3393 HERONS GATE
MIDDLE PLANTATION

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show & Festival had been terrific. The weather had cooperated and the artists had actually brought some of their best work. We had gone there looking for specific pieces to decorate our wonderful new home at 3393 Herons Gate in Middle Plantation, which is on Virginia Beach’s Little Neck peninsula. Fortunately most artists welcomed credit cards and we did our best to insure a profitable trip for them and to prop up the US economy.

Now with the back of our SUV loaded with new art work, paintings, wall hangings, and other decorative gems, we turn on Little Neck Road at The Home Depot. Two miles away from Middle Plantation. The calming drive eases the anxiety of our new debt, as we pass St. Nicks, Kings Grant Presbyterian Church, Little Neck Swim & Racquet Club, and our own VBFD Station 20. We turn into Middle Plantation, swing around the Quay, then turn right on Herons Gate. Our stylish Tudor with its exposed aggregate drive and walkway – both accented by inlaid brick – awaits us.

Our two car garage is still full from the move so we begin unloading the car and head to the front door. The striking foyer still amazes us with its ceramic tile and inlaid, mosaic-like marble design. We walk to the right to the large living room with its cathedral ceiling, etched glass windows, and 600 year old, reclaimed Asian hardwood flooring … stunning! The same unique flooring continues into the dining room which has views of the back yard, decking, and gazebo.

Into the kitchen we go and grab glasses of chilled Pinot Gris from the refrigerator. The kitchen’s center is the island with Corian countertops – like the rest of the kitchen - and a dual fuel, gas/electric cooktop. Nearby are our double ovens. The ceramic tile floors lend even more elegance to the décor. Our large bright sunroom is the next room we enter en route to the back yard and deck. A wall of windows lets light in, muted by the shade trees populating the lot.

We amble over the stained decking to the screened gazebo and turn on the hot tub to which we’ll return very soon.

Back in the house make a quick stop at the downstairs half bath which has a granite countertop & a stained glass window. Grabbing a couple of pieces of artwork destined for the family room, we head there and position one piece on the mantle above the fireplace – as we intend to do over the mantle in the living room’s fireplace. Two more small pieces we take to the 4th bedroom (which has its own full bath and is above the garage & accessible via handy nearby stairs).

With more paintings under our arms we head upstairs to the other 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Our master suite is huge with its own office overlooking the gazebo and deck. The master bath, or spa would be a better term, is what sold us on the home: granite counters, separate vanity areas, ceramic tile, and a comfortably large jetted tub. The step-in shower & toilet are in their own private room. Then there’s the nearby walk-in closet which is actually large enough for both of us!!

We quickly check out the hall bath and other 2 bedrooms mentally positioning where our new artwork will go.

It had been a long day on the Boardwalk and that gazebo and hot tub are beckoning, really beckoning. We zip back through our kitchen, refill our glasses, and head straight for the private seclusion of our personal retreat. Leaning back in the aromatic, bubbling water we discuss the merits of FoxNews vs. ESPN as the choice on the suspended TV, sip our wine, and settle in for a time of relaxation and ....…