But I don’t want to mow a lawn anymore ………
In my job as a realtor in the Williamsburg VA area one question commonly asked “ Are there any detached home communities in Williamsburg, James City County or New Kent where we don’t have to mow the yard ?
“We are sick and tired of mowing the yard, fertilizing the yard, trimming the bushes and raking leaves. Life is too short to spend my spare hours doing these tasks. I would rather golf, cycle, travel, relax”, ( insert your reason here)
To answer the question there are there are a number of detached home neighborhoods in Williamsburg/ James City County and neighboring New Kent County that will fit the bill if you don’t won’t to consider the numerous condo and town homes communities in the area that commonly take care of all or most of the outside chores
Lawn maintenance for detached homeowners is provided by the Property Owner Associations in The Settlement at Powhatan Creek, ( active adult) , Brandon Woods, Brandywyne, the Nottingham Place neighborhood of Ford’s Colony , Charlotte Park in New Town, Parts of Orchard Hill in Stonehouse, Capital Landing Green,and Kensington Woods, There are a few detached homes in the town home communities of both Villages of Powhatan and Waterford in Powhatan Secondary. In New Kent home buyers choose from Bel Green at Brickshire, the Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards and Oakmont Villas.
You can read detailed spotlight articles on these Williamsburg communities here but below is a brief recap.
Charlotte Park in New Town
One of the most popular detached home neighborhoods in Williamsburg/ James City County with included lawn main is the Charlotte Park portion of New Town. Most folks know about the townhomes and condos in New Town but don’t realize there is a detached neighborhood there as well.
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Detached home designs offered in Charlotte Park evoke the charm and allure of South Carolina’s coastal Low-country. The designs feature deep porches, steep pitched roofs, wide overhangs and dormers in the true Southern tradition. Interiors are spacious, well lighted with plenty of windows, and just perfect for living family-style with hardwood floors and high ceilings.
When completed, the Charlotte Park neighborhood of New Town will have approximately 150 detached homes on tree-lined streets, all with front porches. The builder offers many options and floor plans to select from. Each home will overlook a green space or park, while alleys allow access to the rear of the homes and their two-car garages. The neighborhood swimming pool in New Town is now open and is located in Charlotte Park. . Sales are brisk in Charlotte Park in 2014 with almost all of the premium lots that back to woods now sold. At this point it is one of the top selling communities in Williamsburg/ James City County.
Home buyers can choose a plan and even customize it to their liking in Charlotte Park.
Read more about Charlotte Park and New Town here
Search homes for sale in Charlotte Park here
Capitol Landing Green:
This development represents a rare and unique opportunity to own a newly constructed home only a block from the restored area of Colonial Williamsburg while also providing yard and common area maintenance to simplify your life.
A brand new home community in the City of Williamsburg.Capitol Landing Green is composed of 16 single family home sites including a community green framed by the renovation of two turn-of-the-century homes that were on the site prior to development.
These arts and crafts inspired homes offer large porches front and rear along with first floor living in each house and the low City of Williamsburg tax rate.
The community features private yards that will be maintained by the Homeowner’s Association. This includes mowing, leaf removal, mulching, maintenance of the irrigation system, weed-eating, trimming of bushes, over seeding and fertilization, The Homeowner’s Association will also maintain all the common areas which include the green off Capitol Landing Road, a community garden plot where each resident can grow flowers, vegetables, etc. if they choose to do so
HOA fees are only $125 monthly at Capitol Landing Green
See what’s for sale at Capitol Landing Green
Nottingham Place Fords Colony
Over the years The developers of Ford’s Colony received many requests from Ford’s Colony residents for an option in the neighborhood that would eliminate home, lawn and garden maintenance. Their solution was Nottingham Place, site of the PHBA 2004 Parade of Homes.
Nottingham Place was one of the latest and most unique gated neighborhoods within the 3,000-acre, master-planned community Ford’s Colony at Williamsburg. Each of the 72 home sites in the neighborhood features classic residential architecture most of which is based on home plans, designed exclusively by Southern Living©
Living in this gated community is Worry Free & Low Maintenance. Think of another way to spend your time because you won’t be doing yard work!
The association provides all of the following for home owners: security, trash pickup, lawn mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, mulching, irrigation maintenance, snow & leaf removal. Home owners also enjoy all the other amenities that Ford’s Colony offers including two swimming pools, tennis courts, 13 miles of walking trails, and over forty clubs and activities
Homes in Nottingham Place range in size from 1,733 to over 3,400 Square feet and start from the $400’s
There are a number of choice building lots still available in Nottingham Place for those wanting to create their dream home. With the price drops we have seen in recent years both in lot prices and construction costs building new has become very affordable. We just priced a new home and lot for a client in Ford’s Colony and were amazed that the price came in under $400,000 ( contact me for details). with all the bells and whistles !
Current building lot prices range from a super low $50k to $117k Some of the lot prices are down a WHOPPING 75% from the peak . That lot listed for $50k sold for $ 197k in 2003, OUCH
Search homes for sale in Nottingham Place here
Search all homes for sale in Fords Colony here
Read more about Fords Colony here
Kensington Woods
Another detached home option in Williamsburg that included lawn maintenance is Kensington Woods. Priced from the mid-$300s, most Kensington Woods homes have brick, low maintenance exteriors and rear-loading garages with alley-way access. Some models feature the increasingly popular downstairs master bedrooms, and some homes included elevators . The $130 monthly home owner fee covers, all yard maintenance , common area maintenance ,use of the playground and trash removal .
Set on 10 acres across the street from the Williamsburg Winery and Wedmore Place, Kensington Woods will have approximately 40 homes when complete. The homes are set on .15 acre lots.
The first home owners moved into Kensington Woods in 2006. Home sales prices were in the low $300’s in the last 12 months.
Update November 2014
New construction homes by WESTMORELAND are now available in Kensington Woods in Williamsburg VA
Open 1st floor plan with 9′ ceilings + beautiful 2 story great room with fireplace. Granite countertops, wood floors, & energy efficient features such as 2×6 exterior wall construction, Enviro-Dri weather barrier system, Energy Star appliances & more. 2 homes ready by mid-December 2014. Thirteen additional lots & 6 floor plans available in this lovely community.
Search all homes for sale in Kensington Woods
Read more about Kensington Woods here
Brandywyne
What if you could walk to Colonial Williamsburg from your home ?
The Brandywyne neighborhood along with the new Capital Landing Green neighborhoods are both located a short walk from the restored area of Colonial Williamsburg, W&M, Wmbg Library, and the shops & restaurants of Merchants Square.
Brandywyne is a lovely community, reminiscent of a European Village. The HOA takes care of the professionally landscaped lawns, irrigation systems, swimming pool and clubhouse – complete with fitness room!
Sales have exploded at Brandywyne in the last few months. With three homes under contract and two sales so far. Prices have dropped from the $400’s to as low as $249k.
Brandywyne boasts one of the lowest monthly HOA fees around at $143 monthly. It covers all home owner lawn maintenance as well as use of the Pool and Clubhouse and maintenance of those facilities.Charming lamp posts, sidewalks and professionally landscaped lawns and common areas earned this community the City of Williamsburg’s prestigious Beatification Award for 2009!
Enjoy living in Williamsburg while the HOA takes care of the worries! The absolute BEST of all worlds!
Brandywyne is a unique cluster home community in the City of Williamsburg VA . It offers it’s residents a swimming pool, clubhouse and an active homeowner association that has many social events throughout the year.
Detached homes offered in Brandywyne include a wide array of architectural styles and home choices. From 3 bedrooms to 5 bedroom models. Square footage ranges from 1800+ to over 3600 square feet. Some homes are built with basements. Quite a few of the models offer a first floor master bedroom.
With the clubhouse , pool and short walking distance to Colonial Williamsburg homes in Brandywyne are perfect for second home buyers and families alike.
Most homes were built between 2000 and 2006.
Search all homes for sale in Brandywyne here
Brandon Woods
Conveniently located near the Five Forks area of Williamsburg/ James City County Brandon Woods offers the spaciousness and elegance of a single-family home combined with the ease of condominium living, with exterior maintenance and lawn care provided by the home owners association. One of only a handful of detached homes that offer this luxury.
This premier residential community includes 110 freestanding detached homes located in the heart of Williamsburg/ James City County, VA.. Four different home plans/ models were built including the Brandon, Chelsea Darden and the Avery . Homes here range in size from 2400 to 2,700 square feet.
The Brandon Woods community is accessible from both Ironbound Rd and John Tyler Highway (Rt 5) . It is characterized by it’s tree lined streets , rolling hills and quick access to nearby stores, restaurants and services at the nearby Five Forks, New Town and Monticello Marketplace retail centers. The community is set on 50 acres and was built from 2000-2005.
These two-story Colonial style homes feature two car attached garages, decks, and an exposed aggregate driveways and sidewalks. Interior features include a fireplace, crown and chair molding, whirlpool tubs in the master baths, raised panel kitchen cabinets with custom countertops, and oak flooring in selected areas. Three of the four models in Brandon Woods offered first floor master bedrooms.
Read more about Brandon Woods here
Search homes for sale in Brandon Woods here
Orchard Hill @ Stonehouse in Toano
There are maintenance-free attached and detached villas built on or near the Golf Course in the Orchard Hill Section of Stonehouse.
Located on 5700 wooded acres in the Virginia countryside in Toano near Williamsburg,VA Stonehouse is built around the acclaimed "Legends Golf Course."
The community offers unparalleled scenic beauty with its hilly terrain, gorgeous wooded green-spaces, abundant mountain laurel, white fences, and impeccably maintained landscaping.
Stonehouse is a Master Planned Golf Community offering a wide range of custom built homes. Both new and resale homes are available. Located in the western part of James City County/Williamsburg, Virginia.
Situated just 15 miles from Colonial Williamsburg in an area of great natural beauty of virgin hardwoods, mountain laurels and old-growth hollies. It’s a land where white-tail deer and wild turkey roam freely among the forests that provide the backdrop for this spectacular
Amenities in the community include miles of paths for walking and biking, a Residents’ Center with a junior-sized Olympic pool and kiddie pool, tennis courts, and a community playground. Located adjacent to the Residents’ Center are a soccer field and a community garden, where plots are available for those who enjoy growing their own flowers and vegetables. A two-acre park by Mill Pond offers a pavilion for picnics and a shaded pier for picnicking or launching your kayak, canoe or fishing boat. Mill Pond at Stonehouse also has 24-hour on-site security for added peace of mind.
The cottages and golf villas at Orchard Hill are perfect for growing families, young professionals, and empty-nesters looking for maintenance-free living. There are also many activities for all ages in the community and the surrounding area. The Social Activities Committee plans numerous community-wide events throughout the year and there are plenty of clubs and groups to join. Mill Pond at Stonehouse has an active swim team and all of the community events include activities for our younger residents.
Search homes for sale in Orchard Hill section of Stonehouse here
Search homes in Stonehouse here ( Note this search is for all Stonehouse. )
Read more about Stonehouse here
The Settlement at Powhatan Creek
When you move into The Settlement at Powhatan Creek, you can sell your lawn mower, rake and outside ladder because you’re finished with most home maintenance chores. Instead, you’ll have time for year round swimming, water aerobics, working out, playing tennis, biking, walking and socializing – just steps from your door.
The Settlement at Powhatan Creek is one of three 55+ communities in the James City County area of Virginia. The development is set on 225 wooded acres bordered by Powhatan Creek. This planned active-adult community for people ages 55+ will feature 400 custom detached and attached homes once complete.
It is one of the most conveniently located communities in the entire county. Close to the Monticello Corridor, it is virtually a 3-5 minute drive, at best, to a major department store,( Target) a major food store,( Martins) several pharmacies, a full-service gas station, two major bank/lending institutions, eateries, and more .
Add to this the Mid-County Park complex–complete with “Kidsburg” playground, walking trails, and lighted athletic fields– and it’s easy to see that The Settlement is a wonderful place to live.
The Settlement at Powhatan Creek features a luxury clubhouse with amenities such as an indoor/outdoor pool, aerobics studio & fitness room. A grand ballroom, billiards lounge, card room and space for arts and crafts are planned.
Over 70% of the 225 acre site is dedicated green space and preserved woodland marsh. Many of the custom homes sites in The Settlement at Powhatan Creek are located on lots backing to pristine preserved areas.
Around the corner are the 55-mile biking and walking Capital Trail starting at Jamestown and eventually ending in Richmond, VA. .
When you’re ready to relax, there’s a clubroom with a billiard table, comfy chairs, a fireplace and, of course, a large screen television, indoor and outdoor pools. Other attractive community features are a 10- to 12-person spa, a fountain in the outdoor pool for added beauty, a ballroom for special events, smaller meeting rooms for crafts and other activities, a fishing pond, and a security gate. Two-thirds of the community will remain dedicated green space. Home at the Settlement are built by Ryan Homes, Wayne Harbin Builder Inc. and Marque Homes by CR McClellon,.
Prices for detached homes at The Settlement start in the $260’s and range to the $500’s depending on the plan, the options and the builder. Attached town homes at The Settlement start in the $230’s
Home sizes start at 1,700 square feet and range up to 3,500 square feet, with most homes being 2,100 to 2,400 square feet.. You can choose and customize among a variety of floor plans, all with attached two-car garages.
All of the homes provide first floor living with first floor master suites and convenient main living areas with spacious floor plans.
Monthly fees cover exterior home care,( even roof replacement when needed) lawn cutting and fertilization, , irrigation system maintenance, full use of the Residents’ Club as well as providing a secure community. Homeowner Fees at The Settlement range from $175-$250 monthly.
Search homes for sale at The Settlement at Powhatan Creek
The Reserve at Williamsburg
October 22-With 19 sales in only a few weeks The Reserve at Williamsburg is proving to be one of the areas fastest selling and most popular neighborhoods.
Located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, The Reserve is the area’s newest single family home community. Offering 5 different floor plans, including 3 with first floor owner’s suites, there is a dream home design for every buyer’s needs.The community also offers the area’s most luxurious clubhouse with an outdoor swimming pool, gym, yoga room, and multiple entertainment areas. Come enjoy the lifestyle of one of Williamsburg’s most desirable communities with pricing starting in the $290’s.
3 Ranch-Style Homes to Choose From & Craftsman-Style Cottage Elevations Included On Every Home .Home sizes range from 1407 square feet to over 3000 square feet.
Full Finished Basements are Available Offering Additional Living Space. Enjoy The Convenience Of Lawn Care Maintenance Included, Come View the Impressive Clubhouse, Community Pool, Gym, and Banquet Room
Download floorplans for The Reserve at Williamsburg here
Villages of Powhatan and Waterford – Both in Powhatan Secondary.
Villages of Powhatan is a town home community located within the Powhatan Secondary neighborhood. Within this community are a small number of detached homes.
Home Owner Fees here are $126 monthly which includes all Yard Maintenance, Common Area Maintenance, Garbage Removal, Exterior Building Maintenance and Property Management .The townhomes and the detached homes at the Villages at Powhatan offer unique design and architecture with open floor plans, high ceilings, and colonial details. These homes offer 2 to 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, with 1,800 to 2,300 sq. ft. of living area. Most homes in Villages of Powhatan offer semi-private driveways, fenced backyards, and prices beginning in the mid $200′s.
Waterford at Powhatan Secondary is another sub-neighborhood within Powhatan Secondary. Consisting of approximately 88 homes. Both detached and attached homes are available. Terry Peterson was the builder of Waterford which was built from 1999- 2002. A few of the homes are waterfront and enjoy beautiful views of the lake. A few one level homes were built but the majority are two story. Sizes range from 1500-almost 2800 square feet with very open floor plans and high ceilings.
Read more about Powhatan Secondary here
New Kent Communities
Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards
The Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards—a new, gated Active Adult neighborhood is breaking ground on four new furnished model homes expected to be completed this year. The first section of the neighborhood will include 155 low-maintenance homes designed for those age 55 and better.
The Four Seasons community will also include numerous amenities perfectly suited to the Active Adult lifestyle. A planned clubhouse will offer a fitness center, as well as gathering areas, walking trails throughout the neighborhood will provide a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Residents of The Four Seasons will also have access to the new Rees Jones-designed golf course at New Kent Vineyards, as well as the award-winning New Kent Winery.New homes avail under $200k
Search homes for sale @ Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards here
Read more about Four Seasons at New Kent Vineyards here
Bel Green at Brickshire in New Kent was created for people who have better things to do than cut grass. Home owners can take off for the beach, head for the mountains, spend quality time with family and friends, or stay home and just pretend you’re on vacation. Let someone else take care of the yard and exterior of your home while you relax and enjoy the luxury of a truly maintenance-free lifestyle. and taste.
A look around a Bel Green home will reveal an immediate impression of quality. Each of the luxury homes at Bel Green combine handsome, old-world craftsmanship along with a thoroughly modern commitment to maintenance-free living. Open designs and natural lighting are prominent features of the homes. The majority of the homes are one level with sizes ranging from 1600 to 3000 square feet. The larger plans incorporate second floors.
Enjoy maintenance free living in these lovely villa style homes in Brickshire. Walk to golf, pool, tennis, clubhouse & exercise room, leave the yardwork to the HOA. One level living with bright open floorplans, vaulted great rooms, wonderful kitchens 
and first floor master suites HOA fees for Bel Green Viillas are approx $ 251 monthly . The fee covers lawn care, mulching, gutter & window cleaning, trash pick-up and more. Home owners also have use of all Brickshire amenities including the pool, tennis courts, clubhouse, and more
Located in a rolling golf course setting of Brickshire in New Kent County, Virginia. The planned community is just 20 miles from both Williamsburg and Richmond off Interstate 64 (Exit 214), on State Road 155.
Directions :From I-64 (travel east from Richmond, and west from Williamsburg), take exit #214 (New Kent/Providence Forge). Turn south on Route 155 and travel for ¼ mile. Turn left on Kentland Trail. Sales center is 2 miles on the left.
Search homes for sale at Bel Green Villas in Brickshire here
Oakmont Villas at Kentland
A planned community surrounding The Tradition Golf Club at Royal New Kent at the front of Brickshire. Offers detached villa homes and conventional
l homes along with garage town homes. The Community includes pool, clubhouse, trails and more.Ideally situated in New Kent county, between Richmond and Williamsburg. Low county taxes with beautiful rural surroundings. Most houses back up to the golf course or wetland areas. Ground maintenance includes lawn, irrigations, trash and snow removal. Located in Providence Forge ,Va Between Williamsburg & Richmond off of Interstate 64. HOA fee is $148 monthly.
New Homes and resale homes are available avail from the mid $100’s
Search homes for sale in Oakmont Villas in Kentland
Map of these neighborhood locations in Williamsburg/ James City County and New Kent County
Psst.I’m a real estate agent.
This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and his expertise in the local real estate market.
I can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more! Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or Hampton Roads VA, let me help make your transition or PCS to the area a smooth and enjoyable one!
You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO, land, building lots, commercial property in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia
You can reach me by phone at 757-254-8136 or email [email protected]
I look forward to serving your real estate needs!
Best,
John