Location: Williamsburg, Virginia, USA (Williamsburg Area, Surry, Virginia) View Map
Accommodations: House/Estate, 5 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 8)
Lightwood is an 18th-century plantation house nestled in an ancient beech forest in rural Surry County, Virginia. It is surrounded by 70 acres of woods, fields, and streams--part of the land given by Chief Powhatan to Pocahontas and John Rolfe as a wedding gift. Built in two different periods, circa 1760 and 1795, Lightwood is completely restored, and offers exceptional woodwork with much original detail, as well as all modern conveniences.
While the surroundings are completely rural and secluded, the house is only one-and-a-half miles from the town of Surry, where basic essentials are available, and three-and-a-half miles to the 24-hour, 20-minute, free car ferry ride to Jamestown and Williamsburg. From the ferry dock on the other side of the river, Jamestown is one-half mile, and Colonial Williamsburg six miles away.
The house has five bedrooms (two with queen-sized canopy beds), two large bathrooms, (one of which features a marble walk-in shower and six-foot whirlpool bathtub), a living room, dining room that seats up to 10 comfortably), large classical entrance hall, fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, four fireplaces (three with gas logs or stoves), and back porch, for a total of 2400 square feet. There are two queen-sized beds, two double beds, and two twin beds.
The house is furnished with many antiques from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. There is a wonderful herb and flower garden for the use of our guests, featuring different varieties of thyme, mint, oregano, basil, anise, dill and many others. A picket-fenced back yard with period outbuildings, including a smokehouse used to smoke the hams for the coronation feast of King Edward VII, completes the scene. Two miles of walking trails (some only open on Sundays during deer hunting season) through the woods and fields provide a close-up look at wildlife, including deer, turkeys, foxes, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, and an occasional bald eagle. Lightwood offers a private setting and a truly unique and exciting opportunity to step back into another time all while enjoying the comforts of the 21st century.
Area Attractions
One can relax and enjoy nature firsthand without leaving the grounds of Lightwood. The historic museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown are only a short drive and free, 24-hour, 20-minute ferry ride away. All three attractions are connected by the beautiful Colonial Parkway, which begins at Jamestown where the ferry docks, follows the banks of the James and York Rivers, passes through Williamsburg, and ends at Yorktown and the Chesapeake Bay.
There is a beach on the bay at Yorktown, and Virginia Beach itself is is a little over an hour's drive away. Williamsburg is also the home of Busch Gardens and Water Country USA theme parks. Surry County attractions include Bacon's Castle, America's finest 17th-century manor house; Smith's Fort, the site of Captain John Smith's fort of 1609 as well as a lovely 1760's brick house; and Chippokes Plantation State Park, with historic buildings, Olympic-sized pool, and riverfront beach. Boat ramps are close by.
The historic waterfront town of Smithfield, and 17th-century Saint Luke's Church, is a 20-minute drive away. Famous James River plantations, open to the public, are an easy drive. Richmond is an hour's drive, and Washington D.C 2.75 hours away.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: Central Air
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Gas Fireplace (3)
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Double Bed (2)
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (3)
- DVD
- VCR (3)
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Jetted Tub in Bath
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Communications
- Telephone (2)
- Free Long Distance (2)
- Other Amenities
- Fireplaces, Free U.S. Long Distance Phone Calls, Central Air and Heat, VCR and videotapes (good children's selection), CD Player and CDs, DVD Player and DVDs, Coffee Maker, Bread Maker, Large Crockpot, Flannel Sheets (in winter) and Down Comforters, Harpsichord/Spinet, Two Canopy Beds (Queen Sized), Two Double Beds, and Two Twin Beds, Walking Trails, Baby Joggette, Strollers, Booster Seat, Children's Playground (Outside Toys, Swings, Slide, and Play Tower), Children's Indoor Toy Closet, Children's Books, Strictly No Smoking and no open flame other than gas fireplaces, Well behaved canine companions are most welcome to stay indoors
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Miniature golf
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Please note- Two cancellations for this summer- dates newly available
Apr. 2009-Dec. 2009....$395.00/night (3 night minimun)....$2625.00/week
Price includes all taxes and any other fees.
$500.00 additional fee for dates including Christmas or Thanksgiving Day
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
Eighteenth Century Plantation House on 70 Beautiful Acres
Year Purchased: 1978
Why the Owner Chose Williamsburg
Since I was ten years old I had always wanted to restore an historic house. After moving to Williamsburg to work for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, I discovered Lightwood, abandoned and quite forlorn in rural, unspoiled Surry County, on the south side of the James River. Lightwood was in very sad shape, but still had great possibilities. I began the work in 1978, and after 10 years had made considerable progress. It was not until I married Joy however, in 1989, that her influence truly civilized the old place, and made it what it is today. Having worked for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for many years, I was familiar with many visitors' love of history, particularly that of the colonial period. With Williamsburg nearby, an 18th century plantation house guests could use as a home base from which to discover Virginia's history, seemed like a sound idea. If you read our guest comments on this site, I think you will see what I mean!
The Unique Benefits at this House/Estate
Staying at Lightwood is a truly unique experience, and it can be a destination in itself. There are few places in the United States where it is possible to be so immersed both in history and nature. One enters a different world after passing the entrance gates to Lightwood, and stepping into the front hall is like traveling back in time, to the early days of our nation. And although the feel of history is everywhere at Lightwood, all modern conveniences expected in the 21st century are provided. Wonderful grounds and extensive hiking trails at Lightwood are a nature lover's paradise, and many other historic and scenic sites and attractions are close by. Visiting Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown from ones' own 18th century plantation can help give a unique perspective to the understanding of Virginia's early history, especially to children.
Also, with our many contacts in the Williamsburg area, we can arrange first class period entertainment at Lightwood; including concerts, magicians, historical characters, lectures and demonstrations, subject to availability of course. If interested, just ask to see what might be available.
Owner's Map of Williamsburg
Lightwood is owned and operated by Joy and Cliff Williams. Joy is from County Durham in north east England, spent part of her childhood in Zambia, and came to Virginia as an exchange student for her senior year of high school. She then attended the University of Richmond, and later William and Mary for graduate school with the history department. Cliff, with old Virginia family roots, spent part of his childhood in Hawaii, attended Indiana University School of Music, and came to work for Colonial Williamsburg as a musician in 1974. He bought Lightwood in 1978, and during the time spent restoring it, also worked as an operatic baritone, singing major roles at such places as the Santa Fe Opera, Barcelona's Teatro Gran Liceo, and the Vienna Staatsoper. He and Joy married in 1989, and lived at Lightwood with their two sons and several dogs and rabbits until 2004. After moving to Williamsburg, they opened Lightwood as a vacation rental, and have enjoyed sharing it with guests from around the world ever since.
Property Photos
- Lightwood House - Williamsburg Area, Surry, VA - Virginia Vacation Rental - Travel & Tourism
- Living Room, Circa 1795 - Williamsburg Area, Surry, VA - Virginia Vacation Rental - Travel & Tourism
- Dining Room, Circa 1760 - Williamsburg Area, Surry, VA - Virginia Vacation Rental - Travel & Tourism
- Entrance Hall
- Blue Bedroom
- Yellow Bedroom
- Garden Corner
- Kitchen
- Living Room
- Lightwood in Summer
- Bathroom With Whirlpool Tub
- Lightwood Lane and Front Garden
- Private Entrance to Lightwood
Guest Comments (143)
First (10) of (143). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #44012
There have been 63753 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2004.
This listing was first published here in 2004.
Date last modified - June 23, 2009
Positive Rating
, basking ridge NJ
Positive Rating
The S. Family all had a wonderful time in this colonial home. The children loved doing their "morning chores"--pretending to gather eggs, feed the pigs, tend the garden, and hunting with their wooden guns. We enjoyed every room in this house--even having a church service in the foyer using the harpsichord as accompaniment. All of the attention to detail on the choice of artwork, books, and furniture was much appreciated. God bless this house and all in it.
Positive Rating
We had a wonderful week going back in time in this beautiful colonial home. We are a homeschool famiy with six kids and every one of them (19 down to 1) loved this home. Our second daughter, J., is graduating high school this year, and this was her senior trip. We dressed up in colonial costumes and cooked period foods. This will be one trip that we will never, ever forget. We have memories that will last for a lifetime--not to menion all of the history lessons learned. Thank you for letting us stay here! This house is a treasure.
Positive Rating
The M. and K. families escaped to the past and some good fun of old. A.K. and her daddy entertained us with eighteenth-century sounds from your keyboard. A.K. endeavored to catch an ever-escaping butterfly in the flower/herb garden. Hiking around your gorgeous estate didn't reveal any fauna, but we thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful, sunny day in full flora. You property is much more kid friendly than we imagined--we could have left a lot of gadgets at home. Hope your other visitors have as much fun as we!
Positive Rating
What a lovely home and beautiful property! We enjoyed watching the spring garden come to life this week--new flowers blooming almost every day. Your renovation of this beautiful house is meticulous--so many thoughtful decorative touches. The trails were great, too! Too soon to leave! With thanks and best wishes!
Positive Rating
Lightwood House is magic. We had a wonderful stay and wish we could stay longer. Our grandchildren really enjoyed this stay with us, the yard was perfect for our 2 year-old. Lightwood has a feeling of order and calm that is lovely in our normal suburban lives!
Positive Rating
What a beautiful location for our family get-together! We love the house, the wonderful furnishings, the gorgeous (albeit snowy) woods, and your thoughtfully provided and eclectic collection of reading material! Hope to be back again some time!
Positive Rating
Hi Cliff, You've rendered a great number of people a great service by your painstaking renovation of this fabulous historical home, and making it available for people to discover and enjoy. Living a bit of the past is more eloquent than a thousand explanations. In this day of ever accelerating frenzy, it is a real godsend to look back at how our forefathers lived their lives.
Positive Rating
We had a wonderful long weekend at this beautiful house. We took a nature hike, played in the backyard, cooked delicious meals, and spent a lot of time around the dining table, just talking and laughing. We are 10 friends who met in graduate school at UVA and don't get to see each other nearly enough. This house provided a fantastic retreat for reconnecting and catching up. We had children in our company, too, and they also loved exploring the house and grounds. Thank you for allowing us to spend this special time in this lovely old house!!
Positive Rating
Scott Haag , McLean, VA