On a peninsula framed by the Pungo River and Little Creek, a community is ready to grow — a small community, where neighbors know neighbors and simple pleasures abound.

Based on the existing neighborhood of Norfleet Shores, Norfleet Point is a plan to turn 87 acres of undeveloped waterfront into a community of 47 homes, all with access to community docks, a boat ramp, boardwalk and walking trails, as well as a waterfront park on the Pungo River.

According to Beacon Street Development President Jim Wiley, it’s an opportunity to build on what’s already there, on this stretch of land with 10-mile views across the Pungo. The land was owned for generations by the Norfleet family. Wiley’s plans are to sink more roots and start a community, in a similar fashion to what the development company is doing with its ongoing downtown Washington project, Moss Landing Harbor Homes.

“We’ve got a deep connection to Belhaven,” Wiley said. “You’ve got an immediate community in Norfleet Shores, so there’s already a rooted community that we’re adding to, which I think is important.”

Wiley’s connection to the area comes from childhood summers and holidays spent with family in Beaufort County. He described the vision of Norfleet Point as a riverfront community, much like Bayview, just east of Bath. It’s a beautiful place with shared amenities, such as the walking trails and a communal pier, to give those who will live there a sense of connection to the people and place surrounding them.

“It’s a place to sort of unplug and let yourself relax a little bit,” Wiley said. “It’s hopefully what we’re demonstrating at Moss Landing — we’ve got a real commitment to place-making and not just selling houses and lots.”

Norfleet Point homes are not overly large. Five preliminary house plans run from 1,800 to 2,600 square feet, a scaling down that appears to be a national trend in homebuilding.

“In this day and age people are living by the motto ‘less is better,’” Wiley said.

One thing each design does maximize is outdoor living space, with porches and decks. Since 2/3 of all the homes will be built on waterfront lots, giving homeowners the opportunity to enjoy their surroundings and views of the water was built into the designs, Wiley said. Another common feature is combined kitchen-dining-living areas, creating an open, loft-like feel that has replaced the more formal designs of distinct rooms assigned a specific purpose.

Wiley refers to those plans as “starting points;” none are set in stone and Beacon Street architects are there to work with buyers to revise those plans, or develop new ones in keeping with the feel of Norfleet Point home designs.

Currently, Norfleet Point construction is confined to infrastructure: building the neighborhood’s roads and bulkhead. Wiley said Beacon Street is ready to start taking people on tours of the land to show them their vision.

“It’s an incredibly special piece of land, and we’re building something that people will be proud of in future generations,” Wiley said. “We’re hoping to start houses in the future, but we’re ready to start talking to customers.”

For more information about Norfleet Point, visit norfleetpoint.com or stop by the Moss Landing model home at 303 Water Street, Washington.