First Colony

First Colony Neighborhood Spotlight, James City County-Williamsburg VA

Greater First Colony is unique in the Williamsburg VA area in being a non-gated community with a marina on the James River, an interior lake, a competition-sized pool, swim team, lighted tennis courts, a fully equipped playground, and a baseball field.
The only other communities with marinas in the Williamsburg area are Governors Land, Kingsmill and Queens Lake. Stonehouse is slated to have one on the York River but it’s a number of years away.

The Greater First Colony Area consists of five adjacent neighborhoods subdivisions: First Colony, Heritage Landing, Shellbank, Shellbank Woods, and Chestnut Hills.

Early in the 19th century, the First Colony area reverted to timberland, which was periodically logged. A timber-loading pier was constructed out into the James River just upstream from today’s beach.
In 1955, the 18-lot Shellbank Subdivision was laid out along the river, extending downstream from Shellbank Creek to the beach. Shellbank, incidentally, is a geologist’s term for a Talbot terrace made up of marine deposits, including shells. The shell terraces were deposited before the last Ice Age. Presently, the James River is below that terrace level.

In 1962, the First Colony subdivision was laid out by the First Land Corporation of Newport News. It has 276 lots, of which 108 are around Lake Pasbehegh, which was formed by damming a swamp. There is also a park area adjacent to Lake Pasbehegh that all members may use where small boats can be launched along with some storage space, etc. In 1978, the Shellbank Woods subdivision, containing 92 lots spread over 111 acres, was started on the land lying between First Colony and Shellbank Marsh.

In 1986, the Heritage Landing subdivision was started on the land lying north of Shellbank Woods; it now contains 93 lots spread over 70 acres. The same year, Chestnut Hills was started off John Rolfe Lane. The population of our the community has steadily grown; 57 houses in 1975, 192 in 1980, 242 in 1985 and 453 built and occupied in September 1991. There are currently 510 homeowners living in First Colony community with approximately  400 households participating as members of this self-managed, voluntary association.

The First Colony Civic Association was incorporated in the State of Virginia on January 31, 1967. In 1978, it acquired title from the First Land Corporation to the approximately 50 acres of recreational property including the beach and boat basin, Lake Pasbehegh, and the Park. In 1988 it was renamed the Greater First Colony Area Civic Association to encompass all five subdivisions in our area.

The Civic Association is now responsible for the development and maintenance of the physical facilities of First Colony, including the recreational areas, roadways and night lights at the beach and park. The Association also promotes the social atmosphere of First Colony with picnics, dances, children’s parties and athletic events. It also is the formal contact with local government and other community groups.

The Greater First Colony Area consists of five adjacent neighborhood subdivisions: First Colony, Heritage Landing, Shellbank, Shellbank Woods, and Chestnut Hills. Greater First Colony is unique in the Williamsburg VA area in being a non-gated community with a marina on the James River, an interior lake, a competition-sized pool, a swim team, lighted tennis courts, a fully equipped playground, and a baseball field.

In 1955, the 18-lot Shellbank Subdivision was laid out along the river, extending downstream from Shellbank Creek to the beach. Shellbank, incidentally, is a geologist’s term for a Talbot terrace made up of marine deposits, including shells. The shell terraces were deposited before the last Ice Age. Presently, the James River is below that terrace level. In 1962, the First Colony subdivision was laid out by the First Land Corporation of Newport News.

The Greater First Colony Area Civic Association (GFCACA) is a voluntary neighborhood association in Williamsburg, Virginia on the coastal edge of the state.

GFCACA Benefits – Access to the lake park, holiday cookouts, community gardens, soccer field, Park; gazebo, picnic areas, playground, tennis/pickleball courts, basketball court, Marina; gazebo, deck, beach and fishing area. All common areas, lakes, and spillways. Road entrances and other association property throughout the neighborhood is maintained using membership fees. Click on “About Us/Join GFCACA” above for general membership information.

Association members have access to the park, lake, tennis courts, baseball diamond, the beach, and marina. They also receive free admission to several community-sponsored events annually. Additional charges are incurred for the pool, boat launching, parking, and docking. The Clubhouse is available for resident and non-resident functions. This beautiful, spacious, and affordable facility features high ceilings, a patio, a deck, a full kitchen, seating for up to 150 people, ample parking, and a beautiful view of the park. The Clubhouse is located at 125 Pasbehegh, adjacent to the playground, pavilion, and pool.
The First Colony Beach and Marina are located on the James River, which borders First Colony on the west. The beach and marina facilities are only available to current, paid members. The marina offers boat slips, boat parking, boat launching, a large fishing deck, a gazebo, and a sand beach. The marina was dredged in 2003, and was completely refurbished in 2004.

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Being an older neighborhood, the time had come for some new energy and effort to be poured into the grounds and equipment of the First Colony Park and its Marina area. Hundreds of volunteers dedicated many hours to planning and fund-raising hours to bring new life and beauty to this wonderful community!

It is a perfect example of what communities and neighborhoods can accomplish through partnering with each other, local agencies and various local talents. The Greater First Colony community has been a model for surrounding neighborhoods to recommit to organizing neighborhood events and that great things can happen when the energy and efforts of even a small group of volunteers, “starts the project ball rolling.

The Association sponsors events and activities for its members throughout the year. Several of these events are free to members. Events throughout the year include Memorial Day Party, 4th of July party, Labor Day ,Oktoberfest, Thanksgiving Breakfast,  Christmas Caroling, The Fool’s Regatta, and the annual First Colony Polar Plunge.

Attendance at the last Memorial Weekend Sunday picnic was a wonderful affair, enjoyed by close to 300 folks.

The  First Colony Beach and Marina are located on the James River, which borders First Colony on the west.  The beach and marina facilities are only available to current, paid members. The marina offers boat slips, boat parking, boat launching, a large fishing deck, a gazebo, and a sand beach.  The marina was dredged in 2003, and was completely refurbished in 2004.

The beach comes with beautiful views of the James River, historic Jamestowne, and awesome sunsets for enjoying with family, friends, and neighbors.  The gazebo at the beach is available for private parties for up to 50 people with prior reservations.

First Colony Park ( for members only) is located midway between The Maine and John Rolfe on Pasbehegh.  The park boasts a playground for youngsters, a full-size baseball field with a backstop, lighted basketball and tennis courts, and a picnic pavilion with numerous picnic tables and a charcoal grill.   The competition-sized pool is adjacent to the park.

The First Colony pool is a 25-meter, competition-sized pool, with a shallow area, lap lane, diving well with 2 low boards, and a separate baby pool.  Two canopies provide shaded areas to go along with the plentiful area for sunning.  There are restrooms and a snack bar in the adjoining pool house. The pool area was recently renovated (2020) adding a new building to house the shop and bathrooms, new chairs, additional shade structures, expanded pool deck.

The First Colony swim team ( The Flyers) is open to resident and non-resident children aged 5 through 18. The goal of the team is to develop good swimmers and an enjoyment of the sport in a safe and encouraging setting.  Their coaching staff is one of the strongest in the area, with more coaches per swimmer than other teams.  The Flyers compete in Division I of the VPSU league.

First Colony marina is proud to serve as host to the William & Mary Sailing Club.
Club members contribute to the community through free sailing instruction and work days. For the schedule of student sailing regattas and other information about the team, click here.

First Colony residents also enjoy biking, walking, or running on the nearby  VA  Capital Trail.This trail as you may already know is a work in progress. The first few phases are complete and open to the public. Eventually, the trail connects Williamsburg to Richmond with 55 miles of paved trails through natural beauty. As a paved trail, it’s not limited to the more versatile mountain bike crowd. You will typically see walkers, joggers, photographers, squirrels, kids, and, of course, bikers

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How Can I Help YOU? I find that the people who can utilize my services most fall into the four categories below.

Are you just starting your Williamsburg home search?
If you’re starting your internet search for homes, you may be starting far in advance. Maybe you’re just in the research stage, or perhaps you’re ready to dive in and see houses that may work for you. Wherever you are in the process, let’s connect. I’m here to help…as little as or as much as you would like.

Are you planning a visit to Williamsburg?
Planning a trip to the area and looking for some recommendations? I would be happy to recommend some places to stay or to give you a quick, introductory tour of some neighborhoods and/or homes. As a believer in supporting local businesses, I’ve got a growing list of recommendations for you during your time here, whether you’re looking for a good meal, a fun activity, or a cold beer. I also have a “Discovery Package” that typically appeals to most!

Are you trying to “get a feel for” our real estate market in Williamsburg?
You’re in the right place! I can set you up to receive email notices on new listings that are in your price range or area that interests you. In these notices, you’ll also find homes that sell or go under contract so that you can keep tabs on the real estate market here in the ‘Burg and see what sellers in today’s market are willing to negotiate.

Are you thinking of selling your Williamsburg home?
In the popular market of Williamsburg and Hampton Roads, selling your home requires more than just a traditional marketing strategy. It requires an agent who has a plan. In the present, that requires an effective internet strategy to target potential buyers locally, nationally, and even globally.

On my own accord and in conjunction with Liz Moore and Associates, we’re focused on keeping our clients at the forefront of the ever-changing real estate industry. We accomplish this by utilizing the latest technology to provide clients with cutting edge tools that deliver results.

Want to get in touch?
I find people contact me for various reasons other than those listed above. If you want to ask a question about the Williamsburg, Richmond, or Hampton Roads real estate market, I’m happy to answer it. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find you someone who can. Feel free to contact me to share things you think my blog readers would like to know. Maybe you’ve got tips on hot, new properties, great stories about the area, or just little tidbits about why you love the area so much. Shoot me a text, give me a call, or send me an email or letter. I read them all!

Last but not least, I’m here for you every step of the way on your journey in buying or selling a home. I know that the search for a real estate agent can be an overwhelming one. Let’s sit down in person or set up a time to call and discuss how we can work together. If I’m not a perfect match for your needs, I’ll find you someone who is.

My bottom line: I’m creating a revolution in real estate. I’m going beyond basic real estate offerings to give you all the answers you need all in one place. Will you join me?

John Womeldorf ( AKA Mr Williamsburg)
text or call-757 254 8136 or email me [email protected]

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