A Home that Has it all in the Villages of Westminster

When Chan Mielke and her late husband Lloyd Mielke decided to retire in 2000, they knew they wanted to settle down in Williamsburg, Va., but they weren’t sure which neighborhood.

Armed with pen and paper, Chan took down notes as she and Lloyd drove through 42 different neighborhoods. She noted what she liked and didn’t like of each one. 

When they came across Villages at Westminster located off Richmond Road in the heart of Williamsburg, they liked what they saw. The community was brand new and featured a mix of patio-style and two-story homes. The clubhouse, community pool and beautiful landscaping drew them in.

“It was just a winner hands-down,” said Chan. “It was perfect for us.”

The community was built between 1998 and 2004 and encompasses some 213 acres. A total of 430 homes ranging between 1,300 and 3,200 square feet make up Villages of Westminster.

As they began to tour the homes, the fell in love with a 2,300 square-foot rancher that offered one-floor living complete with a private backyard.

A large number of the homes back up to wooded greenspace, offering a sense of privacy unseen in many other neighborhoods. This undeveloped buffer space encompasses more than 78 acres, which is over a third of the community.

The Mielkes purchased the three-bedroom, two-bath home at 6223 St Johns Wood in November of 2000 and moved in soon thereafter.

“We bought this house before the road was even put in,” laughed Chan.

It didn’t take long for the Mielkes to meet their neighbors, and they quickly formed a bond with three other couples in the neighborhood who had also just moved to Villages at Westminster.

“We would have parties at the clubhouse on Friday nights, and we would go out to eat together and everything,” said Chan.

The experience was just what the Mielkes wanted it to be. They found the perfect home and neighborhood complete with great neighbors.

They also loved the location. 

Located about a mile to Prime Outlets, the Villages at Westminster is just down the street from some of the best shopping around. Dozens of restaurants were also close by, not to mention the close proximity to grocery shopping, medical facilities and tourist attractions like Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Water Country. Not long after they moved in, a new hospital was built less than five miles away as well as a Home Depot, Lowes and Wal-Mart. 

Ever social, the Mielkes embraced the College of William & Mary and joined the Christopher Wren Association (now called the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) where they took classes, attended lectures and made friends.

Chan fell in love with Freedom Park, a 600-acre forested retreat with walking and biking trails.

“I’ve spoken to a million people over at the park,” said Chan. “Just the neatest people.”

Her husband Lloyd fell in love with Jamestown. He took on a post-retirement job at the Settlement working in the warehouse.

“He enjoyed it so much,” said Chan.

As the years went by, the Mielkes’ friendships flourished and their love for their home grew.

Chan loved having guests over because their master bedroom and bath was located on the other side of the house away from the other two bedrooms.

“It made it perfect for entertaining,” she said.

“It’s just a cool house,” Chan continued. “Oh! And the double-sided fireplace! We loved that. It goes between the living room and the sunroom.”

Over the years, the Mielkes made some upgrades such as a new tankless water heater and whole-house generator. Newer stainless-steel appliances give the kitchen a fresh look.

When asked what her favorite place in the house was, Chan didn’t miss a beat.

“The deck,” she said. “I just love sitting out there and enjoying the backyard.”

The home also features a screened-in porch.

Chan, now a widow, is moving to upstate New York to be closer to family.

When it came time to hire a realtor to list her home, she took the advice of friends and neighbors who recommended Mr. Williamsburg.

“After reviewing all his reviews online, I knew I should hire him,” said Chan. 

Chan will always cherish her time at 6223 St Johns Wood. She hopes the new owners love the home and the neighborhood as much as she and Lloyd did.
The home is now offered for sale at $355k, please call or email [email protected] or 757 254 8136

Floorplan for 6223 St Johns Wood-Williamsburg

The Villages at Westminster

Homes For Sale in the Villages of Westminster


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, 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].

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