4703 Wood Violet Lane: Discover the Difference of Williamsburg’s Graylin Woods
Every Home Has a Story
After more than two decades selling homes throughout Williamsburg and Hampton Roads, I’ve come to understand something that online listings can’t fully capture: Every home has a story.
Not just how many bedrooms it has. Not just what the countertops are made of. Not just how many square feet it offers.
Homes are filled with lived moments — late-night conversations on the deck, holidays around the dining table, first steps across the living room floor, friendships formed in the driveway and at the neighborhood pool.
That’s why I created my “Every Home Has a Story” series.
How We Met
Julie is no stranger to Williamsburg, having attended the College of William & Mary more than 20 years ago. She and her husband, Rob, have loved their time back in Williamsburg since moving here five years ago.
But a recent job transfer meant the family would soon be moving to Richmond — and they needed a Realtor to help them sell their Graylin Woods home.
“We became good friends with a mortgage broker we worked with,” Julie says. “So, she gave us a few numbers of Realtors we might try.”
The “top 10” list of Williamsburg Realtors the broker provided featured two names Julie recognized — one being yours truly.
“I knew John was experienced and that he knew a lot about Williamsburg’s communities,” she says. “But when we talked for the first time, everything about our conversation clicked. I told my husband that I thought we’d found our Realtor.”
Large Homes, Small Neighborhood
Graylin Woods is located off Route 5/John Tyler Highway between Route 199 and Five Forks.
The peaceful neighborhood of just 42 homes is close-knit and known for its large, beautifully wooded lots, well-maintained homes, lush greenery and welcoming feel.
The houses here are all beautifully built, and each has its own style. Nothing cookie-cutter here.
“Once you turn into the community, all our streets are cul-de-sacs, not ‘thru streets,’ which was really important to us,” Julie says. “There are also little trails our kids can explore with their friends, as well as places they can ride their bikes safely.”
The couple has two children, ages eight and six.
“When this house came on the market, we were pretty set on it because it was such a good fit for our family. The home felt larger than we needed at the time, but it has turned out to be perfect for us.”
Quality and Design Are Paramount
Rob and Julie’s home, a classic all-brick transitional Colonial, sits on an impressive .81-acre lot and offers 3,212 square feet, four bedrooms and an enormous bonus room over the garage.
During the years the family has lived here, the house has been thoughtfully and extensively updated.
When Julie and Rob bought the property, it checked all their boxes in part because it had been well maintained. But it was otherwise largely original and ready for a new chapter.
Julie’s dad was a contractor in addition to being a high school math teacher, so she grew up living in the middle of one project or another. She and Rob embraced the opportunity to renovate the home to reflect their own style and love of design.
“I’ll be honest, I tend to like a more modern house,” Julie says. “I love an open floor plan, Scandinavian designs, light-colored woods, white walls, that kind of thing.”
The couple preserved the home’s architectural integrity and open, flowing floor plan while incorporating enhancements and upgrades that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. The colors are cool, crisp and muted.
Everything — from floors to chandeliers, ceiling fans to appliances — was selected with quality in mind.
“My dad was a contractor on the side, so I learned at an early age that quality is hugely important.”
Before moving in, Julie and Rob had the oak hardwood floors refinished with a clear, natural matte finish to brighten the first floor. They replaced the tired linoleum in the kitchen and laundry areas with an Italian through-body slate-look tile they had used and loved in a previous home.
Over the years, they updated nearly everything, from door hardware to lighting and ceiling fans, prioritizing the same reliability and functionality Julie’s father had always emphasized.
And just a few weeks ago, brand-new upgraded carpeting was installed upstairs, making the home truly turnkey.
Come On In…
The family has rarely used the front door because entering through the garage is simply more convenient.
The back entry hallway originally had two closets, but Julie converted one into a custom “drop zone” for the kids. Wallpaper adds a touch of whimsy, while hard-working hooks hold backpacks and jackets and bins and baskets corral the never-ending collection of shoes, hats, sports gear and books.
“We have never actually opened our front door with keys,” she says. “We only ever come into the house through the garage, so it’s great having that drop zone where the kids can drop their stuff before it migrates into the rest of the house.”
Guests, of course, usually enter through the front door.
Once inside, they find a spacious home office immediately to the left.
“Having a first-floor office has been important because Rob works from home,” Julie says.
To the right is a large formal dining room, painted navy blue above the chair rail and creamy white below.
The center hallway leads to the heart of the home — a sleek gourmet kitchen, bright breakfast nook and inviting family room.
The transition from room to room flows beautifully. The breakfast nook, complete with a bay window, sits between the kitchen and family room. Beyond, a three-season screened room overlooks the two-level deck and enormous fenced backyard.
Foodie Alert: This Kitchen Is Something Special
The kitchen is resplendent with upgrades almost too numerous to mention.
The countertops are beautiful natural quartzite, balanced perfectly by a handmade Spanish subway tile backsplash.
“We like high-quality natural materials, so that was important to us,” Julie says.
The couple installed all-new appliances, including a 36-inch, six-burner GE Café high-BTU gas rangetop with continuous heavy-duty cast-iron grates.
The kitchen has been thoughtfully outfitted with premium stainless-steel appliances chosen specifically for high performance and reliability.
Julie and Rob kept the custom oak kitchen cabinets but refaced them in a matte white Shaker style. They also added an extra-deep apron-front sink, lending a subtle farmhouse aesthetic that juxtaposes beautifully with the state-of-the-art appliances.
This is not simply a pretty kitchen. It is a kitchen designed by people who actually cook.
Upstairs: Space to Spread Out
A gracious wood staircase leads to the second floor and a fabulous primary bedroom and ensuite bath, three additional generously sized bedrooms and a huge bonus room with its own separate back staircase.
The primary bedroom is generous in size and elegantly appointed.
The remodeled ensuite bathroom features a separate dressing area with an impressive 84-inch marble double-sink vanity, polished nickel sconces, mirrors, faucets and hardware. A pocket door separates the dressing area from the walk-in closet.
There are three additional ample-sized bedrooms on the second floor, another full bath and a bonus room over the garage that the children affectionately call the “froggy room.”
And the froggy room is absolutely huge.
“On one side of the froggy room, Rob had the whole setup for his workouts there, including a stationary bike and treadmill. On the other side, the kids enjoyed their art corner and play kitchen. We even used a children’s pool to turn the nook into a ball pit.”
With abundant closet space and a full-height walk-up attic, there is storage galore.
Throughout the home, lighting and ceiling fans have been upgraded, complementing the modern fixtures and soft décor.
Perhaps less exciting than décor — but every bit as important — are the home’s mechanical updates. These include a new water heater and recent service and repairs to the exterior HVAC unit. The generator has also been serviced and received a new battery for dependable performance when needed.
Floor plans
A “Lot” to Be Proud Of
Julie says Rob loves trees — just not necessarily in the middle of his backyard.
At .81 acres, the lot is exceptionally large for Williamsburg, and the backyard is enormous.
Because the property backs to woods, the family enjoys the beauty and privacy of mature trees while still having a wide-open, usable yard. There is just one large tree in the middle.
“That tree is great for climbing,” Julie says. “And because we have the woods behind us, there are deer, hawks, even an occasional bald eagle to see.”
Since purchasing the property, Julie and Rob have completely overhauled the landscaping, removing overgrown and invasive shrubs and replacing them largely with fragrant, flowering and edible alternatives. Whenever possible, they opted for native plants.
“We have hydrangeas, roses, peonies, lavender, viburnum and lilac, as well as a cherry tree and a mulberry tree. We have planted blueberry bushes, strawberries, an herb garden and deer-resistant natives.”
Leaving Is Always Bittersweet
There is no question this family has made countless memories in their home and neighborhood.
“Our youngest was only 18 months old when we moved into this house,” Julie says.
She is proud that their backyard has become a gathering place for the neighborhood children.
“We are the fun house!”
The home’s two-level outdoor living space includes a screened section and an open deck.
“In the summer, we’ve set up one of those inflatable pools on the outside part of the porch. We also have a bouncy house because we found out during the pandemic that it was as cheap to buy one as it was to rent one.”
About a month ago, the couple’s children hosted their first sleepover, camping in the backyard in a tent.
There have also been tea parties.
Lots of tea parties.
“The kids all come over when I throw a tea party. I bring out my antique china and put out snacks. I boil the water and the children select their teas. Every now and then we’d put out little tarts and small things like that.”
Julie will carry the memories of those tea parties with her to Richmond, along with countless birthday parties and afternoons spent in the backyard.
“We did most of our kids’ birthday parties here at the house. It’s the perfect backyard for entertaining. The lower deck is where you put all the food and the upper deck is just where we’d hang out with friends, drinking fancy cocktails and enjoying a charcuterie board while the kids wear themselves out playing together. The back porch has been so great.”
Beyond the memories of Graylin Woods, the family will carry with them countless memories of simply living in such a singular place as Williamsburg.
“It’s just so special here,” Julie says. “We have our Colonial Williamsburg Good Neighbor passes, so it’s always fun to go into CW and see the interpreters. The kids love visiting the livestock and even got to know Darren, one of the interpreters who cares for the animals. They love watching them feed and care for the animals.”
The Little Things That Make Graylin Woods Special
Graylin Woods HOA dues are currently $47 per month — remarkably modest compared with many Williamsburg-area communities.
“I will say that the HOA here is very low-key, not super strict, but they do try and keep the quality up.”
There is even a neighborhood Fourth of July parade, followed by a cookout and a reading of the Declaration of Independence — by one of the neighborhood children.
“It’s always fun,” Julie says. “It’s the kind of neighborhood where the parents all have each other’s cell phone numbers. We all keep an eye on everyone.”
That may be one of the best descriptions of Graylin Woods.
It is a small neighborhood where people know one another, children still ride bikes and explore trails, and neighbors actually have each other’s phone numbers.
Schools
- Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School
- Berkeley Middle School
- Lafayette High School
Every Home Has a Story — and This One Has Been Well Loved
There are homes that photograph well.
There are homes with impressive kitchens, big yards and long lists of updates.
And then there are homes where, after spending a little time with the people who have lived there, you begin to understand why the house worked so well for them.
4703 Wood Violet Lane is one of those homes.
The kitchen was designed by people who love to cook. The mudroom was created by parents trying to contain backpacks, shoes and sports gear. The bonus room became a gym, art studio, playroom and even a ball pit. The backyard hosted birthday parties, sleepovers and neighborhood children. The deck was where the adults gathered with cocktails and charcuterie while the kids wore themselves out.
And yes, there were tea parties with antique china.
Come See It for Yourself
4703 Wood Violet Lane is now offered at $715,000, and I’ll tell you straight up — this is a home you really need to walk through to fully appreciate. The photos are beautiful, but they simply don’t convey the size of the .81-acre lot, the flow of the home, the enormous bonus room or just how great that backyard and outdoor living space really are.
If this home has caught your attention, reach out to me directly. I would be happy to personally show you the property, walk you through the home and answer any questions you may have. Sometimes you just need to stand in a house and see if it feels right.
You can view the complete listing information, photos and property details for 4703 Wood Violet Lane here.
Call or text me directly at 757-254-8136 and let’s go take a look.
That is the difference between simply listing a house and telling its story.
After more than 20 years selling real estate throughout Williamsburg, Hampton Roads and beyond, I still believe every home deserves more than a few photos and a paragraph of MLS remarks.
Every home has a story. My job is to help tell it.
If you would like to learn more about 4703 Wood Violet Lane, Graylin Woods or buying and selling a home in the Williamsburg area, I would love to hear from you.
You can also explore neighborhoods throughout Williamsburg, Hampton Roads and the Richmond area at my neighborhood guide:
About John Womeldorf — Mr. Williamsburg
I’m John Womeldorf, better known as Mr. Williamsburg, and I’ve been helping buyers and sellers navigate Williamsburg and the surrounding Virginia real estate market for more than two decades.
My approach to real estate has always been a little different. I believe homes are more than bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage. They are places where people build their lives — and when it comes time to sell, I believe their stories deserve to be told.
Whether you are buying, selling, relocating to Virginia or simply trying to figure out what your next move might look like, I’m always happy to talk.
John Womeldorf | Mr. Williamsburg
Liz Moore & Associates
📞 757-254-8136
✉️ john@mrwilliamsburg.com
🌐 mrwilliamsburg.com
Every Home Has a Story. Let me help tell yours.