Builders, vendors and local politicans sign a pledge to use at least 5% American made products in their homes.

Homearama 2012 at Culpepper Landing marks the 30th anniversary for Tidewater Builders Association’s Homearama in South Hampton Roads and the 16th time it has been hosted by the City of Chesapeake. Eight fully furnished and landscaped homes ranging from the $350,000s and higher will be featured in the showcase event.

View the 8 homes that are under construction now at Culpepper Landing. Builders include T.E. Jones of Vintage Homes, Chip Iuliano of ABT Custom Homes, Michael Brunick and John Reddecliff of Definitive Homes, Sam Cohen of Joey Corp., Les Ore of Les Ore Construction, Terry Neal of Reliant Construction Corp., Jimmy Richardson and Edward Hewitt of Richardson Homes/Viridian Homes, and Steve, Stephen and Alex Quick of Stephen Alexander Homes.

For news, photos and updates, you can also visit the Culpepper Landing Facebook page.

My first adventure into the Dismal Swamp was many years ago as a lass of 2 or 3. My parents stopped on their way to my Mom’s hometown for a bit of a picnic. There I was -brave little adventuress in my most beautiful dress with a sash and full skirt sitting on the bank of the canal. I can remember thinking okay, here I am with my legs dangling towards the water… now how do I gently get up and over to the picnic table where my Mom was laying out the good stuff? Suffice it to say I must have taken a slide forward instead of backwards and so, with no ceremony but plenty of tears,I fell into the drink. My next memory is of my Dad reaching down and probably by the same tied-in-a-bow sash plunking me out of the water.

A few decades later, I find myself the Co-Mayor (self appointed) of Culpepper Landing, along with Doreen Giuliano, my partner in selling these homes. We have the privilege of watching this community grow. Developed on the Culpepper family farm, bordered by the Dismal Swamp and intra coastal waterway, this development has a vision of a return to a lifestyle of yester year. While the Village of Deep Creek is a memory, we hope here on the Culpepper farm to recreate that community where neighbors know one another, watch each others children grow up and have the kids know the family next door and down the street! In the suburbs it’s a sad fact that type of community doesn’t always exist.

I’ll share the saga of Culpepper Landing as it grows and share a few stories of the history of this area. From the Culpeppers who owned the land and now are the developers, to the street people, (those whose names are used to designate the streets in Culpepper Landing), to the farmers who farmed the area. From Robert Frost to Harriet Beecher Stowe and Moses Grandy, I’ll tell the story of each and more. I want you to know the Village of Deep Creek and how we are turning back time to that way of neighborly living.

We are a traditional neighborhood development that emphasizes a to return to a style of development which encourages neighbors to get to know one another. Front porches and decks look out over the streetscape so as you rock away the cares of the day on your front porch, you can wave and commiserate with the neighbors taking their evening stroll, whether pushing a baby stroller or walking the family dog.

Check back, I’m gabby and have lots to share!