Location: Williamsburg, Virginia, USA (Williamsburg Area, Surry, Virginia) View Map
Accommodations: House/Estate, 5 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 8)
FALL ROMANTIC COUPLE'S GETAWAY SPECIAL-SEE RATES BELOW
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)
Romantic Couple's Fall Getaway-$275.00/night,$1550.00/week,
one couple only, October and November, 2009 (3 night minimum)
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 (153)
First (10) of (153). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #44012
There have been 68065 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2004.
This listing was first published here in 2004.
Date last modified - November 21, 2009
Positive Rating
We so enjoyed your lovely home The grounds and location were ideal for celebrating our parents' 50th wedding anniversary as a family. We took nature walks and enjoyed the patio and garden each morning as we ate our breakfast. We hope we will have the privilege of returning someday to enjoy again this wonderful historical home.
Positive Rating
We love the house! What a great place to gather with our two sons and future daughter-in-law. Each day we took the ferry across the river for a different adventure. Our evenings found us cooking on the grill and enjoying the beautiful yard. Our morning hike through the woods even wore out our dogs.
Positive Rating
Cliff- It was wonderful waking up to birds chirping, trees swaying, and crickets singing...The house was an experience itself...We felt as if we were living in a different era...one much less complex and beautiful.
Positive Rating
Stepping through your front door was like stepping back in time! We could almost hear the rustling of hoop skirts in the hallway as we made ourselves so very comfortable with the conveniences of modern times. How many generations of children's barefeet have padded across these wooden floors? There are so many wondrous places for the imagination to wander....Lightwood has been a magical experience which we will never forget. Thank you with all of our hearts.
Positive Rating
What an absolutely wonderful "stepback" in time our visit has been in your beautiful home. It is a treasure and truly magical. We enjoyed it tremendously.
Positive Rating
I enjoyed the time we had here at Lightwood very much. Our family was able to spend time together in a beautiful, peaceful setting. My sister and I enjoyed exploring the trails! It was a wonderful setting to learn, laugh, and relax! Thank you for sharing this unique home with us. This is a trip we will not soon forget.
Positive Rating
Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in the home and enjoy your beautiful furniture and decorations. The home and grounds are gorgeous! While attractive and comfortable for adults, you've also managed to make it considerably kid-friendly, as well. Our family came here to celebrate our parents' 50th anniversary and it was the perfect place. The location allowed us easy access to Busch Gardens, Water Country, and Williamsburg. But staying in this house allowed us also to enjoy family meals each evening and some game-playing time during a rainy afternoon. Lightwood is beautiful and we're thankful you share it!
Positive Rating
, basking ridge NJ
Positive Rating
This home truly is magical! I have to admit, you read all the comments about Lightwood and wonder if this place is as terrific as everyone claims--well, it is! We spent a mini-extended family getaway here and were really sad when it was time to leave! We explored the house and the kids loved all the "nooks and crannies," played "catch" in the garden, ate yummy grilled food while the kids played on the playground, rode the ferry to Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. But the most important memories are of the quality time we spent as a family. The TV came on only once, and for just a brief moment. Lightwood is magical because it encourages and enables family time--quality family time. This will always be a treasured memory!
Positive Rating
B. Family Gathering--We all came together from California, Pennsylvania, and one even flew in from New Orleans. From the moment we drove through your beautiful white gate we felt we had entered "another world"--completely enchanting and charming! We excitedly gathered to "walk through each room" picking out our rooms with glee. We absolutely loved our time, whether sitting around the beautiful historic dining room, or doing puzzles in the living room listening to the crickets chirp. The peace and quiet was so restful to all of us. We had a wonderful family time that will be treasured for years to come, removed from all the hustle and bustle. Loved ALL the toys. Thank you for letting us share this wonderful home. God Bless you.