’s Suite, and a second Owner’s Suite upstairs that could also serve as a home office or kid’s gameroom area. For outdoor living, these homes deliver with a covered front porch and spacious screened porch adjacent to the family room.

Soundings

FINAL PHASE RELEASED FOR PALMER LAKE VILLAS

Artist’s conceptual illustration. Subject to change.

Artist’s conceptual illustration. Subject to change.

Just twelve short months ago, we introduced the Palmer Lake Villas, a collection of thirty new homes nestled along the 12th and 13th holes of the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. Designed and crafted by Bay Creek Showcase Builder Beacon Homes, these Villas have been masterfully crafted to appeal to full-time residents as well as families desiring a carefree and low-maintenance second home. With over 1,800 square feet of beautifully designed living space on the main level, including three bedrooms, this enclave has proven to be the perfect combination of product and location for so many families this past year.

We are now proud to announce the Final Release of these fantastic Villas beginning April 1st, 2021.

There are only seven homes remaining, and the locations represent some of the best spots in the entire enclave. Live right on the 13th green of the Palmer Course, choose a view across Palmer Lake to the 12th green, or enjoy the luxury of a larger yard just across from the links. With prices in the Final Release starting at $459,000, the incomparable lifestyle of a Palmer Lake Villa is well within reach.

Artist’s conceptual illustration. Subject to change.

April 2021 | Issue 10

MUIRFIELD AT BAY CREEK FIRST PROPERTY RELEASE COMING SOON

If you’ve researched master-planned communities on the coast of the Eastern Seaboard, you know Bay Creek is a very special place. There is no other homeplace we know of that combines the elements of earth and water the way one finds them presented on the Eastern Shore. Bay Creek itself is a wonderfully beautiful place to live, but when you add in the awe-inspiring natural splendor of its surroundings, you have a way of life that simply cannot be duplicated on the East Coast.

There are many beautiful spots in Bay Creek that are graced by beautiful homes. The variety of neighborhoods that have been designed here and the palette of home options each enclave offers is what helps give Bay Creek its charm and character. This Spring, a brand-new enclave, the village of Muirfield, will take its place at Bay Creek as home to some of the most spectacular views in the entire Southeast.

Muirfield is a collection of 123 new homesites, offering pastoral settings along a tranquil pond, dramatic golf course and lake views, and the Muirfield Bluffs, a collection of 19 homesites along the 4th and 5th holes of the Nicklaus Signature Course with jaw-dropping views framed by the beach and the Chesapeake Bay beyond.

Muirfield Bluffs at Bay Creek: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity in a Once-in-a-Lifetime Community Muirfield Bluffs will soon become known as one of the most premier locations found in any master-planned community anywhere in the Southeast. As the first offering within the new village of Muirfield, we will offer the opportunity to purchase these properties through a special Pre-Development Reservation Program. To learn more about the Reservation Program and how you can be among the first to preview and ultimately own one of these “trophy” properties, please contact us at 844.620.2900 or send us a message at Info@BayCreekLife.com.

Soundings

AND THE NATURE PRESERVE IS COMING TO LIFE We’re noticing the buds and blooms that are popping up everywhere at Bay Creek, but that’s not the only thing happening out among the waterways and forests of the Nature Preserve. Joe Fehrer, Bay Creek’s staff naturalist, has been observing spring as it arrives in the Nature Preserve, and is sharing his nature knowledge with others.

We caught up with him to see what’s happening out on the property.

April 2021 | Issue 10

“Things are really coming to life on the Preserve, in Plantation Creek and along the beachfront,” says Joe. “The cycle of life always amazes me this time of year. Trees are in bloom right now and in the next month, things are really going to pop, from the plants in the meadows, the shrub layer, all the way up to the tree canopy. The salt marsh is starting to really green up, too, which is always a nice sign of spring.”

“We had a lot of nature walks in the month of March, at least two a week, sometimes three,” says Joe. We’ve had great attendance which is personally satisfying for me. It shows that Bay Creek residents are interested enough in the Preserve area to take their time and go for a walk in the woods…meadow or beach.”

Joe tells us the bluebird boxes will also support other native birds like chickadees and green tree swallows. For those who’d like to see the boxes, the numbered boxes are placed along the Big Preserve Loop, a section of trail that stretches from Base Camp to the west. “It’s going to be a fun project,” adds Joe. “Ultimately, we’d like to put up more boxes to finish a bluebird trail in that area.”

Joe has also been out in the field evaluating the state of the Preserve and thinking ahead to the future.

“I’ve been doing some field work and getting a few ideas on potential restoration projects…things like habitat enhancement work,” Joe says.

The Bay Creek Stewardship Club was formed last year and its members, who are Bay Creek residents and owners, continue to be active. “We have a good core group of members,” says Joe. In the last few weeks, the Club members have installed eight bluebird boxes and two wood duck boxes out on the Preserve. The bluebird boxes, Joe explains, are going to be a citizen science project. “They’ll be monitored and maintained by our volunteers,” says Joe. “It’s good for everyone— it’s fun and it’s valuable to get anecdotal reports back about the birds on the Preserve.”

If you’re wondering what you might encounter out on your morning walk or afternoon bike ride in the Nature Preserve, the answer is ‘a lot!’ “There are a lot of plants in the Bay Creek community in flower of course; on the Preserve itself most of the trees and shrubs are in heavy bud right now,” Joe explains. “The red maples have bloomed, and the sweetgum, oaks and other species are starting now.

Soundings

Spring is Here continued

As far as wildlife, Joe is pleased with what he has been observing. “There are a lot of eagles on the Preserve property, and the osprey returned a couple of weeks ago. “We’re starting to get a trickle of neo-tropical songbirds and warblers, with pine warblers making an appearance,” says Joe. “The waterfowl and winter sparrows for the most part have left. In the next month, we’ll see a lot more songbird species making their way up from central and south America,” Joe explains.

“We’ll also see a lot of shore birds that are also making their migration—in some cases from Tierra del Fuego all the way to the Arctic Circle,” Joe says. The Chesapeake Bay region is one of their main stop-over points on their migration, and they depend on this area for food and sustenance on their trip north.

“Some of the amphibians like spring peepers and chorus frogs have made themselves known.

They’re well into their mating season and they’ve been very vocal,” explains Joe. “That’s a good indicator that the fresh water quality is good here.

We’ve also seen painted turtles coming up from the mud sunning themselves on logs in a few of the Preserve ponds.”

Things are waking up on the beach, too. “Some of the little beach animals are starting to come to life, like the ghost crabs,” says Joe. “I was showing some folks on a beach walk last week a ‘beach hopper’—just a tiny one-inch-long amphipod that lives its whole life on the beach,” says Joe. “They’re out and scurrying around.”

April 2021 | Issue 10

Starting in April, Joe will be doing nature walks at least three times a week. “We will increase frequency of the walks in May and certainly over the summer,” says Joe. “We’ll do walks several times a day, from early in the morning to twilight. As more summer residents arrive at their vacation homes, and other visitors join us, there will be ample opportunity to get out on the Preserve and explore the area.”

Most important, says Joe, is instilling an appreciation of the outdoors in future generations and in those who haven’t had the chance to truly experience its wonder. Bay Creek is an ideal place to introduce people to the diversity and magnificence of the natural world and help them forge an emotional connection with it.

Joe will also be taking to the water for some of his guided explorations. “We’ll be doing water tours by small boat, mostly in an around the salt marshes on Plantation Creek,” he says.

“We’ll also be doing a lot of marsh and inner tidal ecology, looking at the mudflats and the animals that make their home there. As we get into May, we’ll be venturing out into the Bay proper, kayaking from Plantation Creek into the Bay, as weather allows” Joe adds. “There we’ll be exploring some of the inner tidal sandbars, breakwaters and the beach.”

“The little one-inch amphipod on the beach is no less important than the osprey,” says Joe of the amazing ecosystem that thrives here. “It’s all connected.”

Bay Creek invites residents, owners and guests to set out and explore the incredible natural wonderland that surrounds us here, and connect with nature as it continues to bloom and come to life this spring.

Soundings

THE LATEST FROM

Chef Jason Van Marter COACH HOUSE TAVERN, BAY CREEK

Jason Van Marter joined Bay Creek as Executive Chef just a few months ago and is already making his mark at the Coach House Tavern. His enhanced Coach House Tavern menu has drawn praise from residents and guests alike.

With a focus on fresh, local and unique, the response and support he and his team have received from members has been impressive. “Things have been great,” Jason says. “We’ve been busy and we’re seeing a lot of guests now.”

With new menu items being added and delectable variations on Eastern Shore favorites like soft shell crabs, The Coach House is a definite must stop for any foodie’s destination list.

April 2021 | Issue 10

When it comes to innovating new dishes, local bounty is a great source of inspiration for Jason.

“Soft shells are a big thing here on the Shore,” says Jason. “Having an early season like we’ve had with the cold spell was really nice...and the crabs are beautiful.”

Typically, you’ll find a soft shell crab served up batter fried in a sandwich. Jason has a fresh take that really lets the flavor of the crab come through.

“I like to serve it over a salad with a little bit of micro mustard and arugula. I’ll use some citrushoney vinaigrette, add tomatoes, cucumber, some pickled onion… that’s where we’ve taken it at the Coach House,” he says.

Jason’s diverse culinary experience means Coach House guests can expect some spectacular variety in flavor and presentation, as well. “With my background in sushi, of course I’m doing spider rolls with the crab as well,” he smiles. “Our guests can expect to see those in different formats throughout the season.”

A great dining experience requires a truly great team. Just as the Coach House menu continues to expand under Jason’s expertise, the Bay Creek team is expanding as well. “The vision that Preserve has for Bay Creek is great. We’re continuing to build our team and in April, we’ll be putting on a job fair to bring in people for many new positions in the community. Food and beverage, activities, golf course...I’m looking forward to meeting future team members and continuing to strengthen the great team we have here at Bay Creek,” Jason says.

We’re pleased to count Jason as a member of the Bay Creek family and look forward to what great culinary creations lie ahead. As for Coach House guests, Jason says they can expect continued creativity on the Coach House menu, the freshest local produce, seasonal delights, and as always, a few scrumptious surprises, too.

Soundings

Bay Creek BuilderGuild MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

K.M. CASH CONSTRUCTION Creating fine living spaces since 1989, Keith Cash, President of K.M. Cash Construction, is a third generation Class A Contractor uniquely suited to helping clients build the home of their dreams.With extensive experience in both new construction and renovation, Keith Cash and his team are experts at bringing a client’s vision to life.

April 2021 | Issue 10

Bay Creek Builder Guild members must be not only exceptional builders, but good partners in the home building process. The team at K.M. Cash Construction is this and more. Over the past several decades they have partnered with scores of clients to craft truly exceptional homes.

Beyond high standards and superior construction, a K.M. Cash home is also energy efficient and custom made to suit their clients’ lifestyle.

“We believe that successful construction isn’t just about the final result, it’s about the entire experience from design to communication to building a stunning home that clients love,” says Keith.

Leading the way in home building by way of design, quality, service, inclusions, delivery, overall high performance and customer satisfaction, K.M. Cash Construction fulfills every aspect of service with 100% commitment. They take pride in the quality of their work, treating every house with the same enthusiasm and respect to ensure an outcome which is tailored to each client’s needs.

When it comes to building a residence at Bay Creek that can become a generational homeplace, experience, communication and excellence are paramount. Keith Cash works with a highly acclaimed, highly qualified team of designers, project managers, tradesmen and suppliers whose experience and professionalism lead the field.

And though their award-winning craft is impressive, it’s their personal commitment that has earned them high praise and long term relationships with their clients.

“Our diligence, honesty and attention to detail enables us to exceed client’s expectations.

We are looking forward to building your dream home.” ~ Keith Cash, President and Founder

We welcome K.M. Construction to the Bay Creek Builders Guild.

Soundings

SPRING IS HERE

Pearl Market’s Popping!

AND THE

The people who call the Eastern Shore home are a diverse and talented bunch. Our local artisans, farmers and producers are what give this incredible region its style, flavor and fun. And if you’re looking to experience what we’re talking about, there’s a little spot along Latimer Siding Road you won’t want to miss: The Pearl Market.

April 2021 | Issue 10

We are so excited to announce that one of our favorite hubs for all things local and lovely is gearing up again for a great season—The Pearl Market is opening, and we have our reusable totes ready!

Co-owners Eyre Baldwin and Taylor Custis created The Pearl Market to bring the local flavor and art of the Eastern Shore to passersby, vacationers and residents. Nearly one year in, that’s just what they’ve done. This season, they’ll be kicking things off with a Pearl Market Pop-Up on Saturday, April 24th from 9am to 2pm. From there, they’ll be open every Saturday, 9am - 12pm for their full season which, runs from May 15 - October 30, 2021.

We recently spoke with Taylor Custis about this year’s lineup of vendors and, rest assured, it could take you the whole season to see everything at the market!

“We have had many new vendor inquiries for this season,” says Taylor of the market’s popularity.

“We’re getting inquiries from Virginia Beach as well, so that’s exciting.”

With most of their regular vendors from last season planning to return and new folks ready to make their Pearl Market debut, this fun, funky roadside retreat will have something for everyone.

Who’s in the market for 2021? Just to name a few: Amy B Kitchen Foodies, take note! Try her Mushroom, Leek and Swiss tarts—yum!

Bay Atlantic Seafood Fresh local seafood from the Bay, Ocean and beyond Eastern Shore Coffee Roast 100% natural, locally roasted eye-openers!

Barrier Island Salt Wild & pure flake sea salt from ESV Chatham Flower Farm Naturally grown, specialty cut flowers and herbs Table & Tonic Stylish entertaining goods for the discerning host Love & Canna Unique hemp boutique The Dink Shop Pickleball anyone?

Artemis & Cauldron A thoughtfully curated modern witch’s apothecary Ed & Marianne Vance Woodworking Beautiful hand carved wooden bowls and other carved decorative objects Mint & Honey Handmade jewelry and accessories Seafield Farms Growing vegetables, hens, bees and…art!

Seaside Coops Family-owned local poultry farm Soup Love Specialty soups with ‘love’ as the first ingredient!

And more…

There are many more artisans, craftspeople, farmers, The Pearl Market states that they love “Connecting and watermen, both returning and new, who are Eastern Shore Farmers, Growers, Producers & excited to be a part of this who’s who of Eastern Artisans with Locals, Travelers and New Friends from Shore awesomeness.

Near and Far.” So whether you’re a Cape Charles local or a visitor headed to ESV for a getaway this What’s the best way to keep up with what the folks at summer, consider this your invitation, friends! See The Pearl Market have in store? Taylor says a follow you at The Pearl Market. on Instagram @pearlmarketcc or facebook.com/ pearlmarketcc is a great way to see the very latest as The Pearl Market 4198 Latimer Siding Rd , Cape Charles, VA 23310 the season goes on.

Something for Everyone on Virginia’ s Cape

2 miles of private beach. 27 holes of golf.

And 1,720 acres to isolate in nature.

Perched along the sparkling Chesapeake Bay, Bay Creek is a prime place to experience a perspective-changing, waterfront vacation. At the southernmost tip of Virginia’s Cape, the waters around Bay Creek and Cape Charles are some of the most bountiful and scenic waterways on the East Coast. Fishing, kayaking, crabbing, boating or simply ‘floating along’ are part of daily life here. Add two glorious miles of private beaches along the Bay and you’ve

A Preserve Community

found absolute perfection. Whatever your passion, the waters of Bay Creek and the Eastern Shore invite you to embrace it.

Homesites from the $80s New Homes from the $400s

Visit BayCreekResort.com to inquire about our Vacation Packages Toll Free

844.620.2900

info@ BayCreekLife.com

BayCreekResort.com

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or values, if any, of the property. This is not intended to be and does not constitute an offer in any state or jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prices and square footages are provided for reference only but are subject to change and not guaranteed. Sales by Bay Creek Realty/Broker. ©2021 Bay Creek. All rights reserved.