Proposed Development in Kingsmill Raises Concerns: My Take

As many of you know, Kingsmill Resort’s owner, Escalante Golf, has proposed a plan to build 32 new homes right in the heart of our 2,900-acre community. While it’s true that the land is zoned for single-family homes, I, like many area residents, have reservations about the location they’ve chosen for this development.

Escalante Golf submitted the conceptual plan for the Frances Thacker subdivision to James City County last month. This site, however, is more than just a vacant lot—it’s historically significant and has been a cherished space for community gatherings for decades. The area includes the historic Kingsmill Plantation and an adjacent soccer field where neighbors have come together for everything from casual dog walks to Independence Day celebrations.

Escalante’s leadership has touted this new development as part of a long-term investment in the community, pointing to the success of their recent Enclave project. I get it—there’s demand for homes in Kingsmill. But I can’t help but think back to the controversy when Xanterra, the previous owner, tried something similar. It caused such an uproar with residents and James City County that Xanterra eventually gave up and sold the resort to Escalante. This new proposal feels like it’s walking the same path and could reignite those past tensions.

In addition to the community space, many, including Margaret Fowler, a Kingsmill resident since 2006, are concerned about the historical impact. The proposed homes would sit close to the 18th-century site of the Kingsmill Plantation’s main house, built around 1736. Although the manor no longer stands, its foundations and two brick dependencies—some of the oldest surviving structures of their kind—remain. Archaeologist William Kelso has expressed concerns that building here could compromise the historical value of the site, and possibly even disturb archaeological remnants, including burial grounds.

I understand Escalante says they will follow all regulations, including conducting a Phase I archaeological survey, but to me, this feels like a place where development simply doesn’t fit. Kingsmill is full of beautiful, historic spaces that have managed to coexist with our homes, but this proposal seems to push that balance too far.

The other issue on the table is the loss of recreational space. For years, the soccer field and surrounding area have been a central spot for community events, and while Escalante has promised to provide alternative gathering spaces, no clear plans have been put forward. Many residents, myself included, are skeptical of losing such an important part of our community fabric.

In January, the Kingsmill Community Services Association (KCSA) even tried to preserve the space by offering $2 million for the land, but Escalante turned it down. Escalante’s team argues that this subdivision will be a positive addition to Kingsmill, but I’m not convinced. As someone who has sold many homes in Kingsmill over the years, I know how desirable this community is—but it’s the unique character and history of the place that makes it so. Balancing development with preserving what makes Kingsmill special is key, and I’m not sure this plan achieves that balance.

I’ll be watching closely as this proposal moves forward. What are your thoughts?