Entire home

History, Art, Nature. Built in 1760, 110 Acres of Ancient Woodland Preserve

Photo gallery for History, Art, Nature. Built in 1760, 110 Acres of Ancient Woodland Preserve

Dining
Property grounds
Exterior
5 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 102400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Surry, VA
  • Popular LocationJamestown Beach27 min drive
  • Popular LocationJamestown Settlement38 min drive
  • Popular LocationHistoric Jamestowne39 min drive
  • AirportNewport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.)56 min drive

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

History, Art, Nature. Built in 1760, 110 Acres of Ancient Woodland Preserve

Williamsburg Area; Surry, Virginia.

Visit our website for more photos and information. www.lightwoodhouse.com

LIGHTWOOD HOUSE IS AN 18TH-CENTURY HOME nestled in Lightwood Forest, a magnificent old-growth beech forest in rural Surry County. A Virginia woodland and wildlife preserve, near Williamsburg, Lightwood is one of America's most beautiful and unique historic vacation rentals. The estate comprises over 110 acres of woods, meadows and streams, and is part of the land given by Chief Powhatan to Pocahontas and John Rolfe as a wedding gift. Many of the old trees in the 110 acre Lightwood Forest are over 200 years old.

Lightwood House was the center of a small farm and the home of a Revolutionary War soldier and his family. The family were early southern abolitionists, undoubtedly influenced by their many Quaker neighbors and the Quaker meeting house nearby.
Surry County had the largest population of free black families in the United States before the Civil War, and the Lightwood Forest property was owned by Mr. Prince, a free African American and his family, in the 19th century. Built in four different periods circa 1760 to 1795, Lightwood House is completely restored and features exceptional detailed woodwork and authentic furnishings, yet also offers all modern conveniences, including air conditioning, jetted tub, laundry facilities, TV and WIFI.

Children love Lightwood House with its many nooks and crannies to explore. While the house has many fine antiques, the furniture is sturdy and we have never had a problem with damage by enthusiastic little ones. Many pieces in the house have been around children and pets for centuries, and another century or two won't matter.
We have recently added many antiques and artworks to the house, some dating as far back as the 16th century, including two magnificent carved greate chairs, circa 1620, suitable for visiting lords and ladies.

The drive from the house is 10 miles to Williamsburg and 4 miles to Jamestown, and includes a beautiful, free, 20-minute car ferry ride past Jamestown Island, docking next to the 17th-century replica ships at Jamestown.

LOCATION AND FERRY TO WILLIAMSBURG/JAMESTOWN:
While the surroundings are completely rural and secluded, the house is only one-and-a-half miles from the town of Surry where basic essentials are available, and three-and-a-half miles to the 24-hour, 20-minute, free car ferry ride to Jamestown and Williamsburg. From the ferry dock on the other side of the James River, Jamestown is one-half mile, and Colonial Williamsburg six miles away.

BEDROOM ARRANGEMENTS:
The house has five bedrooms and two large bathrooms (the downstairs bathroom features a marble walk-in shower and six-foot whirlpool bathtub), a living room, dining room that seats up to ten comfortably, large classical entrance hall, fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, four fireplaces (three with gas logs or stoves), and back porch, for a total of 2400 square feet. Upstairs are two large bedrooms, each with a queen-size canopy bed; one double bed in a small room; and two single beds in an attic room adjoining one of the queen bedrooms. In order to get to the upstairs bathroom from the attic room, one needs to go through the the queen bedroom. These two bedrooms can serve as a family suite. Downstairs there is a small bedroom with a double bed. The bed is against the wall, so it can be difficult for the "outside" person to get out over the "inside" person in the middle of the night. There are two large bathrooms, one upstairs and one downstairs. The upstairs bath has a tub/shower arrangement, and the downstairs bathroom has a six-foot jetted tub and a separate walk-in shower. Stairs throughout the house are steep. Each bedroom has a chest of drawers; the Blue bedroom has a large wardrobe; and a small closet is located just outside the Attic bedroom.

The rest of the house is large enough to spread out in, with a large entrance hall, spacious dining room and comfortable living room. The front and back yards are fenced in. More than 100 acres of forest, meadows and streams are available to explore from over two miles of hiking trails.

The house is furnished with antiques from the sixteenth-, seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and early-nineteenth centuries. A picket-fenced back yard with period outbuildings, including a smokehouse used to smoke the hams for the coronation feast of King Edward VII, completes the scene. Two miles of nature trails meander through the woods and meadows of Lightwood Forest and offer a close look at local wildlife, which includes deer, turkeys, foxes, turtles, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, and bald eagles. Lightwood offers a private setting and a truly unique and exciting opportunity to step back into another time, all the while enjoying the comforts of the twenty-first century.
Our mission is to provide a memorable and enjoyable vacation experience, and to enhance an interest in history, and environmental preservation looking towards the future.

TREASURE HUNT IN LIGHTWOOD FOREST! (January-December, $350.) Recommended for children ages eight and under and for adults who are still young at heart! Go on a woodland hunt for Fairy Treasure hidden centuries ago in the ancient forest. A secret treasure map found in the house will give cryptic clues to the location of the magical fairy hoard. A fine wooden chest, brimming with costume jewelry and other baubles, can be taken home to be enjoyed forever. The treasure hunt ties into the story of how adventurous Scottish fairies came to Lightwood in the 1730s. The "Faeries of Lightwood and Doon Hill" story can be found on the Lightwood House website. www.lightwoodhouse.com

WEDDINGS:
Outdoor/indoor wedding, 100-guest maximum, with overnight stays for up to ten; one- day, two-day, or three-day packages available. Prices from $4,500-$6500. Includes entire estate and wedding ceremony area and space for up to a 40 x 80 tent. Please see our website for more details.
www.lightwoodhouse.com

AREA ATTRACTIONS:
The historic museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, and the American Revolutionary Museum at Yorktown are only a short drive and free 24-hour, 20-minute car ferry ride away. All four of these national and international attractions are connected by the beautiful Colonial Parkway, which begins at Jamestown where the ferry docks, follows the banks of the James and York Rivers, passes through Williamsburg and ends at Yorktown and the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, many important historic Civil War sites are within an hour's drive of Lightwood Forest in the Richmond/Petersburg area.

Pristine riverfront beaches can be found in Surry at Chippokes State Park, at Jamestown on the James River, and at Yorktown on the York River. Virginia Beach is only a little over an hour's drive away. Williamsburg is also the home of Busch Gardens and Water Country USA theme parks. Surry County attractions include Bacon's Castle--America's finest seventeenth-century manor house; Smith's Fort , the site of Captain John Smith's fort of 1609 as well as a lovely 1760s brick house; and Chippokes State Park, with historic buildings, Olympic-sized pool, and riverfront beach. Boat rentals are available at the beautiful and unspoiled Chickahominy River State Park in Williamsburg/James City County.

The historic waterfront town of Smithfield, and seventeenth-century Saint Luke's Church, is a 20-minute drive away. Well-known James River Estate, open to the public, are an easy 45-minute drive and can be found along Historic Route 5, which meanders through Charles City County. Richmond is over an hour's drive, and Washington D.C., can be reached in around three hours (depending on NOVA/I-95 traffic conditions).

Keywords: House/Estate, family friendly, child friendly, pet friendly, historic, elegant, unique, woodland, forest, picturesque, intimate, private, secluded, hotel alternative, motel alternative, weddings, treasure hunts, adventure, fairies, enchanted, magical.

*For parties close to or at our maximum of 10 guests, please see the bedroom arrangements to make sure they will work for you.
Please note that we do not host parties or events through VRBO and abide by a ten guest maximum. This is to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests as well as to preserve this unique and beautiful historic house for years to come.

Property manager

Cliff and Joy Williams

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 5 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No candles in house.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Golf on site
  • Water park on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 unit
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,400 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets stay free
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Maximum of two dogs.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Children's toys, swings, sandbox and play tower

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Events are allowed only with separate agreement
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

1760s Colonial Estate 100 Acres 1 Highest Guest Rated Virginia
Travel in Time! 1760s Estate in 110 Acres of Ancient Forest
Lightwood Forest Private Estate in 110 Acres of Ancient Woodland

About the area

Spring Grove

Located in Spring Grove, this vacation home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne are notable landmarks and Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a popular area attraction. Traveling with kids? Consider Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, or check out an event or a game at Kaplan Arena. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Jamestown Beach - 27 min drive
  • Jamestown Settlement - 38 min drive
  • Historic Jamestowne - 39 min drive
  • College of William and Mary - 41 min drive
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 49 min drive

Getting around

  • Williamsburg Transportation Center - 38 min drive
  • Newport News - Williamsburg Intl. Airport (PHF) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • Hampton Roads Winery - 13 min drive
  • Anna's Pizza & Italian Restaurant - 3 min drive
  • Billsburg Brewery - 35 min drive
  • The Surry Seafood - 6 min drive
  • Edwards Virginia Ham Shoppe - 4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is History, Art, Nature. Built in 1760, 110 Acres of Ancient Woodland Preserve pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at History, Art, Nature. Built in 1760, 110 Acres of Ancient Woodland Preserve?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at History, Art, Nature. Built in 1760, 110 Acres of Ancient Woodland Preserve?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is History, Art, Nature. Built in 1760, 110 Acres of Ancient Woodland Preserve located?

This family-friendly Spring Grove vacation home is located in a rural location, 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Smith's Fort, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Jamestown Beach and Jamestown Settlement. Historic Jamestowne and Eco Discovery Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 117 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 117 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 117 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 117 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 117 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Harley K.

Liked: Cleanliness
If you are lucky enough to get a chance to rent it, do,so
What a wonderful place to stay. A really great house that makes you feel a part of colonial history surrounded by a beautiful forest, English garden and a fun hiking trail from the front door. Cliff and Joy couldn't have been more gracious. Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown , Yorktown and the historic plantations are a short drive and ferry away. This is a amazing house a very unique stay
Stayed 28 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel K., Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy and relaxing
We love staying at Lightwood Forest! This was our second time enjoying a getaway there together with my brother's family, and it was even more lovely than our first one. The owner, Cliff, welcomed us to the house personally, and had spent all day setting up a beautiful Christmas tree and other decorations. He also came back one morning after I texted him to ask for advice about a gas fireplace that I couldn't figure out how to light. This house is an absolute dream come true if you want to spend time with family or friends, but have some spaces where you can be alone or in smaller groups from time to time and not always be all on top of each other. And the extensive grounds are perfect for rambling, wandering, hiking, strolling, and exploring -- as long as everyone knows what poison ivy looks like and how to avoid it! Which, happily, we all do. I think we will be staying at Lightwood Forest again next fall/winter, if at all possible.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joyce S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lightwood Forest
The house and property were beautiful. There was plenty of room for 10 people, and although the steps to the upstairs bedrooms were steep, there was a downstairs bedroom and bathroom if you couldn’t negotiate the stairs. The kitchen had everything we needed. The house was very close to the ferry across the James River to get to Jamestown and Williamsburg, and the ferry was free!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Landon A.

Liked: Cleanliness
An Enchanting Stay at Lightwood
My family and I enjoyed a wonderful multi night stay over Fourth of July week. Cliff and Joy were the perfect hosts ensuring that everything was as smooth as possible. Lightwood is enchanting not just for children, but also for adults. It truly transported us away from the cares and worries of the world to a place where we could just focus on eachother. Thank you Cliff and Joy for sharing this amazing place with us! We definitely plan to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

DANIEL M., Schwenksville, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Lightwood Forest is like a Museum
When you walk into the home at Lightwood Forest, it will feel like your walking into one of the homes on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg. Exceptional old world charm. It's like a museum in this place. Very quiet and peaceful. If you're tall though, watch your head. Loved taking the ferry across the James River.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denise C., Ridgefield, WA

Liked: Cleanliness
Fasinating house
We loved staying here. We enjoyed doing the puzzzles, reading a good selection of books, and looking at all the historical antiques. The beds were comfortable, the kitchen well stocked, and the grounds lovely. It fit right into the history we were wanting to learn about in this area. Would definitely recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Veronica E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
Cliff and Joy, thank you for opening your beautiful home to our family. The enchanting grounds are charming and the home was perfect for our family get together. The property was 3 mins from the ferry which ran exactly on schedule! Annie’s Italian restaurant in Surrey was delicious! Our dog Sir Oswald was at home and pleased with his fenced in yard & warm abode. We couldn’t have asked for a more delightful experience. Next time we visit we hope to spend more time in Old Williamsburg. See you again soon !!🥰🐾🐾 Thank you !!♥️♥️
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Natosha S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Back in time
This place was amazing!! Being history buffs, this property offered us to live back in time with the comfort of modern advances! We had such a good time! Jamestown and Williamsburg very close. Just a ferry ride away!we will definitely be coming back to this property!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W., Springfield, Virginia, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Spring fling
Delightful way to experience historical setting. Quiet, peaceful and wonderful outdoor space where children (&adults too) could be boisterous without worry of disturbing neighbors. The entire house beautifully furnished with wonderful nooks and crannies to explore. Kitchen was well equipped too.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Christmas
Point for family to spend cherished time traveling from Michigan, Pennsylvania and Florida. Loved the historical house and grounds. Decorated for Christmas, made it a memorable holiday celebration!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022