Experience the Wonder of the Woodlands
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 helps his clients go from trying to see themselves living in an unfamiliar house to envisioning their family moving into their dream home.
Gracious condominium living with a sought-after address
Marynelle Losin’s and sister Susie Marty’s parents moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Williamsburg in 1998. They were in search of warmer climates and a smaller home in which they could age in place. Their father, an avid hunter and outdoorsman, immediately fell in love with the ‘tucked away in the woods’ vibe of The Woodlands community, and their mother quickly embraced the many activities to which city living lends itself.
Located off of Jamestown Road less than two miles (and one traffic light) away from Merchants Square and Colonial Williamsburg, the couple loved the condo’s proximity to both the historic area and Bruton Parish Church where they worshipped, and William & Mary where their mother took classes.
“There are so many plusses to this home and community,” says Marynelle. “My parents loved the town and all it has to offer, but they were also attracted to the peace and quiet of the Woodlands. They also enjoyed dining in Merchants Square – especially Berrets and The Blue Talon – and driving the Colonial Parkway to the Yorktown waterfront.”
The Woodlands is a small and private community that consists of 44 condominiums. Home to a variety of people who live there, the accessibility of the units makes it a popular spot for retirees, but it also appeals to William & Mary graduate students given its close proximity to the university’s campus.
This particular condo is located in the back of the community, so the location is very private and wooded. The home is in great condition and it is ready for someone new to come in and make it their own.
While the condo was intended to be more of a “retirement home” for Marynelle’s parents, it also served as a haven for their daughters when visiting, which they did as often as possible. Marynelle, who lives in Northern Virginia, says that she and her sister had hoped their parents would relocate some place close to one of them.
“My sister lives in Minneapolis, and wanted them close. And so did I,” Marynelle says. “So I’m sure it was a tough choice.”
But a good one.
The development is a stone’s throw from Route 199, so it’s easy to jump on the interstate. For closer destinations, sidewalk and bicycle paths run the entire distance from the neighborhood to Colonial Williamsburg, so residents of The Woodlands can easily walk or bike into town.
“My parents enjoyed visiting us in Northern Virginia, but they did not enjoy the drive and the traffic,” says Marynelle. “The fact that there is an Amtrak train station right here in town is definitely a plus.”
What it has to offer
The condominium is a single-level, first-floor unit with a wonderfully open floor plan, perfect for hosting family and entertaining friends. With an ADA-approved building entrance ramp to complement brick entry steps, the home is wholly accessible. Carpets in the main living area were removed in order to make it easy to maneuver a wheelchair.
Boasting nearly 1,500 square feet, the freshly painted two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is enhanced by gleaming engineered hardwood floors throughout, with the exception of the newly carpeted bedrooms and the tile bathrooms.
The floor plan features a spacious living room, complete with gas fireplace. The living room flows into a spectacular sunroom. The kitchen is light and bright with its white cabinetry that runs all the way to the ceiling, white countertops and under-the-counter lighting. The appliances are also white giving a very clean and crisp feel to the home.
Each room is beautifully and naturally enhanced by the soft sunlight that comes streaming in throughout the day.
The well-lit and spacious primary bedroom features a walk-in closet and its own en suite bathroom with beautifully tiled floors.
A set of French doors in the living room leads to an office, and there’s also a formal dining room spacious enough for gatherings, while an eat-in kitchen is perfect for daily meals. Walk out of the sunroom to enjoy a beautiful (and rare for this development!) brick patio. Bring nature to the patio with flowering plants like geraniums and impatiens, or any number of flowering plants that are so abundant in the area.
The patio is the perfect backdrop to enjoy a meal outside, and a privacy fence allows for the feeling of being nice and secluded while still being in the heart of the city.
“It’s such a lovely, peaceful place,” Marynelle says. “It reminds us all of our cottage, growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan. And the neighbors are so friendly, always coming out to greet residents and visitors.”
With a little park in the middle of the “woods,” the grounds are lovely as well. For those interested birding or nature, it’s the ideal place.
Parking at the home is directly in front of the condo, making it a breeze for bringing in groceries or flowers for the patio.
Condominium living
Condominium living in a neighborhood like The Woodlands differs in several respects from other forms of homeownership. Condominium unit owners own only the inside of their unit, and each owner also shares in the common property, including the outside of the building and the surrounding grounds, roadways and walkways.
The monthly HOA fee of $300 covers a Master insurance policy, water, trash pickup, all exterior maintenance and landscaping as well as the roof replacement and snow removal.
The unit comes with its own climate-controlled storage unit in another building on-site which is great for housing bicycles or bulky seasonal items.
If you are searching for gracious and maintenance-free living with one of the best addresses in town, The Woodlands is a perfect choice. With this gem of a home, the community’s friendly neighbors, and maintenance free living, you are bound to want to call The Woodlands home!
Schools: Residents of The Woodlands attend Williamsburg-James City County schools. This includes Mathew Elementary, Berkeley Middle and Lafayette High. Walsingham Academy, a private Catholic school for K-12 is within walking distance.
More Information About the Home For Sale
Psssst! I wanted to let you in on a little secret. While I am a real estate agent…I am a different kind of real estate agent. I am creating a revolution in realty by combining everything you love about this area all into one place. Known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, I combine my extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg, Richmond, Northern Neck and Hampton Roads areas with my expertise in helping buyers and sellers navigate the ever-changing local real estate market to create a top-notch experience that checks all of your boxes.
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Your real estate journey is just that…yours. I get that it’ll be unique. It needs a marketing plan and a committed real estate professional to guide you every step of the way. To talk further, you can reach me via phone or text at 757-254-8136 or through email at [email protected].
I look forward to serving your real estate needs and welcoming you to this place that I’m lucky enough to call home!
John Womeldorf, Mr. Williamsburg