Location: Williamsburg, Hampton Roads, Virginia, USA (Williamsburg Area, Surry, Virginia) View Map
Accommodations: House/Estate, 4 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 four 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 8 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, one double bed, 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 (spring and summer only), 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:
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
- 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, Coffee grinder, Large Crockpot, Down Comforters, Harpsichord/Spinet, Two Canopy Beds (Queen Sized), One Double Bed, and Two Twin Beds, Walking Trails, Booster Seat, High Chair, Children's Playground (Outside Toys, Swings, Slide, and Play Tower), Children's Indoor Toy Closet, Children's Books.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly: Maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs inside or outside. Pets are not allowed on furniture or beds.
- Kid Friendly: Steep staircases inside the house necessitate parental supervision of young children at all times. Because of steep staircases and outside stairs, this property is not suitable for the elderly and infirm.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: No guests under age 25 without accompanying adult (25+) years.
- Smoking Not Allowed: NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAME (OTHER THAN GAS FIREPLACES)OF ANY KIND.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Biking
- Hiking
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Miniature golf
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Dec. 2009- $395.00/night (3 night minimum) ....$2625.00/week
Jan. 2010- March 2010 ...$275/night (3 night minimum)....$1550.00/week
Apr. 2010-Dec. 2010....$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 House, abandoned and quite forlorn in rural, unspoiled Surry County, on the south side of the James River. The house 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 (160)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #44012
There have been 70293 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2004.
This listing was first published here in 2004.
Date last modified - February 07, 2010
Positive Rating
Dunscomb Family , 213 Barricklo St, Hamilton NJ
Positive Rating
Wayne Bailey , Gainesville, VA
Positive Rating
What a wonderful Thanksgiving--charming, picturesque and authentic. Thank you.
Positive Rating
The only challenge in staying at Lightwood House is the contemplation of what words to write about it that are reflective of the joy and happiness that our stay here has been. To say it's a step back in time is not adequate...to say that it felt like being at our Granny's house when we were young is inadequate...to say that it is a beautiful example of our history is inadequate, and to say it is the "perfect setting" for our Thanksgiving dinner is inadequate. It is all of these things and much, much more. Sitting by the fireplace in the kitchen, having a nice cup of hot coffee and a little leftover pumpkin roll at 6:30 a.m. on the day of our departure, will leave me (and all of us) with many fond memories of what our "old fashioned" Thanksgivings at Granny's house were like. Lightwood House is as comfortable as my favorite PJ's and a good book on a cold and rainy day. The only way it could have been better would have been to have had more time and more family here with us to enjoy all that it has meant to us. As we depart and once again go our separate ways...we will take with us the memories and joys of a simpler time and the time we enjoyed together at this magnificent home.
Positive Rating
Cliff and Joy--Thank you for opening the Lightwood House to guests. We enjoyed our time here thoroughly. What a perfect setting for our Thanksgiving get-together with family. We roamed the hiking trails, wandered the herb garden, and shared the charms of Thanksgiving dinner in the 1760s dining room, and tea in the living room by the fire. Our miniature schnauzer liked running free in the fenced yard. In such a warm and inviting house, who wouldn't feel at home? With fond regards.
Positive Rating
What a wonderful experience Lightwood has been. M. and J. had sung its praises, and J. said, "Mum, you must see this place for yourself." So we spent five memorable days in your beautifully restored colonial home, with all modern conveniences. The children enjoyed the ferry and it made trips to Williamsburg an adventure. There was so much to explore in the house, forest and surrounding district. All in all an unforgettable trip.
Positive Rating
M. and J. enthused so much about Virginia and the Lightwood Estate we were delighted they invited us to join them along with our lovely grandchildren C., C., and P., and their grandmother, R. It has been a wonderful experience, especially walks in the woods, trips to Jamestown and Williamsburg. We will have many happy memories.
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.