Holly Hills
Holly Hills Neighborhood Spotlight Williamsburg VA
Welcome to Holly Hills: A Premier Community in Historic Williamsburg, VA
Greetings! I’m John Womeldorf, also known as Mr. Williamsburg, and I’m delighted to showcase one of the most distinguished neighborhoods in Williamsburg, Virginia—Holly Hills. Situated just a mile and a half from Colonial Williamsburg, Holly Hills is not only steeped in history but is also remarkably convenient, offering an unbeatable blend of cultural heritage and modern living.
An Ideal Location with Rich Historical Context
Holly Hills is a thriving community located in the heart of the Historic Triangle, surrounded by landmarks such as Colonial Williamsburg, the Yorktown Victory Center, and Jamestown. This central location is enriched by its proximity to top Virginia attractions like Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and the Williamsburg Winery. Additionally, with three International Airports and an Amtrak depot within driving distance, travel and connectivity are made easy for residents and their visitors.
Shopping and Dining at Your Fingertips
Residents of Holly Hills enjoy access to both high-end and economy shopping locations within a five to ten-minute drive, including Bloom, Fresh Market, Farm Fresh, Trader Joe’s, and Ukrop. Merchant Square, featuring William Sonoma, Talbot, Belk, and Chico, offers an upscale shopping experience, while major outlets, Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot are conveniently about a 15-minute drive away.
A Community of Diverse and Engaged Residents
Holly Hills is home to around 150 single-family residences, inhabited by a diverse group of individuals from various educational, business, economic, and cultural backgrounds. The CORE Committee of the neighborhood excels in bringing residents together through a spectrum of events and activities that receive enthusiastic participation. The Neighbor Awareness For Neighbor (NAFN) group plays a vital role in integrating new residents into the community, ensuring they feel welcomed and informed about the local offerings and emergency procedures.
Historic Foundations with Modern Living
The area known today as Holly Hills is not only a modern residential neighborhood but also a site of significant historical value. The land was once part of a 17th-century residential site connected to three of Virginia’s early power elites, known as the Masters of Rich Neck. The discovery of the oldest brick residence in Williamsburg, known as Rich Neck, highlighted the area’s historical importance, particularly during the development of Holly Hills. This rich history adds a unique character and pride to the neighborhood, blending historical charm with modern luxury.
Active and Caring Community
Holly Hills is not just about beautiful homes and historical land; it’s about community spirit and neighborly care. The NAFN group ensures that every resident, whether new or established, is part of the vibrant life here, from emergency preparedness to social activities. It’s a community that genuinely cares for one another while respecting each other’s privacy.
Your Future Home Awaits
If you’re looking for a home that offers both the charm of historical Virginia and the convenience of modern amenities, Holly Hills is the perfect place for you. Whether you are drawn to its rich history, the vibrant community life, or the serene surroundings, Holly Hills offers something for everyone.
Interested in exploring what Holly Hills has to offer? Contact me, John Womeldorf, and let me guide you through finding your perfect home in this exceptional Williamsburg neighborhood.
Looking forward to helping you find your dream home,
John Womeldorf, aka Mr. Williamsburg
For more information, please visit my website at mrwilliamsburg.com, where you can discover more about Holly Hills and other fantastic neighborhoods in the area.
Homes for sale in Holly Hills-Williamsburg VA
Are you looking for homes for sale in Holly Hills, Williamsburg, Virginia? Below is a list of all active listings in Holly Hills Williamsburg.
When you create an account on Mr Williamsburg.com you can save searches and have new listings in Holly Hills sent to you as soon as they hit the market.
History of Holly Hills:
The history of Williamsburg is well known to all of you but the history of the area now known as Holly Hills is also full of interest. We are grateful to Anne Geddy Cross for providing much of this information in an article in the Williamsburg Gazette a few years ago.
Holly Hills is located on part of what was the Rich Neck Plantation patented in 1635 by George Menefie and was acquired by Richard Kemp, Secretary of the Colony, who built a house near what is now Yorkshire Drive that passes through Holly Hills. Richard Kemp died in 1650 and his wife, Elizabeth, married Sir Thomas Lunsford for whom one of the streets in Holly Hills is named. Sir Thomas was a notorious supporter of King Charles but unlike Charles he managed to keep his head by leaving for the Colony. One of his claims to notoriety is his record shortness of tenure as lieutenant of the Tower of London; four day. Elizabeth was Sir Thomas’ third wife and he died in 1653 to be buried in a Williamsburg graveyard. Around 1665 the property passed to Thomas Ludwell, Secretary of the Colony, who renovated and enlarged the buildings. The property stayed in the Ludwell family until 1808.
Robert F. T. Cole purchased Rich Neck from the estate of William Edloe and his brother Lucius Edloe in 1846.. William Edloe’s widow, Elizabeth Travis Edloe had married Robert Cole’s father, Jesse Cole in 1842. Both had been widowed. Jesse Cole died in 1845. Robert Cole inherited his father’s home in Williamsburg now called “The Taliaferro-Cole House” and then purchased Rich Neck. Cole died in 1887 and his son, Henry Denison Cole, inherited hisproperty. In 1951 “Den” Cole’s widow, Caroline Lane Cole, sold part of the Rich Neck property to the Sisters of Mercy to build Walsingham Academy.
In 1940 Mrs. Cole gave her niece, Carrie Cole, who had been raised by the Coles, and her husband, Vernon M Geddy, Sr. a piece of land at Rich Neck on which to build a new home. They called it “Holly Hill” for the many large hollies in the front yard. Mr. Geddy, an attorney, was the first Executive Vice President of Colonial Williamsburg. He was a descendant of James and Ann Geddy, a silversmith in 18th century Williamsburg.
Mrs. Geddy inherited the rest of the Rich Neck farm in 1952 when her aunt died. During her lifetime Mrs. Geddy sold part of Rich Neck, including what is now Walnut Hills, Village Green, Rich Neck Heights and the shopping center at the corner of Jamestown Rd. and Rt. 199. When Route 199 was built, it cut off some of the property, which later became part of Williamsburg Landing.
Mrs. Geddy told many wonderful stories about driving her horse and buggy “out to the farm” as a youngster. After Mrs. Geddy’s death in 1987 her daughter and son sold part of Rich Neck to a developer who called his new development “Holly Hills” after Mrs. Geddy’s house. The remaining acreage along College Creek was purchased by the City of Williamsburg. Vernon M. Geddy, III and his family still own his grandparents’ home “Holly Hill”.
Credit to Anne Geddy Cross for providing much of this information in an article in the Williamsburg Gazette a few years ago.Holly Hills is located on part of what was the Rich Neck Plantation patented in 1635 by George Menefie and was acquired by Richard Kemp, Secretary of the Colony, who built a house near what is now Yorkshire Drive that passes through Holly Hills. Richard Kemp died in 1650 and his wife, Elizabeth, married Sir Thomas Lunsford for whom one of the streets in Holly Hills is named. Sir Thomas was a notorious supporter of King Charles but unlike Charles he managed to keep his head by leaving for the Colony. One of his claims to notoriety is his record shortness of tenure as lieutenant of the Tower of London; four day. Elizabeth was Sir Thomas’ third wife and he died in 1653 to be buried in a Williamsburg graveyard. Around 1665 the property passed to Thomas Ludwell, Secretary of the Colony, who renovated and enlarged the buildings. The property stayed in the Ludwell family until 1808.
Robert F. T. Cole purchased Rich Neck from the estate of William Edloe and his brother Lucius Edloe in 1846.. William Edloe’s widow, Elizabeth Travis Edloe had married Robert Cole’s father, Jesse Cole in 1842. Both had been widowed. Jesse Cole died in 1845. Robert Cole inherited his father’s home in Williamsburg now called “The Taliaferro-Cole House” and then purchased Rich Neck. Cole died in 1887 and his son, Henry Denison Cole, inherited his property. In 1951 “Den” Cole’s widow, Caroline Lane Cole, sold part of the Rich Neck property to the Sisters of Mercy to build Walsingham Academy.
In 1940 Mrs. Cole gave her niece, Carrie Cole, who had been raised by the Coles, and her husband, Vernon M Geddy, Sr. a piece of land at Rich Neck on which to build a new home . They called it “Holly Hill” for the many large hollies in the front yard. Mr. Geddy, an attorney, was the first Executive Vice President of Colonial Williamsburg. He was a descendant of James and Ann Geddy, a silversmith in 18th century Williamsburg.
Map/ directions to Holly Hills
Mrs. Geddy inherited the rest of the Rich Neck farm in 1952 when her aunt died. During her lifetime Mrs. Geddy sold part of Rich Neck, including what is now Walnut Hills, Village Green, Rich Neck Heights and the shopping center at the corner of Jamestown Rd. and Rt. 199. When Route 199 was built, it cut off some of the property, which later became part of Williamsburg Landing.
Mrs. Geddy told many wonderful stories about driving her horse and buggy “out to the farm” as a youngster. After Mrs. Geddy’s death in 1987 her daughter and son sold part of Rich Neck to a developer who called his new development “Holly Hills” after Mrs. Geddy’s house. The remaining acreage along College Creek was purchased by the City of Williamsburg. Vernon M. Geddy, III and his family still own his grandparents’ home “Holly Hill”.
Read more about The Archaeology of Rich Neck Plantation here
HOA Manager: Berkeley Realty Management Company
Telephone: (757) 229-6810
Top 10 reasons to move to Holly Hills
1. Walk to …Colonial Williamsburg where you can use your Good Neighbor Card and to the Farmer’s Market on Duke of Gloucester Street …Merchants Square with over 40 shops and restaurants… Matoaka Amphitheater for concerts…PBK Hall its performing arts series for to the Golden Horseshoe Golf Course…to College Creek Landing where you can launch a canoe or kayak
2. If you are looking for nearby fitness options join the Golden Horseshoe which offers a Wellness Membership giving you access to the Spa, Fitness Center, Indoor/ Outdoor Pools, Tennis and more .
3. Less than a mile to the scenic Colonial Parkway
4. Less than a mile to the Williamsburg Regional and the Swem Libraries
5. A short walk to McCormack-Nagelson Tennis Center
6. Intimate community with just 56 home sites
7. Low HOA fees—only $213 a month
8. Low City of Williamsburg taxes—only $3000 annual on $500,000 home
9. Explore walking trails nearby-Great City Walks
10. See shows at the Kimball Theater in Merchants Square
Comments from Holly Hills Homeowners:
Holly Hills is a special neighborhood with lovely, well-maintained homes in an easy, safe walking distance to Merchants Square, concerts and the Historic Area. Most of all though, Holly Hills is special because of the warm, friendly, people.
● “Holly Hills home prices are gems that tend to hold their value even in tough times. Homeowners know the real value of their gems that offer unique beauty, quality, location and good neighbors.”For us its about the little things. I know people like being in the City because taxes are low, but for us, it’s more about being ‘in town.’ We can walk down to the farmers’ market on Saturday mornings, or to the Friday evening concerts at the amphitheater. We have sidewalks, so walking is easy. It’s almost like living in the historic area. I like being on this side of town – it’s VERY convenient, regardless of whether you’re headed east to NPN/Peninsula, or anywhere else. A quick hop to get on 64, get to the airport, etc. I also like that it’s such a consistent and pretty approach…unlike some of the other spots in the area where you drive through messy areas to get to nice ones. And, we’re not very political, so we love that it’s NOT gated, and that there is no homeowners’ association to speak of (I think our annual dues are around $200). We belong to the Golden Horseshoe, so we play golf, and we have the pool – for far less $ than the gated communities, and I think they’re nicer amenities (2 pools, Inn setting, etc.) than the other neighborhoods have. We’ve been here since our early 30’s.
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John Womeldorf, Mr. Williamsburg