178 Devon Road: Impeccably Built and Maintained in Windsor Forest
Every Home Has a Story
One of the things I’ve learned after more than two decades in real estate is this:
Every home has a story.
Not just square footage.
Not just bedroom counts.
Not just granite and paint colors.
A real story.
That’s why I created my “Every Home Has a Story” series — to share what you can’t see online and what you’ll never fully understand in a 20-minute showing. By sitting down with sellers and listening to their memories, traditions, and experiences, I help buyers move from “We like this house” to “We can see ourselves living here.”
And in the case of 178 Devon Road, that story is especially meaningful to me.
I’ve lived in Windsor Forest.
I raised my sons here.
They swam for the Windsor Forest Frogs.
We built our own family memories in this community.
I’m also unapologetically partial to Williamsburg — the nation’s Colonial Capital — where history and everyday life intersect in a way that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
So when I say this is one of the nicest homes in Windsor Forest, I’m not speaking only as a Realtor.
I’m speaking as a neighbor.
First Impressions: In a Word, Impeccable
From the moment you arrive, one word comes to mind:
Impeccable.
Bruce and Donna Lemley built this custom home in 1993, and they have maintained it with a level of consistency and pride that is increasingly rare.
Most recently, a brand-new architectural roof was installed in January 2026, addressing one of the most significant long-term homeowner expenses.
This stately 2,604-square-foot Colonial transitional home sits on nearly .38 acres of immaculately landscaped grounds filled with mature trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. The partially fenced backyard, framed by an arbor near the front entrance, feels reminiscent of an English garden.
“The hydrangeas are just gorgeous here in spring and summer,” Donna says.
“We have a ton of hydrangeas! One year, we even had a friend gather enough cuttings to outfit a wedding — and we still had plenty left.”
Even in winter, evergreens and hollies keep the property vibrant. There is always something blooming, textured, or colorful no matter the season.
Building a Home, Building a Family
Beyond location and curb appeal, this home offers what many buyers seek but rarely articulate:
Good bones.
Custom-designed and built by Jerry Parker — a respected local builder known for homes in Kingsmill and Governor’s Land — this residence feels solid and thoughtfully constructed.
“This house is solid,” Donna says.
“It feels well-built, and it’s been well-maintained.”
It’s also where Bruce and Donna raised their two children, Sarah and Michael.
“I will forever carry the memory of coming across that threshold as a new mom,” Donna reflects.
“I can still see the highchairs and the toys.”
Having the bedrooms and laundry upstairs created a natural family hub, keeping her close to her children during those formative years.
It was the perfect home for that season of life.
Architectural Detail & Interior Character
Classic exterior elements — brick cornices, dentil molding, aggregate driveway, and a winding sidewalk — lead to a front door framed by sidelights and transom.
Inside, neutral tones beautifully offset white woodwork, molding, and wainscoting. Honey-toned oak hardwood floors add warmth, while subtle black accents provide understated elegance.
Windows are a standout feature. The home includes an arched window above the kitchen sink and three bay windows on the first floor — in the front parlor, dining room, and breakfast nook.
“The bay window in the front room was the perfect backdrop for our Christmas tree,” Donna says.
Natural light pours in from every angle.
A Kitchen That Anchors the Home
The kitchen is both efficient and inviting.
White cabinetry, granite countertops, tile backsplash, and stainless appliances create a timeless aesthetic. An island with a Thermador gas cooktop provides seating for two, accented by navy counter-height chairs and coordinated breakfast nook window treatments.
Upgraded lighting — including the statement chandelier in the foyer — ties the design together seamlessly. All light fixtures convey, including the multi-tiered chandelier in the front parlor.
“I will miss this kitchen,” Donna says.
And that says everything.
An oversized arch leads from the kitchen into the family room, where evenings are spent enjoying a fire, a glass of wine, or a favorite Netflix series. The built-in TV and sound bar above the fireplace convey.
Second Floor Living & Flexibility
The bright loft at the top of the stairs offers flexible space for seating, display, or reading.
The primary suite is a calming retreat, featuring two closets — one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom — along with a soaking tub and glass-enclosed shower.
“When we brought our babies home, we wanted to be on the same floor,” Donna says.
Two additional bedrooms, a shared bath, and a large bonus room over the garage provide ample flexibility for office space, hobbies, fitness, guests, or a fourth bedroom.
Storage is abundant throughout the home.
Major Improvements & Capital Investments (2005–January 2026)
From 2005 through January 2026, the Lemleys made consistent, proactive improvements.
Exterior enhancements included the installation of an Ipe hardwood deck (like teak) and Hardie-plank siding. Major mechanical updates followed, including a Rheem gas furnace, Ruud heat pump, new windows, front door, garage door, and water heater.
A poly barrier was added to the crawlspace in 2018.
In 2020, the home underwent extensive renovation including kitchen and bath remodels, fresh interior paint, new carpet, upgraded lighting, crawlspace dehumidifier, and steam humidifier.
A Generac whole-house generator was installed in 2021, followed by updated plumbing shut-off valves in 2022.
The exterior was professionally repainted in 2025.
And in January 2026, a brand-new architectural roof was installed.
This is a home that has been carefully invested in — not deferred.
Leaving Is Bittersweet
The Lemleys are staying in Williamsburg — but leaving Windsor Forest is not easy.
“We will miss the traditions we built here,” Donna says.
“I can still see the trikes and toy cars out front.”
Their children swam on the Windsor Forest Frogs — just like my sons did.
Holiday decorating became a tradition, especially at Christmas.
“So, future owners… there may be expectations,” Donna laughs.
Pebble walkways, natural slate paths, cookouts on the deck, and Donna’s three-mile walking loop are all part of the memories they will carry forward.
And then there’s what residents lovingly call “the Windsor Forest wave.”
“You can’t drive or walk anywhere without someone waving,” Donna says.
That spirit is real.
Life in Windsor Forest: A Community That Shows Up
Windsor Forest is more than a collection of homes — it’s an active, engaged community.
Every summer, the neighborhood hosts an epic Fourth of July parade, with decorated bikes and wagons lining the streets and neighbors gathering to celebrate.
The Windsor Forest Frogs swim team competes against other neighborhood teams each summer. Over the years, numerous swimmers have gone on to compete in college on full athletic scholarships — and one former Frog even competed in the Olympics.
Additional community events include:
- Easter celebrations
- Christmas caroling
- Holiday light contests
- Clubhouse socials throughout the year
- Tennis and pickleball at the neighborhood courts
These traditions help neighbors become friends — and newcomers feel at home.
Golf carts are now permitted in Windsor Forest, and more and more homeowners are taking advantage of this fun and convenient way to get around the neighborhood. You’ll often see neighbors cruising over to the pool, clubhouse, and tennis courts, or heading over to visit friends, without ever needing to get in the car. It’s become part of the relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle here — just another small detail that makes Windsor Forest such an enjoyable place to call home.
For additional details and current information about 178 Devon Road:
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Location & Schools
Windsor Forest offers excellent access to Route 199 and Richmond Road, placing shopping, dining, breweries, wineries, and recreation just minutes away.
The neighborhood is zoned for:
- J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School
- James Blair Middle School
- Lafayette High School
Williamsburg itself was named “The South’s Best Small Town” by Southern Living — and neighborhoods like Windsor Forest help explain why.
About Me: Why I Write These Stories
Homes are not transactions.
They are chapters.
I’ve lived here.
I’ve raised children here.
I’ve stood on pool decks and cheered.
As I think about the long arc of my career — and yes, someday retirement — I want my work to leave behind something meaningful.
A library of honest, grounded stories about what it’s truly like to live in Williamsburg.
Not marketing fluff.
Real homes.
Real families.
Real community.
That’s what lasts.
Final Thoughts
178 Devon Road represents everything I love about Windsor Forest:
✔ Quality construction
✔ Thoughtful upgrades
✔ Deep family roots
✔ Active community
✔ Pride of ownership
This is not just a beautiful house.
It is a well-loved, well-maintained, well-invested-in home — ready for its next chapter.
📞 Call/Text: 757-254-8136
📧 John@MrWilliamsburg.com
🌐 https://mrwilliamsburg.com
Warmly,
John Womeldorf
A.K.A. Mr. Williamsburg