Church Point Virginia Beach Neighborhood Guide: Lynnhaven River Waterfront and 1600s History
Church Point is one of the most prestigious waterfront neighborhoods in northern Virginia Beach, and one of the most historically significant pieces of ground in the entire city. A community of large custom homes set along the Lynnhaven River and adjacent to the Bayville Golf Club, Church Point was developed in the early 1990s on land whose recorded history reaches back nearly four centuries, to a colonial parish church established in 1639 on a royal land grant from King Charles II. For buyers who want a luxury waterfront home on land with genuine historical weight, minutes from Shore Drive and the Bayfront beaches, Church Point is one of the standout neighborhoods in Virginia Beach.
If you are searching Virginia Beach for a custom waterfront home on the Lynnhaven River, with deep history, generous parks and trails, and a location near the Bayfront, Church Point belongs at the top of your list. This guide covers where Church Point sits, the remarkable history of the land, what makes it different, current pricing, schools, and what buyers should know before writing an offer.
Where Church Point Sits in Virginia Beach
Church Point is a waterfront neighborhood in the northern part of Virginia Beach, set along the Lynnhaven River and adjacent to the Bayville Golf Club. The neighborhood sits just a few minutes from Shore Drive and the Chesapeake Bayfront beaches area, in one of the most desirable sections of the city.
The Lynnhaven River setting defines the neighborhood. Church Point homes enjoy river frontage, river views, and water access, with the Lynnhaven River system connecting to the Chesapeake Bay. The neighborhood was thoughtfully planned, with the developers setting aside more than 33 acres for parks and trails owned by the Church Point Homeowners Association, giving the community generous common space and waterfront access points.
The location combines waterfront prestige with convenience. Church Point sits near Shore Drive, the Bayfront beaches, First Landing State Park, and the broader northern Virginia Beach amenity network, with Town Center and the central business district a short drive away.
The History of the Land: A Parish Church, a Royal Grant, and the Great Hurricane
Few neighborhoods in Virginia Beach sit on ground with as much recorded history as Church Point. The name itself is a direct reference to that history.
The land traces back to an original grant by King Charles II of England in 1635. Close to the present Church Point site stood the original Lynnhaven Parish Church, which records show was in existence by 1639. This made it one of the earliest church sites in what was then Princess Anne County, serving the colonial community that had settled along the Lynnhaven River.
The history took a dramatic turn in September 1667, when a powerful storm remembered as the Dreadful Hurricane struck colonial Virginia. It is considered one of the most severe hurricanes ever to hit the region, and rain fell for twelve straight days in its wake. The storm widened the Lynnhaven River, and over the following decades the enlarged river slowly eroded the land around the original church. By 1691 the church building had deteriorated, and the parish vestry approved building a new church on two acres purchased from Ebenezer Taylor. The second Lynnhaven Parish Church was completed in 1692.
When the channel from the Lynnhaven River to the Chesapeake Bay was later cut and another severe storm struck, water rose over the abandoned original church site. The parish church was eventually rebuilt on its present site on North Witchduck Road and renamed Old Donation Episcopal Church, which still stands today. A plaque commemorating the original church now sits near the Church Point waterfront park, marking the spot where this history began. In recognition of the neighborhood's heritage, the Mayor and City Council of Virginia Beach designated May 20th of each year as Church Point Day.
The Historic Houses Nearby: Ferry Plantation and Church Point Manor
The area around Church Point holds two of Virginia Beach's most significant historic houses.
The Ferry Plantation House, located nearby on Cheswick Lane, is a Federal style brick house built in 1830. Its site dates back to 1642, when Savill Gaskin started the second ferry service in Hampton Roads, carrying passengers on the Lynnhaven River to the county courthouse and to plantations along the waterway. A cannon was used to signal the ferry, which had eleven stops along the river. The first ferry service in the area had been started nearby by Adam Thoroughgood, one of the region's earliest and most prominent colonists. Over its long history, the Ferry Plantation House served as a plantation, a courthouse, a school, and a post office, and it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is part of the rich Lynnhaven River history that surrounds Church Point, and the broader Witchduck area nearby carries the documented history of the colonial witchcraft trial of Grace Sherwood.
Church Point Manor, at 4001 Church Point Road, is a Victorian farmhouse built in 1860 by G.G. Garrison. For roughly fifty years, the manor was the heart of one of the region's most renowned oyster farms. The waters of the Lynnhaven River produced the celebrated Lynnhaven oysters, prized throughout Virginia and beyond, and the oyster beds around Church Point supported dozens of watermen and contributed to the local economy of Princess Anne County. The Burroughs family later acquired the property, combining it with the adjacent Bayville Farm. Over its long history, Church Point Manor is said to have hosted prisoners of war during World War II and to have welcomed a sitting United States President. It is now listed on the Virginia Beach Historical Register and operates as a restored event venue.
What Makes Church Point Different
Several things set Church Point apart in Virginia Beach:
Lynnhaven River waterfront. Church Point is a genuine waterfront community along the Lynnhaven River, with custom homes enjoying river frontage, water views, and access to the Lynnhaven system and the Chesapeake Bay.
Land of deep historical significance. Few neighborhoods anywhere in Virginia Beach sit on ground with recorded history reaching back to a 1635 royal grant and a 1639 parish church. The history is genuine and well documented.
More than 33 acres of parks and trails. The developers set aside over 33 acres for parks and trails owned by the Homeowners Association, giving Church Point exceptional common space, walking trails, and waterfront access points for residents.
Adjacent to Bayville Golf Club. Church Point sits next to the Bayville Golf Club, one of the premier golf courses in the area, adding to the prestige and amenity value of the location.
Large custom homes. Church Point is known for large, well built custom homes, many with waterfront positioning, giving the neighborhood a substantial, upscale character.
A planned community with an active HOA. Developed in the early 1990s with the Church Point Homeowners Association incorporated in 1990, the neighborhood was thoughtfully planned and continues to be well maintained and organized decades later.
Church Point Home Prices and Lot Character
Church Point is one of the premier luxury waterfront markets in northern Virginia Beach. Pricing reflects the Lynnhaven River frontage, the large custom homes, the parks and trails, and the prestige of the location. Recent market activity has shown median sale prices well above $1 million, with strong year over year appreciation.
More accessible Church Point homes (roughly $700K to $1M)
The more accessible segment of Church Point. Large custom homes on interior or water adjacent lots without direct waterfront, offering entry into the neighborhood, the parks and trails, the Bayville Golf Club proximity, and the historic setting.
Larger and updated custom homes (roughly $1M to $1.6M)
The active core of the Church Point market. Larger custom homes, renovated and updated properties, and homes with water access or water views. These offer the full Church Point experience with premium positioning.
Lynnhaven River waterfront homes ($1.6M to $2.5M and above)
The top tier of Church Point. Homes with direct Lynnhaven River frontage, private docks, water access, and the most premium positions in the neighborhood. Waterfront homes in Church Point command the upper end of the market and appreciate strongly.
Because Church Point combines interior custom homes and Lynnhaven River waterfront, pricing varies significantly based on water access and lot position. The market has shown strong appreciation, so buyers should review recent comparable sales carefully for the specific home and position when evaluating a listing.
Schools Serving Church Point
Church Point falls within the Virginia Beach City Public Schools attendance zone in the northern part of the city. The neighborhood generally feeds schools in the Bayside and Independence area, though the specific elementary, middle, and high school assignments can vary by address.
Always verify the specific elementary, middle, and high school assignments using the Virginia Beach City Public Schools street level lookup before writing an offer. This is an important due diligence item for any buyer with school age children.
Lifestyle and Amenities
Church Point combines a prestigious waterfront setting with deep history and a convenient northern Virginia Beach location.
Lynnhaven River access. For waterfront homes, direct access to the Lynnhaven River, supporting boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing, with the Lynnhaven system connecting to the Chesapeake Bay.
More than 33 acres of parks and trails. The Church Point Homeowners Association owns and maintains over 33 acres of parks and trails, including a waterfront park, providing walking paths, green space, and water access for residents.
Bayville Golf Club. The neighborhood sits adjacent to the Bayville Golf Club, a premier area golf course.
Shore Drive and the Bayfront beaches. Church Point is just minutes from Shore Drive, the Chesapeake Bayfront beaches, and the dining and recreation of the Shore Drive corridor.
First Landing State Park. The 2,888 acre state park, with its trails and Chesapeake Bay beach, is a short drive from Church Point.
Historic surroundings. The Ferry Plantation House, Church Point Manor, and Old Donation Episcopal Church place the neighborhood among some of the most historic sites in Virginia Beach.
Commute Notes for Church Point
Church Point sits in a convenient northern Virginia Beach position with strong access in good traffic.
Shore Drive: approximately 5 minutes
JEB Little Creek-Fort Story: approximately 10 to 15 minutes, no tunnel
Virginia Beach Town Center: approximately 10 to 15 minutes
I-264 access: approximately 12 to 15 minutes
Virginia Beach Oceanfront: approximately 15 to 20 minutes
Naval Station Norfolk: approximately 25 to 30 minutes west, no tunnel
Who Buys in Church Point
Common buyer profiles for Church Point include luxury buyers who want a custom waterfront home on the Lynnhaven River, households who value the deep history and prestige of the location, boaters who want Lynnhaven River access with a connection to the Chesapeake Bay, golf enthusiasts drawn to the adjacency to Bayville Golf Club, families who want the generous parks and trails and the planned community character, professionals who want a prestigious northern Virginia Beach address near the Bayfront, and buyers who appreciate owning a home on land with genuine colonial history.
The buyer pool is specialized because the waterfront character, the price tier, and the prestige of Church Point appeal to a specific luxury buyer. Well presented waterfront homes in the neighborhood attract strong interest when they come to market.
What Buyers Should Know Before Writing an Offer in Church Point
Waterfront due diligence is essential
For Lynnhaven River waterfront homes, walk the bulkhead and dock at low tide, verify the water depth and access, confirm the dock and bulkhead condition, and pull a flood insurance quote during due diligence. Waterfront homes carry premium value and specific requirements.
Understand the HOA and the common areas
Church Point has an active Homeowners Association that owns and maintains more than 33 acres of parks and trails. Review the HOA dues, rules, and what they cover during due diligence, and understand the value the common areas add to the neighborhood.
Flood zones and insurance
As a Lynnhaven River waterfront community, parts of Church Point sit in FEMA flood zones. Review the flood zone designation and elevation certificate for the specific home and pull a flood insurance quote during due diligence.
Inspect custom homes thoroughly
Church Point homes were largely built from the early 1990s onward. Inspect the roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, windows, pool if present, and any waterfront infrastructure thoroughly. Even well built custom homes can carry maintenance needs worth understanding before closing.
Verify the school assignment at the address level
School assignments in this part of northern Virginia Beach can vary by address. Always verify the specific elementary, middle, and high school assignments using the Virginia Beach City Public Schools street level lookup before writing an offer.
Church Point FAQ
Where is Church Point in Virginia Beach?
Church Point is a waterfront neighborhood in the northern part of Virginia Beach, set along the Lynnhaven River and adjacent to the Bayville Golf Club. It sits just a few minutes from Shore Drive and the Chesapeake Bayfront beaches.
Why is it called Church Point?
The neighborhood is named for the original Lynnhaven Parish Church, which records show stood near the present Church Point site by 1639, on land originally granted by King Charles II of England in 1635. A plaque commemorating the original church sits near the Church Point waterfront park.
What is the history of the Church Point land?
The land traces to a 1635 royal grant and a parish church in existence by 1639. The Dreadful Hurricane of September 1667 widened the Lynnhaven River and eroded the original church land, leading to a new church in 1692 that was later rebuilt as Old Donation Episcopal Church. The area is also home to the historic Ferry Plantation House and Church Point Manor.
How much do homes cost in Church Point?
Church Point is a luxury waterfront market. Recent activity has shown median sale prices well above $1 million. More accessible custom homes generally start around $700K to $1M, while Lynnhaven River waterfront homes can reach $2.5 million and above. Pricing depends heavily on water access, lot position, home size, and condition.
Does Church Point have waterfront homes?
Yes. Church Point is a genuine Lynnhaven River waterfront community, with custom homes enjoying river frontage, water views, and access to the Lynnhaven system and the Chesapeake Bay.
What amenities does Church Point have?
Church Point includes more than 33 acres of parks and trails owned by the Homeowners Association, including a waterfront park. The neighborhood sits adjacent to the Bayville Golf Club and is minutes from Shore Drive, the Bayfront beaches, and First Landing State Park.
What is the Ferry Plantation House?
The Ferry Plantation House is a Federal style brick house built in 1830 near Church Point, on a site where ferry service on the Lynnhaven River began in 1642. It has served as a plantation, courthouse, school, and post office, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What is Church Point Manor?
Church Point Manor is a Victorian farmhouse built in 1860, once the heart of one of the region's most renowned Lynnhaven oyster farms. It is listed on the Virginia Beach Historical Register and operates today as a restored event venue.
About the Author
John King is a Navy veteran and licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway RW Towne Realty, serving Hampton Roads including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. Known for his straightforward approach and market expertise.
📞 757-270-3994 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.757King.com
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