The Carriage Homes- Best Kept Secret

John Womeldorf knows that every home has a story. As an experienced realtor with a deep love for Williamsburg and the surrounding areas, 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.

The Carriage Homes at Williamsburg Commons

Chris Grasso and his wife, Karin Wulf, have owned their Carriage Home since 2006. The couple, who are both professors at William & Mary, have recently accepted new positions at Brown University in Rhode Island. After many happy years spent in this home, they are ready to move on so someone new can come in and enjoy everything it has to offer.

The Carriage Homes at Williamsburg Commons are a hidden gem consisting of 156 duplex carriage homes in York County. Many consider it a best kept secret, as the community is located in a prime location just a short walk or drive from Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary, which was one of the biggest draws for Chris when he first visited it.

When they first purchased the home, the couple’s son was about to enter high school and had a particular interest in a special arts program that was only available at Bruton High School. The home’s York County address made it possible for their son to attend the school while also allowing Chris and Karin to be extremely close to the university’s campus, so the quaint duplex fit all of their needs.

Built in the late 1990s, the 2-bedroom 2-bathroom home boasts 1,735 square feet and an open floor plan with a loft area above the first floor. The dining room and living room are beneath a tall, cathedral ceiling, which is what drew Chris to the home the first time he walked in. “I was struck by the bank of windows along the back wall, which lets in lots of natural light,” he says.

Chris and Karin chose to use the loft area upstairs as a study, but the space upstairs is flexible and could be used as a home office, media room, playroom or other functional space.

The home also features plenty of storage, with an attic over the garage and lots of closet space. It has its own one-car garage and driveway parking with room for two cars. There’s a walk-in closet in the primary bedroom, a double closet in the second bedroom, and another in the hallway.

In preparation for their move, Chris had new carpeting put in throughout the house. The primary bathroom has also been completely redone with new Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, shower, toilet, gorgeous double vanities and lighting. They also purchased a new dishwasher.

Residents of 101 Wingate also get to enjoy the outdoors on their own patio with a large fenced in backyard. There’s plenty of room for a grill and small patio table for the new owners to kick back and relax while having ample privacy.

Location, location, location

While the location of the home was one of the reasons Chris was drawn to it initially, that has continued to be the case throughout the many years he and his family have lived there. “The neighborhood is very quiet and peaceful,” he says. “The neighbors go out walking and riding bikes in the evenings, which is a great way to meet them. They’re out walking dogs, and are mostly retirees and younger families.”

The Homeowner’s Association has some perks as well, like handling the landscaping and having access to a recreational vehicle lot for residents to park their RVs and boat trailers.

Located in the York County Public School district, residents of the Carriage Homes at Williamsburg Commons have the opportunity to attend top-rated public schools: Magruder Elementary School, Queens Lake Middle School and Bruton High School.

Being that the home is a duplex with two bedrooms, Chris says it’s ideal for small families with one child.

Located right off of Bypass Road, the home is walking distance to a number of great restaurants and shops. Chris and Karin really enjoy Amiraj, a modern Indian kitchen located right around the corner. Located nearby is Chipotle, Fat Tuna Bar & Grill, Le Yaca French Restaurant, Tipsy Beans Café and Revolution Bar and Grill, among many other options.

Also a short walk away is High Street, which includes a number of restaurants, shops and the Movie Tavern. About a mile down the road is also Midtown Square, which is an up-and-coming hub of activity and entertainment in Williamsburg.

Essentially this home is in the middle of all of the activity in Williamsburg while still being peaceful and quiet, which explains why many view the Carriage Homes at Williamsburg Commons as one of the best kept secrets in town.

After a day or night out exploring the colonial area, enjoying time with friends at a local brewpub or taking in a movie down the street, you can come home and cozy up next to your gas fireplace and select a book from the beautiful built-in shelving that surrounds it.

While Chris and Karen have loved living at 101 Wingate Drive they are looking forward to taking a new step in their careers as they prepare to make the move to Rhode Island. For anyone looking for a cozy, low maintenance home located within walking distance to all of Williamsburg’s history and entertainment in a tranquil and peaceful setting, look no further than this hidden gem.

To learn more about this home for sale click here!

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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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