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.

A second home close to family

When Walter and June Bromma purchased their home at 351 Ironwood Drive in Williamsburg about a decade ago, they were ecstatic to have a comfortable and convenient place on the East Coast that was close to their two daughters. As residents of California, the Brommas found themselves traveling east on a regular basis to visit their daughters and their families in Gloucester. At the time, they considered making the move to Williamsburg, but instead decided to purchase a second home where they could stay every time they came into town.

Now that the Brommas are in their eighties, they have decided to spend most of their time back west in their home of 34 years just outside of San Francisco. While they love spending time in Williamsburg, they are only here about eight weeks out of the year, so maintaining a home on the opposite side of the country has been difficult. Now that the home has hit the market, it’s ready for a new family to move in and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Privacy in the City

The Brommas were originally drawn to 351 Ironwood Drive because of its private location in the Piney Creek Estates neighborhood. The home is located on a cul-de-sac with a driveway that doesn’t face the street, which they liked because it gave them more privacy in their garage. When their children and grandchildren come over for a visit, they enjoy spending time in the garage because it’s clean, painted nicely and the kids can run around and spill whatever they want.

The Brommas really like the Piney Creek Estates neighborhood and say the neighbors are very nice. When they were in California for most of the year, their neighbors would keep an eye on their home which gave them a reassuring sense of security.

The location of Piney Creek Estates itself is great as well. Located just off of Richmond Road, the community is within the City of Williamsburg limits and offers the Williamsburg Premium Outlets in one direction and Colonial Williamsburg in the other direction. Restaurants and shops are all walking distance away, so there was plenty to do when their children would come from Gloucester for a visit.

Single-story living

The Brommas were drawn to the beautiful, brick home because of its lovely open floorplan and loved that they could see each other and their guests while relaxing in the main living room, kitchen and breakfast nook. The primary bedroom is located at one end of the home while the other bedrooms are on the other side, which Walter loved because he says it gave an extra sense of privacy that they really enjoyed.

The primary bedroom has its own en suite bathroom with jacuzzi tub, double vanities and a big walk-in closet. The home features three bedrooms with a finished room over the garage (FROG) that could be used as a bedroom, office, playroom or media room. It even has two closets for ample storage. The Brommas used the “FROG” as a room for their grandchildren to watch television and play games when they got tired of running around. “It was like their own little fortress to goof around in,” says Walter.

The Brommas were accustomed to single-story living since their home in California was one story, and when they were house hunting in Williamsburg they found it interesting that ranch homes are hard to find here. “All of our homes have always been ranch style,” says Walter. “When you get older, everyone should look for a ranch style home, and they are hard to come by in Virginia.”

June says she loves the home so much she wishes she could pick it up and take it back to California with her. “I love how it’s so private at the end of a cul-de-sac,” she says. “We love spending time in the garage and our son-in-law would barbeque outside, our daughter was great at pulling us together to play games, and we just love hosting here.”

The backyard was also well-loved by the Bromma family. For a home in the City of Williamsburg, the backyard is large and wooded with an iron fence. June says she loves the adorable shed out back and that all of the neighbors were envious of it. The couple also loved that their grandchildren could run around without a care and be safely confined by the fence.

The Brommas didn’t plant a ton of plants since they were so seldomly in Williamsburg, but the landscaping in front of the home is lovely and low-maintenance with great evergreen bushes.

Upgrades

When you only live in your home for eight weeks out of the year, it’s hard to feel compelled to do many upgrades to the home, but 351 Ironwood really hasn’t needed any. The Brommas painted the entire house in 2015, inside and outside. They also just purchased a new refrigerator, washer and dryer that the new owners will have the benefit of enjoying.

Most of the home has beautiful hardwood flooring while the bedrooms have carpet and the bathrooms are tile.

The large and open kitchen was well-loved by June for its granite countertops, tile backsplash, large peninsula and island where she did most of her baking. June loved how she could be in the kitchen and still overlook the breakfast nook and living room. The home also boasts a formal dining room and flexible room that could be used as an office or study.

Simplicity and comfort

The Brommas say that from the moment they first entered 351 Ironwood Drive, they felt a sense of comfort. “When you enter the home, it makes you want to come in and stay,” says Walter.

There are added benefits to living in the City of Williamsburg, too, like lower property taxes. The Home Owner’s Association in Piney Creek Estates is inexpensive as well, at only $90 a quarter. The neighborhood also gives a nod to Colonial Williamsburg down the street with its colonial style lanterns. Every yard has one on a timer so they come on and off at the same time every day.

The Brommas have spent many happy years hosting their children and grandchildren at their home away from home in Williamsburg, but they are ready to simplify and just rent a place every time they come back east for a visit. For those looking for a quality, single-story brick home with a large fenced in backyard, plenty of room to roam with tons of privacy while being close to everything Williamsburg has to offer, look no further than 351 Ironwood Dive.

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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.

Are you a homeowner searching for someone innovative and committed to selling your home? Allow Mr. Williamsburg to tell your story. With my unique marketing approach, your home will be seen from your eyes, not described in a few sentences by someone who doesn’t know it well.

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Want to learn more about what working with me is like? While I can tell you all day why I love what I do so much, hearing directly from previous clients is the best way to see this. To read real client reviews and learn more about what it’s like working with me on your team, visit my reviews page here.

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