Northern Neck Real Estate: Southern Style and Charm

The Iconic Crepe Myrtle of the South

Posted on Wed, Apr 29, 2015 @ 04:18 PM

You've probably seen this before. You may even have one in your yard. There is one plant most iconic to Southern living: The Crepe Myrtle (also spelled Crape Myrtle, Southerners unofficially changed the spelling from Crape to Crepe because of the blossom's resemblance of crepe paper.)

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The Crape Myrtle is native to Southern Asia and was introduced to North America in the 1700's by Royal Botanist Andre' Michaux. Michaux collected and studied plant specimens from several continents to help progress the advancements of medicine, agriculture, and carpentry. The Crepe Myrtle was brought to England but European's were unimpressed as the tree wouldn't bloom because the temperature wasn't hot enough. Michaux then brought it to Charleston, South Carolina where it quickly became one of the most sought after plants. In the late 1700's records indicate Crepe Myrtle seeds arrived at George Washington's home at Mount Vernon. Hence, the Crepe Myrtle has been part of the Northern Neck lifestyle for hundreds of years. 

The Crepe Myrtle  maintain blooms in the summer and fantastic fall color. There are many species of Crepe Myrtle that grow to fit the ornamental look a gardner wants. If you're looking to freshen up your current landscaping, or building a home and need new landscaping, consider adding a Crepe Myrtle to the garden for that classic, Southern look. 

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Topics: About the Northern Neck, Northern Neck History, About the Middle Peninsula, Home Construction

New Home in The Landing at Totuskey Creek!

Posted on Wed, Apr 15, 2015 @ 01:12 PM

Mr. & Mrs. Carter were looking for a scenic, low-maintenance home to build the home of their dreams and enjoy their retirement. They found the Landing at Totuskey Creek! Situated on the Northern Neck's Totuskey Creek and approximately an hour from Richmond, VA. The Carter's worked hand in hand with builder/developer Gregory Packett to create a home that exceeded their needs. Here are a few photos from the process...

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Construction started in the Fall of 2014. Several adjustments were made to increase the appearance and utilize the space. 

IMG_5720-1The front of the home has large front and side windows to maximize the water view. The side windows in the photo below ere modified by the owner for increased privacy in the Master Suite.

Side window modification

Here is the finished product:

The front, outside.

Waterfront Landing at Totuskey

The great room gives access to the phenominal views.

Landing at Totuskey

Kitchen options (granite countertops, appliances, lighting, etc. all chosen by the Carters)

Kitchen Landing at Totuskey

The dining area.

Dining Area Northern Neck

Spacious upstairs bedroom.

Upstairs the Landing at Totuskey

Bonus spaces were created upstairs with the Carter's input.

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(Part of the) View from the deck 

Waterfront view on Northern Neck

Here is what the Carter's had to say about the experience:

We are very happy in our new home at the Landing.  Gregory Packett worked very well with us on the price and building details involving our new home.  We are very pleased with his work ethic and commitment in building our home.  We would highly recommend him as your builder. 

 The Carters chose the Pole Green floor plan

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Topics: About the Northern Neck, Northern Neck Real Estate, Northern Neck Waterfront Properties, Building a home, Planning, New Construction Home Sale Northern Neck

Tappahannock Farmers Market Information

Posted on Wed, Apr 08, 2015 @ 12:43 PM

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Tappahannock Farmer's Market

The Tappahannock Main Street Program, the Town of Tappahannock and Essex County have planned a series of monthly Farmers’ Markets located in historic downtown Tappahannock. The markets will be held from 9-1 pm on the third Saturday of each month starting April and running through November.

The Markets will feature: vegetables and fruits; meats and seafood; garden plants and accessories; bread and baked goods; home made crafts and fine arts; and an assortment of restaurant and food vendors, as well as, music by local performers.

The Markets will be located on two blocks of Cross Street between Queen, Prince and Duke Street and on Fountain Green, right in the center of historic downtown Tappahannock.

The 2020 dates are:

May 16

June 20

July 18

August 15  
September 19

October 17

November 21

Come enjoy some hometown hospitality every 3rd Saturday. Each month features live entertainment and the produce changes with the season. Guaranteeing no two Saturdays will be the same!

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Topics: About the Northern Neck, Northern Neck Activities, Northern Neck Adventures, About the Middle Peninsula

Packett Properties Year-End Wrap Up of Construction on the Northern Neck

Posted on Thu, Dec 18, 2014 @ 10:11 AM

We would like to thank all those who visited our website this year. Hopefully this has been a valuable resource for you as you chose where to buy or build a home on the Northern Neck. Here are some of this year's happenings with Packett Properties:

1) Packett Properties completed Town Center Village: a 16-unit, multi-family building in Warsaw, VA. Town Center Village is comprised of two 16-unit buildings that provides affordable luxury housing nestled between Rappahannock Community College Warsaw Campus and downtown Warsaw. Providing residents, great location to all of Warsaw's ammenities. To find out more, visit PackettRentals.com.

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2) A waterview home was completed on Lot 10 of The Landing at Totuskey Creek. This beautiful home boasts an open floor plan, large kitchen and living area, a main floor master bedroom (with walk-in closet), bonus room, and multiple upgrades. The owner built the house as a 'trial' home and is now looking to sell it to build a waterfront home on Lot 2. Apparently the trial is over... visit Century 21 to see the listing.

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3) A waterfront home is nearing completion on Lot 7 of The Landing at Totuskey Creek. The proud owners of this home have been integral in the planing and design process. Working closely with Packett Builders, Inc. the owners have had the home built  to their exact specifications.

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4) Packett Builders, Inc. freshly renovated a waterfront cottage on Piscataway Creek. This home (now on the market) offers gorgeous views, private boat ramp, fresh landscaped yard, oversized deck for entertaining, deep water and detached shed for all of your nautical storage needs. With two master bedrooms (three total) ALL bedrooms have a view of creek. For more information visit OakStone Properties.

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5) Homes, additions, and renovations. Packett Properties had the opportunity to work with customers in all phases of home construtction. Thank you for all those who turn to us for your construction needs. It's been a great year!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-From Packett Properties

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Topics: About the Northern Neck, Northern Neck Real Estate, About the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck Waterfront Properties, Home Construction, Building a home, New Construction Home Sale Northern Neck

Interesting Facts About Turkeys and Thanksgiving (related to the Northern Neck)

Posted on Wed, Nov 26, 2014 @ 10:02 AM

1) The first Thanksgiving may not have included turkey.
While more than 700 million pounds of turkey is consumed (or left-over) from Thanksgiving dinner in the US. There was no specific mention of turkey in the early accounts of 1621. A group went on a 'fowling' mission but that could refer to ducks and geese. Because they lived on both costal and tidal waters, seafood like fish and mussels were most likely the meat consumed.

2) Pumpkin Pie wasn't served in 1621.
Unfortunately, the Pilgrims didn't have flour or an oven after their first harvest. They most likely had pumpkin and or squash, but it wouldn't have been served as a pie like we think of today.

3) The Pilgrims weren't the only Europeans in the New World.
We usually think of the Pilgrims as the only Europeans in America at that time. But there was also about 1,200 colonists in the Jamestown / Middle Peninsula / Northern Neck area of Virginia. There was very little, if any communication between these two groups at that time. The population in Virginia was significantly reduced by about 1/4th after the Indian Massacre of 1622.

4) The potatoes weren't there either...
Potatoes hadn't been introduced in Europe. If they had, they weren't common enough at the time to make a trip to the New World. There are records of eating other roots (yes, potatoes are a root) but there isn't any mention of eating roots and they definitely didn't eat potatoes.

5) Facts about turkeys:
If you're driving around the Northern Neck around dusk, male turkeys (toms) have a few distinguishing features: they're bigger (by about 8 to 10 pounds), they gobble (females make a clicking sound). If you're looking for signs of turkey, a tom's poop is spiraled while the hen's is J-shaped.

6) Thanksgiving isn't the only major holiday where turkey is consumed.
While Thanksgiving is the biggest day of turkey consumption. Christmas and Easter are the second and third biggest holidays turkey is most consumed. On the Northern Neck / Middle Peninsula you can have fresh turkey because, turkey season opens for one day in the Fall: Thanksgiving day.

7) Speaking of hunting, turkeys are very keen.
Don't move! A turkey can sense movement from over 90 yards away. A turkey can run 25 mph and fly up to 55 mph.

8) Eating turkey doesn't make you sleepy.
Turkey doesn't make you sleepy. When you eat a lot of food, particularly carbohydrates like potatoes and rolls, your body needs to digest. So you become sleepy so your body can use energy to digest the food. Similar to when you are sick and sleep a lot.

Now you have some talking points for your thanksgiving meal!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sources:
Smithsonian , History.com

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Topics: About the Northern Neck, Northern Neck History, About the Middle Peninsula

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