Entire home

Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool

Cottage with in steps of swimming pool and poolside lounge

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6900 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer

Explore the area

Charles City, VA

Jamestown Settlement
‪34 min drive‬
Ford's Colony at Williamsburg
‪40 min drive‬
Williamsburg Premium Outlets
‪42 min drive‬
Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.)
‪65 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2, northern exposure

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3, southern exposure

2 Single 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.

Property manager

Steve Rula, Owner

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total

Approved family pet members have an added fee.

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Charles City

Located in Charles City, this cottage is in a rural area and near theme parks. Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Williamsburg Premium Outlets. Travelling with kids? Consider Williamsburg Botanical Garden, or check out an event or a game at Kaplan Arena. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Charles City, VA

What's nearby

Jamestown Settlement - 34 min drive - 31.8 km
College of William and Mary - 37 min drive - 34.3 km
Historic Jamestowne - 38 min drive - 33.8 km
Ford's Colony at Williamsburg - 40 min drive - 37.9 km
Williamsburg Premium Outlets - 42 min drive - 40.0 km

Getting around

Williamsburg Transportation Center - 36 min drive
Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

‪Two Drummers BBQ - ‬44 min drive
‪The Angler - ‬39 min drive
‪Woodie's Riverhouse - ‬53 min drive
‪Charles City Dairy Freeze - ‬15 min drive
‪Patsy's Family Diner - ‬42 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Private Country Retreat with Swimming Pool pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

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 ?

Checkout 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.

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Philip L.

18 Apr, 2025

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

Beautiful place

Would definitely stay again

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

20 May, 2025

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

6/10 Okay

Tracy M.

6 Apr, 2025

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

Suzanne P.

26 Dec, 2024

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.

25 Nov, 2024

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.

22 Aug, 2024

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

cristina l.

19 May, 2024

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

Best host

Perfect get away

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley H.

13 Oct, 2024

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

Family trip to Busch Gardens

We came up Friday afternoon from the beach of NC to enjoy the crisp cool fall weather in Charles City, VA. We really enjoyed Holly Hill’s historical feel yet updated amenities. The shower in the master bathroom was a real treat! The home felt quaint upon entry but the kitchen had a commercial sink and gas stove/oven as well as 2 leather couches in the living space. We were very impressed with the pool and back deck with table that seated 6 to star gaze in the cool night air. We will visit again

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Antonietta P.

16 Aug, 2024

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

Eric M.

5 Jun, 2024

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

j s.

14 Nov, 2018

Peaceful, quiet.

Our two schnauzers and us loved everything about the place.

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kerry W.

12 Jul, 2024

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

Happy family stay

We thoroughly enjoyed out stay at Holly Hill! We were meeting to catch up with some family in Richmond and Virginia Beach. We had ample space to stretch out during their day visits - and the cottage was perfectly comfortable for us (5 of us). The pool was WONDERFUL! And Steve is the perfect host!! He checked in with us regularly and offered to pick up needed items from the store. We will come again!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kay S.

18 Jun, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

10 Jun, 2024

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

Wedding Weekend Winner!

We were in the area for a weekend full of nearby wedding activities. The host, Steve, was super communicative and responsive. He was incredibly responsive and accommodating. The property is lovely, and well maintained. The outdoor lighting and the fun sculptures added to our enjoyment of the property. Not only do I recommend this property, I’ll seek it out for a return trip!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin A.

28 Nov, 2022

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

Brian C.

21 Apr, 2022

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

kelly k.

19 Aug, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Staci T.

22 Jul, 2023

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

Miles H.

13 Jun, 2023

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

Karen B.

2 May, 2019

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

Antonietta P.

11 Aug, 2023

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

Perfect Getaway

Holly Hill is a lovely cottage close enough to Williamsburg for restaurants and shops but set in the heart of the country to provide privacy. We made wonderful meals in the kitchen and relaxed in the beautiful pool. The owner and caretaker, when needed, couldn't have been better. This is exactly what we needed for our vacation and our dog loved it, too! We will definitely return to Holly Hill!

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rob H.

6 Sept, 2022

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

Karen Susan H.

16 Jul, 2023

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

Relaxing Vacation

Stayed in a 2 story Guest House that is completely furnished. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. The best part is the 20'x 60' inground saltwater pool! Swam every day! The Guest House is located in the wilderness so it was peaceful and quiet! Best vacation ever!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie P.

19 Sept, 2022

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

A Countryside Retreat with Peace and Tranquility

A peaceful retreat in a country setting. We had a wonderful time enjoying nature, swimming and visiting Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg.! We were also able to bring our 2 pups. Thank You Steve!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gillian E.

28 Nov, 2021

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

Charming Cottage, Beautiful Setting

We had a wonderful stay at Holly Hill! The location was ideal - the perfect balance of rural but not far from the action. We drove to Williamsburg one day and Busch Gardens the next, and were very happy to come home to our quiet cottage in the woods/on the farm. The beds are super comfy and the kitchen has everything we needed. We can’t wait to come back in warm weather and use the pool! Steve is as lovely as other reviews said - thoughtful and fun to chat with. We loved this stay!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

About the host

Hosted by Steve Rula, Owner

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...