Development Update From The Club
Real Estate at Bay Creek Muirfield New Homes
Featured Builders
Gateway Builders, Schneider Construction LLC, K.M. Cash Construction
Nature Corner with Bay Creek Preserve Ranger, Stan Osmolenski
Chef’s Corner with Bay Creek Executive Chef, Christian Lofland
Spectacular Sailing in Cape Charles
Summer has officially arrived on Virginia’s beautiful Eastern Shore. In many ways, summertime defines the idyllic image of Cape Charles and Bay Creek! Places all along the Cape become gathering spots for residents and visitors seeking sun & fun activities. At Bay Creek, our families create summer memories as they enjoy the private sandy shores, pristine waterways, fairways & greens, and leisurely walks or bike rides on shaded nature trails.
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Bay Creek is a retreat within a retreat, set perfectly among the nostalgic charm, colorful character, and waterfront beauty of Cape Charles. Recently named the ‘Perfect Summer Beach Town’—among many other accolades—Cape Charles offers seasonal delights like no other.
Part of enjoying Bay Creek is the food! Our culinary and service team is hard at work making the Coach House Tavern experience the best it’s ever been. Chef Christian is about to unveil an exciting new menu for summer. We’ve made significant expansions and updates to the Tavern itself—beautifully reimagined interiors, and a new larger kitchen to accommodate the creativity and talents of the chef and his team. We also now have a fantastic Special Events venue, which is quite popular for select private events.
According to Bobby Masters, President of Bay Creek Development, “Cape Charles is a beautiful place to be all year, but there’s no denying summer is as perfect as you can get. Strolling downtown, grabbing an ice cream, shopping, dining, or playing on the beach…there’s an energy here that I’ve never seen duplicated anywhere else.” Downtown Cape Charles is an easy, safe golf cart ride away from Bay Creek, which makes it incredibly convenient. The Bay Creek team is working hard in every season to ensure an experience that’s full of those great moments you remember for a lifetime.
Bay Creek’s racquet sports enthusiasts are passionate about their tennis. For each of them, regardless of skill level, it’s all part of the active, engaging culture of the community. Now, with the meteoric rise in popularity of pickleball, Bay Creek has answered the call to serve up new, dedicated pickleball courts.
Part of the DNA of Bay Creek is authentic, multigenerational experiences. And pickleball is certainly one of those activities. Partly because of
its popularity, partly because it’s easier to learn than some sports and it suits many different abilities and fitness levels.
The plan calls to break ground on six new regulation pickleball courts this summer. The courts will be sited adjacent to the POA pool and the current tennis courts.
According to Masters, “We couldn’t be more excited, and from the reaction we’ve received from our members and guests when they learned about it, I’d say there are a lot of folks who share that feeling.”
Phase One of Bayside Village is fully sold out. Phase Two is garnering a great deal of attention welcoming excited new owners at a steady pace.
The response was predictably strong when Bay Creek announced Phase Two of Bayside Village. If one neighborhood at Bay Creek could be said to embody the energy and spirit of an Eastern Shore summer, it would certainly be Bayside Village. Colorful cottages flow into stately homes with cool, muted seaside tones, plenty of ‘green space’, and infinitely walkable areas that can lead to the Life Center, the pool, the beach, or simply ‘home.’
“It’s no surprise that over a third of the Phase Two sites have already been purchased,” says Bruce Fine, Managing Broker of Bay Creek
Realty. “These homesites offer a lot of variety and unique character, with several properties adjacent to open spaces and others overlooking the 9th fairway of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, complete with a beautiful pond and park area. Even more exciting, three of our Showcase Builders are planning to break ground this summer on a very exciting collection of new homes available for purchase”.
“Of course, living in Bayside Village also means you’ll get those spectacular sunsets over the Bay. We have people asking about our sunsets sometimes. They’ll see posts on Bay Creek’s social media and ask if the photos are real? Let me assure you they are and invite you visit and see it in person!”
One of our favorite pastimes here at Bay Creek is welcoming families who are enjoying their first summer in their new dream home. The wooded trails and water surrounding Bay Creek make up a natural wonderland, so get out and explore. Ranger Stan at Basecamp is a wealth of knowledge and energy. He can help you learn about kayaking the waterways, exploring the trails and identifying our abundant birds and sea life. Join us for a nature hike or around the fire for history and stories.
“There are camps for youth, fitness and wellness programming at the Life Center, and of course, great golf…” adds Bobby. “We have sunset jams on the beach, live music at The Tree of Life on Fridays, and a full schedule of Club events from the golf course to the beach to the Life Center lawn and beyond. If it’s your first summer here, welcome! I know you’ll experience something that might become a family tradition. If you’ve been enjoying Bay Creek and Cape Charles for years, welcome back! I’m sure you’ll discover something new that will surprise and delight you.”
We look forward to welcoming many new residents, and hosting families, guests, and friends old and new this summer in beautiful Bay Creek!
Do you love easy, breezy days along the sparkling Chesapeake Bay beaches? Do you crave the thrill of the greens, a stroll down verdant fairways, the camaraderie of the course? Does getting together with friends, new and old, to celebrate the magic of summer rekindle a spark in you? Well, join the club! Or as Bob Ewing, General Manager of Bay Creek Resort & Club, would say: ‘Really! Join the Bay Creek Club!’ .
Bob and his capable team are well underway delivering an incredible summer season here in the Eastern Shore’s most beautiful community.
“Many of the experiences our members and guests have at Bay Creek—and especially in the height of the summer season—are memories they and their family will carry with them for a lifetime,” says Bob. “So, at the Club, we take their recreation and relaxation very seriously. The experience of members and guests is of utmost importance, and the Bay Creek team conducts every operation of the Club in service to this goal.
Making a splash is a warm-weather tradition here at Bay Creek. The Life Center’s spectacular pools opened in May and are as cool, refreshing, and beautiful as ever. “Our work at the Club is to ensure everyone has a wonderful ‘pool day’ experience,” Bob explains. “Like most things at Bay Creek, the pools are custom-designed and managed to offer premier multi-generational enjoyment.
The lap pool has dedicated special hours for lap swimmers and water aerobics classes, both morning and evening hours. The family pool is also open, and its large size allows it to accommodate a quiet, refreshing dip in one area and an epic splash session in another area, all at the same time.”
The Life Center is in many ways the nerve center for summer life at Bay Creek. Members and guests can enjoy a variety of events and activities that are true memory-makers—s’mores, and outdoor movies on the lawn each Sunday and Wednesday nights, just to name a few.
The Life Center fitness offerings are enhanced this summer with the addition of new fitness instructors who will be helping us maintain a robust schedule of classes and fitness programming: Tabata, Spin, Total Body Workout, Kids Fitness, Tai-Chi, Water Pilates, and more.
With longer days and fantastic Eastern Shore weather, members and guests are, of course, heading to the beach. The private beaches at Bay Creek are one of the true ‘celebrities’ of summertime (though Bay Creek residents know they’re lovely in every season). Bob and his team run a tight ship, so the bayside and beach experience is easy and carefree.
“At the Club, every year is a little different. New members, different interests, even the weather...”
says Bob. “But what cannot vary is the high-end service we strive to bring to our members. This year, we’ve made some key adjustments to our beach service practices accommodating the many members and guests who will be joining us—from food offerings to chair and umbrella service. When it comes to your experience at the beach, we want it to be as close to ‘effortless’ as possible.”
Summer is in many ways ‘showtime’ here on the Eastern Shore when it comes to accommodating our members, their guests, extended families, and first-time visitors. The Club is ready! “In many ways, we prepare for this all year, and I firmly believe we’re set to enjoy one of the best summers ever,” Bob says.
Exciting things have been happening with golf at Bay Creek. A significant expansion has produced a great, new golf shop, which is joined by a new fleet of carts. Some new operational procedures have been implemented to make the golf experience a smooth process. Golf carts are staged on the driving range side of the clubhouse which gives our team a great view from the golf shop, providing the golf team better control of cart usage, which is all about creating the best experience for golfers. The
driving range will be improved with the addition of a synthetic turf hitting area for golfers to use when the range is wet.
“We’ll also have a full schedule of golf tournaments and events this summer,” Bob adds. “I encourage everyone to check the schedule of events early and often to make sure you get in on all the fun! The Bay Creek app is amazing for this—not only for golf but all kinds of activities and events.”
Speaking of events, the Coach House Tavern has undergone an amazing kitchen renovation and is scheduled to reopen in mid-July. The new menus for dining and event catering will roll out as the new kitchen comes online. This, paired with Bay Creek’s fantastic event space opens many avenues for great Club events. It also offers fabulous opportunities for Members to book a private party, assisted by our capable Events Coordinator.
The Bay Creek Nature Preserve is a rare amenity, especially sitting alongside private beaches and award-winning golf. “It’s an amazing ‘bonus’ to the lifestyle here,” says Bob. “This season, we are adding staff to the Preserve team to enhance the already great programming led by Ranger Stan. We’ll have more activities at Base Camp, and more excursions along the trails and the waterways. There’s great interest in getting out in nature and we want to meet that need with the same service and creativity as we do all our Club experiences.”
“This is why our team does what we do behind the scenes... it’s all about giving our members and guests the best experience and then some.”
~ Bob Ewing, Club Manager
This summer, Bob and his team invite members and guests old and new to embrace the season. “Dive in and enjoy it all,” says Bob. “This is why our team does what we do behind the scenes. The front-facing operations—things like beach service, special events at the Life Center, activities out in the nature preserve, special events, golf operations—it’s all about giving our members and guests the best experience and then some.”
During the year, the team works to streamline processes and re-imagine the services that define an enhanced amenity offering. Most importantly, we value honest feedback from Bay Creek members and guests. The goal is to deliver seamless, customer-focused service, a hassle-free experience for the maximum enjoyment of Bay Creek.
“We’re here for them, above all,” he adds. “We look forward to sharing an amazing season with everyone who will be making Bay Creek part of their summer!”
These are exciting times at Bay Creek Realty. As the undisputed leader in home and homesite transactions in Bay Creek, we are preparing for the release of over a dozen new homes available for purchase as well as the new release of the final phase of homesites in Muirfield, one of
Bay Creek’s most coveted neighborhoods. We invite you to learn more about these compelling opportunities, opening the door to begin your family’s next chapter in Virginia’s #1 selling coastal community.
Bay Creek Realty is indeed your best resource for all things real estate at Bay Creek.
Our team posted 21 property sales in May, averaging nearly one transaction a day! Year-to-date there have been 69 total purchases in the community, and Bay Creek Realty has been involved in nearly 70% of them.
We are the experts in Bay Creek—we live here, we belong to the Club, and as part of the developer’s team, we have inside knowledge that other agencies simply don’t have.
We are honored and humbled that so many families choose to work with us in their Bay Creek journey, and we are here for you as well. Whether you’re an existing Bay Creek property owner looking to move within the community or acquire additional property, or you’re a prospective owner thinking about Bay Creek as the perfect homeplace for your family, we stand ready to serve. Call us at 757.331.8742 or email Info@BayCreekLife.com to get started.
With a new family joining us about every three days, there’s no time like the present to make your family’s coastal dream a reality.
Founded in 1744 on the picturesque east coast of Scotland, Muirfield is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. Jack Nicklaus once called this renowned course one of his favorites in all of Europe, and he even named his home course in Ohio after these famous links!
As a tip of the cap to the Golden Bear and his significant contributions to elevating Bay Creek into the ranks of the country’s Top 100 Places
To Live, we introduced Muirfield just a few short years ago as the newest enclave in Bay Creek’s ever-growing family of great neighborhoods to call home.
Nestled along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay and a beautiful stretch of private beach, the village of Muirfield is home to some of the most spectacular coastal views in the entire Southeast. Within this exciting enclave is a collection of stunning homesites, offering pastoral settings along a tranquil pond and dramatic golf course and lake views.
With only 5 properties available for purchase from the original release of 68 homesites, we are excited to announce the release of the second and final phase of Muirfield. These 58 new homesites, scheduled for release in July, are as beautiful as anything you’ll find in Bay Creek.
Imagine sitting on your covered rear porch with your favorite person and your favorite beverage, enjoying views of a gorgeous lake or an emerald green fairway. Perhaps you prefer a view looking directly into a protected forested conservation area, where the view today will be the view forever. With large interior homesites starting in the mid $100s, the possibilities are endless!
We invite you to visit us this summer while the selection is at its absolute best, as these properties are rare and will be nearly impossible to duplicate.
While many families choose to create their new coastal Virginia home from a ‘clean sheet’, others crave to begin their Bay Creek story a bit sooner. Our Showcase Builders are pleased to accommodate, and offer homes of every imaginable size, style and location. Presented here are three new homes available for purchase, under construction and at a stage where your personalized custom touches can still be incorporated.
Bay Creek Realty and Showcase Builder Beacon Custom Homes present Tupelo Park, the epitome of coastal craftsman elegance and comfort. This exquisite, 3,065 square-foot property is in the Muirfield enclave, located on a highly coveted homesite overlooking a pond and fountain. The Tupelo Park features two large front porches to capture the Chesapeake Bay breezes and stunning sunset skies. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 well-appointed bathrooms, this home is the embodiment of upscale living, designed as an ideal homeplace for your family’s coastal lifestyle.
Upon entering the home, the foyer effortlessly leads you into the heart of the home - a large, open-concept living space that includes a modern kitchen, dining area and living room. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, boasting high-end GE Café stainless steel appliances, ample counter space and a large island that can double as a breakfast bar. The living room is expansive and inviting, with a
Artist’s conceptual illustration. Subject to change.
fireplace and double doors that lead out to the rear deck overlooking the pond.
The four bedrooms are a testament to tranquility and comfort, each offering sizable closets and large windows for ample daylight. The Owner’s Suite is a true retreat on the main level with an en-suite bath featuring a luxurious shower and dual-sink vanity. The remaining three bedrooms share two full bathrooms, providing convenience and privacy for family members and guests.
The fortunate owners of the Tupelo Park will also enjoy the special touches that Beacon Custom Homes is renowned for – a Craftsman interior trim package, the efficiency of Rinnai tankless water heaters, the elegance of Marvin Elevate windows and the feel of solid core interior doors. Every detail has been considered, including sleek quartz countertops that grace the kitchen and bathrooms.
Bay Creek Realty and Showcase Builder Virginia Builders present Misty Point. This 2,401 squarefoot property is in the Muirfield enclave, located on a highly coveted homesite overlooking a pond and fountain, embodying the very best of the Bay Creek lifestyle. Like its namesake (the famous Misty Point oyster that thrives in local waters), this home offers utmost quality, irresistible local character and decidedly ‘good taste’.
Reflecting the Tidewater region’s historic architecture, Misty Point’s timeless coastal farmhouse aesthetic is a blend of nature, simplicity and craftsmanship. The façade boasts soaring windows, a generous front porch and
4 BR | 3.5 BA | 2,401+/- SQ FT $991,575
double front doors. Elegant touches abound, like radius roofs that echo the gentle lines of the surrounding bluffs and dunes of the Eastern Shore coastline. Nearly 480 square feet of porches offer ample room to relax.
Step into the open dining and living spaces with soaring vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light. French glass doors offer a view to the back porch, which boasts lovely pond and nature views. The custom kitchen offers a large island, ideal for meal prep or grabbing a quick bite before heading out for a day on the water. A highly functional laundry room with farmhouse sink offers style and space for every task.
FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR
Artist’s conceptual illustrations. Subject to change.
The primary suite offers a double-vanity bathroom with tiled shower, stand-alone tub and a generous closet. Two additional bedrooms on the first floor provide accommodation for family and guests alike. Upstairs, you’ll find a bedroom with full bath and large closet.
A private, outdoor shower with direct access into the home is ideal for the beach and outdoor lifestyle of Bay Creek. And with an expansive garage offering storage for your golf cart and recreational accessories, it’s a breeze to cart over to the beach, the Life Center or the Nature Preserve.
Welcome to the Tangier Cottage, crafted by Showcase Builder David Terry and nestled within the highly desirable Bayside Village enclave. This charming residence boasts classic coastal architecture and is ideally situated just moments away from the Life Center and Bay Creek’s exclusive two-mile stretch of private beach.
As you approach, you’ll be greeted by the allure of a magnificent wrap-around front porch, a hallmark of classic coastal living. This porch seamlessly leads to an inviting screened porch adjacent to the dining room, offering a delightful
4 BR | 3.5 BA | 2,790+/- SQ FT $999,997
space accessible from both inside and outside the home, perfect for intimate gatherings or serene moments of relaxation.
The home’s open floor plan features a large family room that transitions effortlessly to the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is highlighted by a large center island and an incredible serving/pantry space. There are two Owner’s Suites in this home, one on the main level and one on the upper level. Also on the upper level are two additional bedrooms, a laundry room, and a deck off the Owner’s Suite.
Artist’s conceptual illustrations. Subject to change.
Bay Creek Builder Guild member, Gateway Builders, specializes in exceptional custom-built homes that match the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and its breathtaking coastlines.
President and owner of Gateway Builders, Jason Lambertson, has a passion for helping clients create the custom homes of their dreams. Having built
custom homes on the Delmarva Peninsula for nearly two decades, he and his team are uniquely adept at designing and building a home that suits each client’s needs and fulfills their desires.
Gateway is a true custom-from-scratch builder. “We can build completely custom, or we can take blueprints from our clients and architects,” Jason says.
Many of Gateway’s clients choose them to build a home not only because of the quality and reputation— spectacular waterfront residences by Gateway grace the Bay Creek coastline—but also because of the level of customization and personal service they offer.
“We help our clients create something tailored to their needs and wants,” says Jason. “We design completely custom porches, kitchen layouts, home automation systems, and more. Our clients work with us because we’re able to do these things.”
Gateway works with a network of area professionals coupled with their expert team to offer premier home design, land planning, online construction programming, and more. It’s all to make the process of building a custom home easy and enjoyable for clients.
“Many of our clients who build with us don’t yet live here in the area. We keep them up to date with personal communication,” says Jason. “We want our client to know what’s happening each day with their budget, selections, progress, everything. We use online software, and we have a custom app for our clients’
phones so they can be connected and informed of the status of the home at any time.”
Gateway Builders is on the leading edge of the industry with methods and materials: “We use engineered coastal structural construction as well as many energyefficient green practices and cutting-edge exteriors with a huge array of choices and styles,” says Jason.
Gateway Builders’ reputation for excellence is due to many factors. Their level of personal and attentive service is largely unmatched in today’s marketplace. This, along with Jason’s true passion for home building, is a very special combination.
“My favorite part of the process is understanding the client’s vision and helping them make it a reality,” says Jason. “From day one, discussing what the client wants, creating the blueprint, and then, as a builder, when we leave the site on the last day thinking about what we’ve accomplished… it’s rewarding. Especially when the client walks through the front door to view their newly completed dream home.”
If you’re ready to create the home of your dreams, Gateway Builders can accommodate you—with beautiful home plans, plan customization, and complete from-scratch custom builds. Whatever your vision, with Gateway Builders, the result is a quality custom home built beyond compare, without compromise, to last a lifetime.
Learn more about partnering with Gateway Builders.
Schneider Construction, LLC builds homes of extraordinary quality and beauty throughout the Eastern Shore, in Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Hampton Roads. A Bay Creek Builder Guild member with close to four decades of experience, Jim Schneider, owner of Schneider Construction, is a dynamic individual whose work on the ‘job site’ and in the home building industry is widely recognized. Jim is as at home on a construction site as he is speaking at The International Builder’s Show about his passion for creating spectacular places that people love to call home.
National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB):
~ Certified Aging in Place Specialist ~ Certified Graduate
~ Master Certified Green Building Professional ~ Best of Houzz Award
Known for superior quality, workmanship, and innovative design solutions across a range of home styles, Schneider Construction has created homeplaces that are uniquely tailored to each client and fit seamlessly into the stunning landscapes they inhabit. The homes he has built in Bay Creek are superb—not only because of their architecture and construction but also because they represent his clients’ dreams realized.
Part of what makes a Schneider Construction home so exceptional is the foundation upon which it’s built: communication, attention to detail, and
clear intention throughout the entire design/ build journey. Known for both their innovative construction methods and their communicative customer service, Schneider Construction offers a home building experience that’s as enjoyable as it is productive.
Additionally, Schneider Construction incorporates high-performance construction techniques in every project that ensure the longevity and sustainability of the home. These elements, often hidden beneath the surface, play a crucial role in the overall quality and efficiency of the home. “What you don’t see matters,” says Jim. “Our commitment to using advanced materials and methods means that our homes are not only beautiful but also built to last, providing comfort and peace of mind for years to come.”
“Building a home is a process, not a ‘transaction’ and it’s often someone’s biggest investment. Feeling comfortable with your builder is key,” explains Jim. “For many of our clients, they’re getting to know a new builder, they’ve often just moved to a new place… so helping them understand what we do and how we’ll take care of things is a great comfort. Our clients always know where they are in the building process, what will be happening next, and that the final product will be exactly what they’ve dreamed of.”
Jim and his team help clients understand the multi-faceted nature of building a custom home. “When you work at a custom level, you’re creating something one-of-a-kind. Every home we build is
one we’ve never built before,” says Jim, “so every one of them is a prototype and approached in a highly customized way.”
The Schneider Construction team is multi-talented and represents a lifetime of expertise in building, design, and client care. Their clients benefit from the team’s deep knowledge and the flexibility it affords—whether it’s an architect’s plan that needs an unexpected adjustment or a unique and exciting solution to a client’s special request.
“It all comes down to communication, a good relationship, and ensuring expectations are set and met,” says Jim.
Jim says when this process is followed, both the client and the builder arrive happily at the same destination: the client’s dream home…beautifully built, and ready to enjoy.
Jim has always enjoyed an excellent reputation in the Chesapeake region and among Shore locals. He has worked with architects and designers to build all manner of homes—expansive, coastalinspired residences with classical elements and master-crafted interior finishes, gracious bayfront beauties with sweeping porches, charming Victorian-inspired cottages, and a host of unique custom homes.
Creating fine living spaces since 1989, K.M. Cash Construction specializes in homes whose design, construction, and livability are nothing short of spectacular.
Building elegant, classic residences in beautiful Cape Charles, Virginia Beach, the Tidewater area as well as North Carolina, K.M. Cash Construction has 25+ years of experience. The company is made
up of tradesmen, builders, and artisans who are masters of their craft. While their quality is rooted in a long tradition of craftsmanship and skill, they also stay on the leading edge of homebuilding methods and trends.
With a deep knowledge of home building, K.M. Cash Construction offers its clients a unique combination of benefits and advantages. Keith Cash,
President and Founder of K.M. Cash Construction, is a third-generation Class A Contractor who is uniquely adept at understanding the needs and desires of his clients.
“We enjoy bringing our clients’ visions to life,” Keith says. “We believe that a 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.”
Bay Creek Builder Guild members must be not only master builders, but good partners in the home building process—and the team at K.M. Cash Construction have built their reputations on this. With vast experience in both new construction and renovation, Keith and his team are experts at translating a client’s wish list and ‘must-haves’ into the cohesive, beautiful retreat they’ll love calling home.
“Our mission is to deliver every aspect of our service with 100% commitment,” says Keith.
The K.M. Cash Construction team is as passionate about building your new home as you are! The many homes they have built reflect the personal tastes of each client, and at the same time, represent an inspiring collection of the Eastern Shore aesthetic. The historic charm of wide porches, tall windows that capture the Bay breeze, and the easy seaside style Bay Creek is known for...Keith and his team are, indeed, masters of this style.
Design solutions customized for each client mean every home built is a fulfillment of a dream. But discussing vision and design is just the beginning of the exciting home-building process. Keith and his team of professionals help each client explore the possibilities of what their Bay Creek dream home can be. Keith’s clients can visualize their home using tools like 3D Imaging of the interior and exterior of the home before beginning the build.
K.M. Cash is truly a full-service, custom builder. From planning approvals to full project management of the build, they professionally manage the entire process. The result is a streamlined, enjoyable experience. Keith and his team believe every moment of creating your Bay Creek dream home should be a great one, from day one!
The K.M. Cash team enjoys long-term relationships with their clients because of the high standards, superior construction, and trust that are the hallmarks of every home they build. Their awardwinning craft is impressive, but it’s their commitment and trust that have earned them high praise, and long-term relationships with their clients.
“Our diligence, honesty, and attention to detail enable us to exceed our client’s expectations. We look forward to building your dream home.”Keith Cash, President and Founder
Learn more about partnering with K.M. Cash Construction.
Bay Creek is a natural, coastal paradise with lush, preserved woodlands, winding waterways, meadows, miles of trails, and spectacularly scenic vistas. It’s a huge, multi-faceted garden, which requires special care and attention to preserve its beauty and natural wonder. And when tended properly, the garden provides an abundance of sights, sounds, inspiration, and beauty. In the golden season of summer, this Eastern Shore playground is radiant with possibility and Bay Creek invites you to enjoy it all!
Kayaking the waterways through the nature preserve is an incredible way to experience the full breadth of nature at Bay Creek. Ranger Stan Osmolenski, who is also an ACA Certified kayak instructor, offers a full program of kayak excursions and tours. The most recent addition to the kayak program is a very popular skills course. “In the skills course, we teach more technical paddling information. We venture out a bit farther than other paddles and stay out longer,” says Stan. “We explore all through the creek, to some of the farthest reaches of Plantation Creek and even out into the Bay.”
“On a typical kayak tour with beginner or intermediate paddlers is fully guided, we’re just paddling for fun, exploring unique, out-of-theway spots via easy paddling,” says Stan. During the paddle, Stan shares interesting facts and information with his group. “Every time we go out, there’s something new to see… I might point out a stand of native trees or talk about cultural things and interesting historical lore of the area. And there’s always the wildlife...”
“Often we see various bird species on our kayak trips,” says Stan. “They’re plentiful this time of year. The ospreys have shown up, and the snowbirds that had left for the winter have returned and are now nesting here. The oystercatcher, the killdeer... the brown pelicans are coming back now, too.”
Paddlers who join Ranger Stan can expect to learn, laugh and return filled with a new appreciation for the rare natural ecosystem that is Bay Creek.
What do bicycling, beer, mimosas, painting, and owls have in common? They’re all featured in the many special events and programs led by Ranger Stan here at Bay Creek. There are so many ways to enjoy nature here and Bay Creek has a robust program of events and activities for any taste. Here are just a few…
There have always been special events for wine aficionados at Bay Creek but not so much with beer. Stan decided to create an event for folks who were into beer— and the legendary Bicycle Beer Flight was born. “I go out ahead of time and hide four coolers in the woods. We all meet at the Coach House Tavern, hop on our bikes, and set out through the nature preserve to go find the brews,” says Stan. “It’s a great way to enjoy tasting various craft beers and enjoy nature. We do this once a month - it’s great fun and fellowship. Come out and join us!
Once the weather gets warmer, Stan switches from beer to mimosas. “We start earlier in the day to take advantage of cooler temperatures and morning breezes. We have scheduled stops in places where there are unusual natural features or interesting plants or animals.” Though Ranger Stan confesses that these activities are more leisure than learning, the fun and festive combination does leave guests with a bit of ‘nature knowledge’ and high spirits!
When it comes to nature, ‘take only pictures, leave only footprints’ is a saying most of us have heard. Ranger Stan has a lovely new take on this— painting pictures!
“We’ve been doing plein air painting the past couple of years. I provide the setup—the easels, paints, and brushes then select a scenic location. We usually paint with acrylics or sometimes watercolor. We can go anywhere in the Preserve and enjoy scenic views if it’s not too far to walk. We always have new people joining our group, and we have some regulars, too. No painting skills are needed...so all our guests need to do is join us and enjoy!
Ranger Stan has now introduced a new program called ‘Field Sketching: Plant Identification.’
“We’ll go out and do a mechanical cataloging of the plants we see,” Stan explains. “It’s about picking up on little subtleties of the plant and capturing it in our drawings. That, in turn, helps us identify the plant by observing its unique features.”
Nature Talk Campfires are a great way to gather, learn about the natural world around us, and enjoy the camaraderie of life at Bay Creek. Stan provides the ‘story’ be it curious facts about native wildlife or interesting—sometimes ancient— history of the area. Guests gather around the glow of the fire and come away with a new understanding of the area and great memories.
A wise person once said, ‘whoooooo’ wouldn’t want to know more about the majestic, mysterious owls that call Bay Creek’s Nature Preserve home? Ranger Stan’s perennially popular monthly ‘Owl Prowl’ leads fearless guests through the forest in search of signs of owls—a feather, a nest, a distant hoot—and sometimes an owl itself!
This season, Stan will lead forest bathing excursions beneath the green canopies of the Nature Preserve. “During forest bathing, we take a guided meditative walk. It’s less structured than a hike and offers time and space for each participant to soak in their surroundings. This is about building a relationship with the woods, the forest, and the plants. It’s no wonder that forest bathing has caught on as a beneficial pastime.
Nature never stays still. Plants are always growing, blooming, retreating, and re-emerging...the cycle of nature is inspiring and eternal. Ranger Stan invites you to get out and get to know nature this summer. And should you be fortunate enough to find yourself at Bay Creek, head over to Basecamp to meet Stan and discover the incredible world of beauty that surrounds you here on the beautiful Eastern Shore.
Ranger Stan has a great hand in the care and keeping of this rare Eastern Shore haven, but he is by no means alone in this year-round endeavor.
The Bay Creek Stewardship Club takes on many projects and tasks… One group has created a native plant demonstration garden. Stan reports that there are already many things sprouting up. The group weeds and maintains the area to promote the growth of these valuable natives now, and to set the stage for an incredible showing next year.
The Stewardship Club has also put in trees and shrubs here at Bay Creek—back in the woods and meadows, along the pond edges. This increases the biodiversity of the area. The pine trees that come in naturally, will now be accompanied by a wider variety of the rarer native plants. They’ve planted red buds, river birch along the pond areas which provide habitat for fish since they hang over the water and make shade, and chokeberries which make a fruit that birds and all sorts of wildlife love.
Stewardship members also remove invasive species like privet and English Ivy. “Adjacent to the golf course and our neighbors to the north, the stateowned Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve has a stewardship group that has joined forces with ours to remove invasive species in the wooded areas,” says Stan. “We’ve knocked out almost 80 percent of the invasive bamboo species that had invaded the area. Now native species can thrive.
“Our Bird Box group is very active, too, keeping a weekly tally of how many birds are in each bluebird box, and counting the eggs. They also watch them fledge so they know which boxes need to be cleaned out and prepared for new birds,” Stan explains. “Our Stewardship Club is an incredibly dedicated group.”
Right now, Bay Creek is in its full glory, alive with all the rites and rituals of summer. Executive Chef, Christian Lofland and his culinary team are in full seasonal swing.
The Club officially kicked off the season on Memorial Day weekend with the annual—and awesome—cookout at the Life Center. Amid games for the children, guests relaxing poolside, and great music, Chef Christian and his team grilled primo summer fare providing a sneak peek of some of the new dishes that will be available this season.
Guests enjoyed sampling delectable fried green tomatoes and a crab salad roll of jumbo lump crab (a special recipe made by Chef Christian.)
With the new season comes a newly imagined menu, too! Chef Christian shares what members, residents, and guests can look forward to in dining experiences this summer at Bay Creek.
“We’re nearly complete with a significant kitchen renovation, which opens up a lot of new possibilities to enrich the dining experience at Bay Creek,” says Christian.
One of the most exciting developments is the addition of a Chef’s Table in the kitchen. Accommodating up to four guests, this intimate dining experience creates a unique perspective on the activity and artisanship of the kitchen. “This allows our guests a first-hand look at what we do here. We’ll be offering a four or fivecourse tasting menu for guests at the table, complete with wine pairings and cocktails,” explains Christian. “It’s not something that is offered anywhere else in the area and we’re very excited to unveil it.”
Besides this special new attraction, the club has added additional staff to enhance service and guest experience. Perhaps one of the most anticipated developments is a brilliant new menu curated by Chef Christian.
Each item on the menu is chosen by Christian for maximum enjoyment. From the distinct tastes and popularity of the items themselves to sourcing of the premium ingredients, Chef Christian takes the creation of a new menu very seriously. Having worked in fine kitchens across the United States, he understands the importance of cuisine that is authentic to the locale.
“With our location, seafood certainly figures prominently on our new menu. It’s part of the character of our entire region. When you think of New Orleans, you think of things like crawfish etouffee. When you think of the Eastern Shore, you think of fresh fish, oysters, and crab,” Christian explains. “Especially for visitors to our area, you want to eat what the locals eat.”
As a master chef, Christian is in tune not only with the character and cuisine of the region but
also with the seasons and their bounty as well. Chef Christian is constantly watching for trends, availability, sustainability, and of course, great new tastes. “I’m always on the lookout for local sources,” says Christian. “There’s a great farm just up the road in Accomack County that we’ll start working with soon for local-grown produce. There’s also an opportunity for locally raised beef, pork, and lamb, which I’m excited about to get on the Coach House menu.”
No menu or meal would be complete without a bit of the sweet stuff, and the new collection of desserts does not disappoint. Sous Chef, Linda Wessels, has created the dessert menu featuring old favorites and our own signature desserts. From crowd pleasers like crème brulé to a selection of unique cakes, there will be a ‘perfect finish’ for every meal.
“Finding someone who can bake, and bake well, is difficult. We’re fortunate to have a sous chef who is incredibly talented in this department,” says Christian (who makes an incredible caramelized banana pudding, himself).
What are some of Chef Christian’s personal favorites for summer?
“Locally grown tomatoes are exceptional because the soil in our area is good. It’s all about the soil. I like heirloom tomatoes with a little bit of balsamic, some fresh basil, a little sea salt, and ground black pepper,” he smiles. “At the height of their ripeness, that’s probably the best tomato you can eat.”
Chef Christian is also evolving the wine program at Bay Creek. Look for more wine pairings and dinners as the year goes on. The response to wine events has been very strong and so you can expect to see an increase in the scope and number of them to offer some new tastes and variety.
Speaking of variety, Chef Christian and his hospitality team are a truly multi-disciplinary group, keeping the Coach House operating at its best as well as putting on Club events and special occasions. They have created impressive buffets and selections for a variety of events and causes throughout the year. “It can be a very rewarding experience. We’ll be doing a fundraising tournament for Folds of Honor in August. We look forward to creating a great experience for that as we do with all our events,” Christian says.
The food and hospitality at special Bay Creek events aren’t the only reason our members and guests attend, but when it’s done right—as with
Christian and his team—it certainly adds to the enjoyment and greatly enhances the experience.
Chef Christian looks forward to bringing the taste of summer to the many members and guests who will enjoy themselves at Bay Creek this season.
The Coach House Tavern
1 Clubhouse Way
Cape Charles, VA
Reservations are recommended.
Cape Charles is known as a hidden gem of sorts. Its history is intertwined with the Chesapeake Bay waters that border it. It’s no wonder that more people are finding their way to this idyllic town and calling it home—with picturesque streets lined with colorful historic homes, and a great friendly, ‘small town vibe’ that’s equal parts historic and hip, rugged and refined.
Cape Charles is sometimes called a storybook town. Maybe that’s why it’s the launching point for so many new adventures.
Corey Roy and Bronwyn Comer understand the allure and romance of the sea and the Chesapeake Bay waters as well as anyone. Owners of Windsong, a 47-foot schooner built in 1954, the husband-and-wife crew have taken their passion for sailing and set out on a journey to share it with others.
Docked in Cape Charles, Windsong is an absolute beauty. Captain Corey and First Mate, Bronwyn offer adventure, escape, and sheer wonder to the guests who sail with them on Windsong.
Bronwyn explains their excursions: “We have a Cape Charles Day Sail where guests can experience the natural beauty and history of Cape Charles and the Bay. They can also take a handson approach and help us set sails and helm the boat! We also have a Cape Charles Sunset Sail— it’s an incredibly stunning experience out on the water. Cape Charles is one of the only places on the East Coast where you can watch a sunset over the western horizon. A perfect ending to the perfect day.”
Windsong is also available for bespoke excursions, accommodating special events and full-day sails.
“Sometimes guests will bring charcuterie boards or box lunches…and we can help set them up with some of the local catering shops in town to make that happen. Some guests bring spirits and we’re happy to do bottle service,” says Bronwyn.
No sail is quite the same. “We often see dolphins, which are always majestic. Sometimes we’re just out sailing, and we talk about all the historical points of the town, the lighthouses, and anything from facts about the bridge construction to water depth in the Chesapeake Bay,” she says. “Every sail is its own new adventure.”
Corey and Bronwyn’s thriving business evolved naturally out of their interest in sailing.
“I’ve always loved boats, and I have a history in raft guiding and kayaking,” says Bronwyn. “I didn’t start sailing until I met Corey about six years ago. I loved sailing because it was the next step that could take me places. You can only go so far in a kayak, but sailing can take you around the world,” she smiles.
“Corey grew up in the high desert in Oregon, so he’s a mountain kid. But he always had a fascination with the ocean,” says Bronwyn. “Corey joined the Navy and then found his love of sailing through living and working on boats.”
“Corey and I met on a sailboat while crossing the bay over to Cape Charles in 2018,” recalls Bronwyn, “so this town has a little bit of a special place in our hearts.”
It was 2020. Corey and Bronwyn had been thinking about acquiring a boat for quite some time. “We were always keeping an eye out for the right boat… casually schooner shopping,” Bronwyn laughs. “And then one day, we saw an ad and thought, this is the one. We put a deposit on it that weekend.”
Living in Norfolk at the time, they took on the ocean-sized work of meticulously restoring the craft, which they would christen ‘Windsong’. The dashingly beautiful schooner was sea- and praise-worthy. When some friends from Cape Charles Community Sailing invited the couple to run a summer camp with Windsong, things got interesting. The camp was a huge success. Never ones to stay at anchor, Bronwyn and Corey decided to try offering some sunset sails in the evenings after camp hours. They sold out the entire week. Then, another week, and another.
“We thought, ‘OK, this is where we need to be’,” says Bronwyn. The next year, they brought the boat over to Cape Charles and what they thought was going to be ‘a weekend thing’ blossomed into an exciting new business.
They now offer sunset sails and education-oriented trips tailored to their guests’ unique preferences.
Each voyage offers stunning views of Cape Charles’ coastline and often, dolphin sightings. Beyond leisure cruises, the Windsong is committed to environmental stewardship, partnering with the Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation which is a local nonprofit in the Hampton Roads area dedicated to cleaning up the waterways. They also enjoy participating in events in support of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. For those interested in learning, Windsong offers sailing lessons taught by Corey, who is a certified instructor.
Windsong guests experience a feeling of exhilaration on the water that stays with them long after they return to port. But besides the Bay breeze and sea spray, it’s the joy of the unexpected that takes folks by surprise.
“We saw a sea turtle last year,” says Bronwyn. “That was a first for me. She was large, floating just beneath the surface alongside us. As sailors, we often see dolphins, too. They’re the best over on the Eastern Shore. Later in the season—August or September—we’ll see large groups of dolphins. They love to swim around the boat, jump the bow… they’re very playful.”
“These sails are also really fun for locals and visitors… they get to see things from the water, looking back at the beach and the town,” explains Bronwyn. “That’s a perspective that most people don’t get to see.”
A new perspective is just what Windsong promises. Cape Charles is a place where adventurous souls seem to gather. It’s a fitting home, then, for Windsong, whose sleek, yet unassuming deck and billowing sails ferry the adventurers, the merrymakers, the nature lovers, and the dreamers toward the far horizon and back home again.
We invite you to discover Windsong and embark on an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Schooner Windsong is a 47-foot Tancook Schooner designed by Ray Stevens of Nova Scotia. She was built by Guy H. Asbury between 1954 and 1960 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Much of her life was spent in New York; both around Long Island, and on Lake Ontario. Throughout her life she has been named Pleiades, Dream, John A. Noble, Chasseur, and Sara B. Schooner Windsong is now based out of Cape Charles, Virginia, offering sailing charters for up to 6 people on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Sail in style with full-service charters or put hands-on with the crew!
Set upon 1,720 lush acres along the Chesapeake Bay, Bay Creek is a master-planned community that brings families together to live their best life through a connection with its coastal landscape, nature, phenomenal club amenities and active lifestyle programming. From exploring sparkling bay waters to hosting friends for dinner on the porch of your welcoming new coastal home, Bay Creek is the easy-going, elegant lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
We invite you to explore this natural wonderland in a place where residents connect, forge friendships and pursue their interests and passions. There is truly nothing like it on the coast of Virginia. Homesites from the $100s | Condos & Townhomes from the $500s | New Single Family Homes from the $600s