Staff Writer
It was Windmill Plantation's family-friendly amenities that first drew Bobby and Sheri Christine to the Evans community.

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Windmill Lake at Windmill Plantation.

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The swimming pool at Windmill Plantation.

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The playground at Windmill Plantation.

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The basketball and tennis courts at Windmill Plantation.

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The clubhouse at Windmill Plantation.

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A bathroom in the Evans home of Bobby and Sheri Christine

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The front of the home in the Evans of Bobby and Sheri Christine.

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The Christine family, parents Sheri and Bobby with children (from left) Peter, 6, Maggie, 10 and Angelina, 8 on their back deck.

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The master bedroom

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The kitchen and dining room

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The great room

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The living room

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Peter Christine's bedroom
It was one of the amenities in particular, the 50-acre lake, that has kept them there.
They had moved to Windmill in 2005 into a house on the opposite side of the neighborhood from the lake. In June 2006, they moved into their current home, which has the lake behind their back yard.
"We spent a lot of time at the lake," Mr. Christine said. "We were there so much, we figured it made sense to move closer to it."
"I like to call it a vacation home at home," said Mr. Christine, the chief magistrate judge for Columbia County.
Their 5,500-square-foot home also provides a lot of gathering space.
"It's a great entertaining home and it's a great home to raise a family," Mrs. Christine said. "It's the best of both worlds."
When the family isn't spending time in the backyard or enjoying the spacious home, they are visiting neighbors.
"We'll take a ride on the golf cart through the neighborhood and stop by to visit with friends," Mrs. Christine said. "What's really nice about the neighborhood is that there are usually other families taking rides on golf carts, too. Everyone is out saying hello and visiting each other."
They plan to live in the house for many years, Mr. Christine said.
"I don't see us living anywhere else," he said. "We have friendly neighbors, nice amenities, and we're in a great town. We love it here."
Around the block
The neighborhood: Windmill Plantation
Year developed: 1985
Number of homes: 350
Average sale price: $275,000
Average home size: 3,000 square feet
Neighborhood amenities: 50-acre lake, clubhouse, pool, four lighted tennis courts, basketball court, baseball/softball field, park/playground, volleyball court, walking trails
Schools zoned for: Greenbrier Elementary, Greenbrier Middle and Greenbrier High schools
Nearby shopping areas: Publix shopping center, Evans Town Center and Mullins Crossing
Nearby attractions: Thurmond Lake, Mistletoe State Park, Fort Gordon recreation area, Wildwood Park, Savannah River, Patriots Park
Neighborhood activities: Several seasonal events, including a fall festival
It's a fact: The neighborhood has four main entrances and a committee to welcome new residents to the neighborhood.
Source: Jackie Corley, Meybohm Realtors
At home with
THE FAMILY: Bobby and Sheri Christine and their children, Maggie, 10; Angelina, 8; and Peter, 6
THE HOME: Three-story house with a 5,500-square-foot interior, six bedrooms, 41/2 baths
It's a fact: Mr. and Mrs. Christine met while attending the University of Georgia