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Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool

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Cottage with in steps of swimming pool and poolside lounge
Quaint Guest Cottage Awaits Your Stay
Exterior
Living area
Enjoy deep water pool

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6900 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer

Explore the area

View in a map
Charles City, VA
  • Place, Chickahominy State Wildlife Management Area
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, College of William and Mary
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, Busch Gardens Williamsburg
    ‪37 min drive‬
  • Airport, Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2, northern exposure

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3, southern exposure

2 Twin Beds

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool

PERFECT COUNTRY RETREAT
Whether you are looking for a private retreat or romantic getaway, Holly Hill is awaiting your arrival. Relax on the secluded grounds of this historical private country estate in Charles City County. Holly Hill is a three bedroom, two bath guest cottage with full kitchen and an open den nestled on the grounds of Cary Hill circa 1741. All basic amenities apply. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the life in the country with the added pleasure of pool privileges (open May 15+- through September 15+-or as long as weather permits).


** We are excited to offer our guests free WiFi, although the wifi is NOT suitable for video streaming. You are in the country....and WiFi is great for checking emails, light duty correspondence. The WiFi is measured service and if you use all the data, it just slooooooooooows down until the next billing cycle.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
Approved family pet members have an added fee.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Require proof of age (25 years minimum) of primary renter prior to arrival through supplying government ID to property owner.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Charles City

Located in Charles City, this cottage is in a rural area and near theme parks. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Chickahominy State Wildlife Management Area and Colonial National Historical Park, while Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne are cultural highlights. Traveling with kids? Consider Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Galaxy Tag. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Charles City, VA

What's nearby

  • Chickahominy State Wildlife Management Area - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Jamestown Settlement - 27 min drive - 31.2 km
  • College of William and Mary - 29 min drive - 34.3 km
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 37 min drive - 45.9 km
  • Water Country USA - 37 min drive - 46.6 km

Getting around

  • Williamsburg Transportation Center - 36 min drive
  • Newport News - Williamsburg Intl. Airport (PHF) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lakeside Restaurant - ‬39 min drive
  • ‪Two Drummers Smokehouse - ‬44 min drive
  • ‪McSherry Getaway - ‬50 min drive
  • ‪The Angler - ‬40 min drive
  • ‪Woodie's Riverhouse - ‬53 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool ?

As of Mar 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool on Aug 6, 2025 start from $503, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool ?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool located?

This family-friendly Charles City cottage is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Chickahominy State Wildlife Management Area and Big Marsh Point. Chickahominy Riverfront Park is 10.4 mi (16.8 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 127 out of 134 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 134 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 134 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 134 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 134 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Philip L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place

Would definitely stay again
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Escaping to the countryside

A great place, clean, beautiful nature around.We had activities in Williamsburg, VA. The place was about 30 min drive thru peaceful countryside. Highly recommended !!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cathy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful land

We came in for graduation and stayed here and loved it. It was peaceful and away from everything. It was a great relaxing stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent stay at the country retreat

We loved our time at the country retreat. Steve was incredibly accommodating and excellent at communicating. The property is lovely and it worked perfectly for our group. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Faige K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

We loved the quaint cottage and the gorgeous, large pool! Very peaceful getaway. Close to Williamsburg and many tourist attractions. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

cristina l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best host

Perfect get away
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

j s.

Peaceful, quiet.

Our two schnauzers and us loved everything about the place.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage in the woods

Perfect place for our small family and dogs - clean, comfortable, quiet, well-appointed place with everything we needed for a few days. Lovely touches in and outdoors. Communication with the owner was great. Highly recommend if you want to get away from the world for a few days!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot for wedding weekend

We needed a place close to the Charles River ferry for a wedding. The property was unique but charming, perfect for the family and 2 dogs. Don’t expect close restaurants or shopping (15 minutes to the closest) and watch for the deer but we had an enjoyable stay and Steve was a gracious and attentive host.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome place

Holly Hill cottage was great. Steve was an awesome host. Took us on a tour of Carry Hill house. Quiet little place with a huge pool that the kids loved. Will definitely come back again soon!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Has a wonderful time

Had a wonderful stay at This location, Steve was very friendly and was ready to assist us with anything we would have needed. Pool was very refreshing. Property was well maintained and beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kay S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay at Holly Hill

Holly Hill is a charming cottage surrounded by all the beauty of nature while still having all the creature comforts. It was a perfect place for our visit to Colonial Williamsburg. The saltwater pool is enormous and great to cool off in after a day in the Virginia heat.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Tracy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

One night stay

Needed a place to stay for 1 night for a family event. The home is cozy and the check in process was the easiest I’ve had with any Vrbo. No guessing, no challenges with the door code. The downstairs bed is heaven. THE most comfortable bed ever! The host is easy to communicate with and he made arrangements for us to be able to check in early so we could get settled in first and then attend our family event on time.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

The house is nice. Entry and stay instructions were very clear and easy to understand. Kitchen was well equipped and provided linens and towels were nice. Living room was comfortable and setting was bucolic.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Retreat

Loved every minute vacationing at the Guest House "Holly Hill" in Charles City, VA! The Saltwater Pool was extremely luxurious and relaxing! Even though we had quite a few days of rain, the sun still came out long enough for us to swim in the pool! The two new managers Justin and Charles were very nice and helpful. This was their first year managing the property and they did an excellent job! Was sad that Steve Rula, Jr has retired and we missed not seeing his smiling face! Wish Steve the best of luck and now he can enjoy relaxing!If you're looking for peace and quiet this is the place where you want to go! Out in the country away from city noise and traffic! You'll love it!
Looking down from the 2nd floor of the Guest House onto the saltwater pool.
Two story Guest House "Holly Hill" where we stayed
Cary Hill circa 1741 that is located on the property
Enjoying the Saltwater Pool at night with the lights on
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay!

Steve was a great host and the place is exactly as described. It was a great place to unwind and relax after a long day on the road. A specail treat is watching the tree canopy come alive at night with all the chandeliers in the trees. Very nice touch! We will be returning. Thanks for a wonderful stay for my family.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Holly Hill was perfect for our Easter away from home.

The property is set in a beautiful, and very quiet country setting, but yet very close to all of the local activities. Steve, the owner, was probably the most gracious host we have had in all of our many VRBO stays. We hope to make this an annual outing. and BTW, the beds were more comfortable than the Williamsburg Inn in Colonial Willamsburg where we stayed last time at twice the cost.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Justin A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Backroad Getaway

Very clean house. Great location for wanting to be out side of town but not to far. Boat Ramp right down the road and game lands surround the property. Plenty of attractions with in 20 minutes. Great property.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

April Break

The cottage was perfect for a relaxing getaway with friends. Close enough to Williamsburg and Busch Gardens for day trips of fun or a night out. The house had everything we needed and the owner was super responsive to any questions. Huge plus that we could bring our fur babies along. Would not hesitate to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rob H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Steve was a great host!

Pool was super nice! Private pool for just the 3 of us was fabulous. Wasn't anticipating the property to be so secluded, but that was a benefit. We never left until checkout.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bradley S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful holiday

This was likely the most relaxing holiday weekend we have ever had. Nestled in the country is this wonderful cottage with 60 foot salt water pool that you have all to yourself. The owner, Steve, lives on the acreage and ensured we had everything to make our stay. If you are looking to get away from people and have some great family time with pool, BBQ, and relaxation - no need to look elsewhere.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miles H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Retreat

We only stayed briefly, but it was perfect for us. It was clean, comfortable and quiet. It was also very convenient to Williamsburg. Overall a much nicer choice than a hotel closer by. It was only 20 minutes from town. The pool was beautiful. Thanks.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Antonietta P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another Amazing Stay!!!

How could it be better?!? The grounds are beautiful, the pool is fantastic, it’s so peaceful, and every possible need is taken care of! We absolutely love Holly Hill and can’t recommend it highly enough! Steve, Russell, (and hoping to meet Patience in person one day), thank you for everything to make our stay so enjoyable! And our dog Abbie was as sorry to leave as we were!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Staci T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Place!

We loved staying at this property! The pool was amazing and it was great to come back and jump in the pool after walking around Colonial Williamsburg. We had fun trying to find all the chandeliers! The house was clean and had ample room for all of us. No downfalls to this place, would definitely stay here again! Owner was easy to communicate with and very responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

kelly k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

This house was fantastic. The salt water pool was a dream. We spent every free moment in it! Steve was so nice and helpful when we needed. Highly recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Steve Rula, Owner

Host profile image
Steve, the owner, began coming to Cary Hill 1741 about 23 years ago. He undertook a renovation of the manor home (Cary Hill), the guest cottage (Holly Hill) and the pool house (the Folly), which took about 12 years of dedication and skill. The renovation of the property was done with the desire to hold events (weddings and corporate events) and house travellers and visitors who wanted to enjoy the cottage, Holly Hill.

Why they chose this property

Surrounded by 5,500 acres of the Wildlife Management, the property provides privacy and seclusion, and yet a great proximity to historic sites and communities, as well as colleges, sports/recreation destinations and a myriad of cultural and educational and outright fun things to visit and experience.

What makes this property unique

Close to the Chicahominy River (and boat landing), Jamestown, Williamsburg, William and Mary College, Busch Gardens, Water Country, allllllll kinds of dining and shopping in Williamsburg...VA Beach is about 90 minutes, Richmond is about 50 minutes...

Languages:

English

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