3016 Hearthstone Road: A rare opportunity in The Governors Land at Two Rivers
Every home has a story
John Womeldorf knows that every home has a story. As an experienced realtor with a deep love for Williamsburg, John looks beyond the basic features of the homes he sells. In his “Every home has a story” series, John introduces potential buyers to the aspects of a home that they can’t see by viewing it online or attending a showing. By interviewing the sellers and writing about what makes each home so special, John hopes his clients go from trying to see themselves living in an unfamiliar house to envisioning their family moving into their dream home.
How we met
When Gail and Mitchell Farkas were looking to relocate from mid-New Jersey to points south, they had three non-negotiables: warmer climes, lower taxes and a large home that would be a gathering place for their family when they visited.
“We saw John’s ‘Mr. Williamsburg’ website,” Gail says. “So, we came down to see what he could show us, and he showed us lots of places!”
The couple had already done some exploring along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. As it turns out, coastal Virginia (Williamsburg!) checked all oftheir boxes.
“Our house hunting visits were very well organized and productive,” Gail says. “John was extremely patient as we took our time evaluating multiple communities, each with many different home options. Once we chose our new community and new home, he kept us informed throughout the buying process and handled many issues, which we appreciated, as they were things that would have been difficult to manage out-of-state.”
The draw of Williamsburg and Governors Land
Soon after beginning their search, The Governors Land at Two Rivers community moved to the top on Mitchell and Gail’s short list. They immediately fell in love with the size and scale of the community, relative to other options.
Located where the historic James River meets the Chickahominy River, Governors Land is a private, country club community that is known for its beauty and tranquility. Residents have access to a top-rated championship golf course (designed by Tom Fazio, known as one of the greatest golf course architects in the world), as well as marina memberships, a member-owned country club, private beach, waterfront dining, park-like setting and many other amenities.
“We were both playing golf regularly, so the golf course was a bonus. Also, the two rivers converge here which makes this community especially beautiful.”
Once they became residents, Mitchell and Gail quickly learned that the people in their new neighborhood are extremely welcoming and gracious – another bonus!
A stunning property
3016 Hearthstone, built in 1996, sits on a 0.698 acre lot at the end of a private cul de sac. Curb appeal is instant. At the end of an aggregate driveway, the house sits to left while a charming brick detached garage to the right provides additional parking beyond the attached two-car garage.
“Mitchell and I were really hoping to find a house that would replicate the home we were selling just outside of Princeton, NJ,” Gail says. “This home filled the bill.”
The magnificent 5,513 square-foot brick home, resplendent with architectural character and upgrades galore, features abundant living spaces that flow effortlessly, while each maintains a sense of “space.”
Enter the two-story foyer and marvel at the elegantly curved staircase. Architectural details like chair rails, crown moulding, wainscoting and transoms extend throughout. To the left of the foyer is a formal parlor, with a stately dining room to the right.
Formal living and dining spaces lead to more casual spaces like the “fireplace room” and a sumptuous library/sun porch. The heart of the home, of course, is its kitchen and this gleaming gourmet galley-style kitchen is no exception. The kitchen flows into an informal dining room, a space that dazzles with its sweeping bank of windows and cathedral ceiling. There is also a butler’s pantry which is both functional and lovely.
Double French pocket doors lead from the parlor to the family room which Gail has dubbed “the fireplace room” as a nod to its focal point.
The fireplace room is their favorite space in the home. “It’s so comfortable and cozy in here. When we have people over for dinner, this is where we have cocktails.”
With its raised hearth and recessed lighting, the fireplace room is a cozy gathering space that leads to the kitchen on one side and a spectacular library/sunroom on the other. Off the sunroom there’s a stunning raised-brick patio, adorned with black, wrought-iron fencing.
There are four bedrooms, including a first-floor primary suite, two rooms used as offices, three full bathrooms, and one half-bathroom. The spacious primary bedroom/suite features a vaulted ceiling, his-and-her bathrooms, five closets and a dressing area.
Indeed, every aspect of this stately home says “wow!”
Throughout the living spaces, whether formal or casual, there are built-ins. Some blend in, others are artfully decorated to look like stand-alone furniture.
“We were struck by how much this house had a lot in common with our place in New Jersey that we loved. This, too, is a great house perfectly suited for entertaining.”
A gorgeous patio, off the library/sunroom, looks out to green space. The expansive yard is meticulously landscaped, with its lush combination of trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and plants. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, very vibrant in spring and summer with the trees and shrubs in bloom.
Rooms to spare (and share!)
The couple has three adult children, one in Norfolk, one in New York City, and the other lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Naturally, Gail and Mitchell wanted to have space to accommodate them when they came for a visit.
“This house let us do that,” Gail says. “We have had great times with our family, and our two grandkids especially love coming from Milwaukee to visit ‘Grams and PopPop.’ A playground and basketball courts are just across the way, so that’s very convenient.”
Upstairs, the space is quite private, with a loft/television space centrally located. “It’s nice because when you have overnight guests, they have their own space to relax, maybe read or watch some TV.”
In addition to the loft, there are three bedrooms on the second floor, as well as two additional rooms which Gail and Mitchell have used as office space.
What’s not to love?
“This house had a lot in common with our home in New Jersey that we loved,” Gail says. “It’s a great house perfectly suited for entertaining.”
Over the years, there have been many dinner parties, cocktail parties and holiday gatherings.
“We’ve continued our tradition of hosting Thanksgiving down here. We always had that tradition in New Jersey.”
Just this past September, the Farkas hosted a large gathering in honor of their son and daughter-in-law who were recently married. “Their wedding, up in Hoboken, was small – close family only – so we were delighted to have a big party here to celebrate their marriage with our Governor’s Land friends.”
Gail and Mitchell will start a new chapter in a Norfolk community, closer to their daughter. Both city folks at heart, they look forward to experiencing Norfolk’s great restaurants, theatre and cultural amenities.
“Mitchell and I started out in Manhattan,” Gail says. “He had a co-op that we lived in when we were young. We love the vibrancy of the city. “
Naturally, they carry with them many great memories of their years in Williamsburg.
“We have loved this house and community,” Gail says. “We will miss it! But we think there will be a lot for us to do in Norfolk and, of course, it will be nice to be so close to our daughter. We will also miss the friends we’ve made here.”
Upgrades and improvements
When they first purchased the property, Mitchell immediately hired Charles Ross (a Governor’s Land builder) to come in and do some renovations. The oak hardwood floors are original, but dark wooden columns and wainscoting were updated for a lighter, fresher look. The kitchen and pantry were renovated just this past year, including a new sub-zero refrigerator.
Less sexy upgrades – but still important – include a new HVAC system, a new roof, new water heaters and a new whole house generator.
This home is turnkey, so the new owners won’t need to lift a finger.
HOA dues are $781 per quarter. Other fees include a one-time transfer fee of $1562 (paid at closing), $300 for undeveloped grass cutting and a private road fee that varies per property. Two Rivers Country Club Membership is mandatory for all property owners. There is a $45,000 Fee due at closing. It can be split into two payments over a one year period.
For additional information, click here.
Schools: Matoaka Elementary, Hornsby Middle, Jamestown High
Map location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dtCJKMTzZqSvTZuWA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Click here to read more about the Governors land community
Click here for more detail on the property this link will be posted after the property is listed.
Governor’s Land is a truly unique community in the Williamsburg area, offering a lifestyle unlike any other. If you’re curious about the full experience, I’d be happy to arrange a personal orientation—including a tour of the Two Rivers Country Club clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, private marina, beach, and more. Whether you’re considering a golf membership, want to learn about the social events and clubs, or would simply like to enjoy lunch, dinner, or a round of golf as a guest, I can make that happen.
Taking part in even one of these experiences can give you a genuine feel for the community—and the opportunity to meet a few potential neighbors along the way. You’ll be able to ask questions, see the amenities in action, and really get a sense of whether Governor’s Land feels like home.
If you’re interested in 3016 Hearthstone—or just exploring the Governor’s Land lifestyle—call, text, or email me anytime.
John Womeldorf – Mr. Williamsburg
As the author of the “Every Home Has a Story” series, I’ve had the pleasure of helping sellers share what makes their homes—and their neighborhoods—so special. The story of 3016 Hearthstone is no exception. More than just a listing, it’s a heartfelt glimpse into life in Governor’s Land, one of Williamsburg’s most treasured communities. Why do I do this? Because I want you to experience Governor’s Land not just through square footage and upgrades, but through the eyes of someone who’s lived and loved here. Trust me—Zillow isn’t going to tell you about the neighbor who leaves cookies in your mailbox or the secret path to the best river views.
I’ve learned that people aren’t just shopping for houses—they’re searching for a lifestyle, a sense of place. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to tell the real stories of Williamsburg neighborhoods. You can find listings anywhere, but first-person insight into what it’s actually like to live in a place? That’s rare. Unless, of course, you’re on mrwilliamsburg.com—my personal labor of love and apparently (according to many fellow agents) the unofficial encyclopedia of Williamsburg area real estate. Why not go straight to the source?
John Womeldorf, aka “Mr. Williamsburg”
Your local neighborhood storyteller and real estate guide
757-254-8136 | john@mrwilliamsburg.com
Covering homes and neighborhoods from **Richmond to Virginia Beach—**and all the stories in between.