2018 Historic Garden Week -- Williamsburg

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.

Welcome to Williamsburg, a city known for gracious hospitality, beautiful homes and an abundance of history. Two restored 18th-century residences, a children’s garden, and an escorted walking garden tour in Colonial Williamsburg are paired with four 21st-century stately homes and gardens in Governor’s Land at Two Rivers, a waterfront golf community. Complimentary bus transportation is available from designated parking in each area.

Lightfoot House (120 East Francis Street)

This Georgian mansion was likely a two and one-half story, double tenement when originally built c. 1730, then converted to serve as a townhouse for the prominent Lightfoot family. The house is distinguished for several architectural features including a belt course of molded brick complementing the Flemish bond pattern of the outside walls, an unusual wrought-iron balcony reconstructed in 1940-1941, a decorative fence of Chippendale design, and ceiling heights on the second floor as high as those on the first. Open by Nancy and Colin Campbell, residents.

Governor’s Land at Two Rivers

1240 Two Rivers Point. The street is aptly named, lending this stately brick home views of the James River from the front and Chickahominy River from the rear. The foyer leads to a large great room filled with books, art, antiques and collectibles. Walls of windows bring the outdoors in, mirrored upstairs with the same show-stopping view. The spacious kitchen is equipped for both home cook and caterer. Outside, a grassy lawn is separated from a conservation area by a low wall where an inviting path leads down to the river’s sandy beach. Open for the first time by Diane and John Goody, owners.

1270 Two Rivers Point. This 2011 three-story home was designed for gracious and casual entertaining. A two-story mural depicting sunset on the Chickahominy River presides over the fireplace in the great room. A dream kitchen features hand painted tiles, informal dining and living areas, and a hearth fireplace. Off the kitchen is an outdoor living space for grilling, dining and relaxing. The exterior focal point is an infinity pool with views of the Chickahominy River beyond. A stone path leads through a resource-protected area to the sandy beach. Open for the first time by Carol and David Pulk, owners.

1796 Cypress Isle. Built by a native Virginia couple who wanted “stately but not stuffy,” this home is designed to maximize its setting on the James River. The rooms of the home flow from formal to comfortable. Oil paintings of Virginia subjects reflect the owners’ interest in historical figures. Dining room walls are an interpretation of antique Chinese panels beneath a gold ceiling. Extensive windows at the rear provide expansive views. A bronze sculpture of a great blue heron keeps watch over the grassy shoreline, tall trees and native plants. Open for the first time by Jean and Ray Compton, owners.

1809 Cypress Isle. Built in 2001, this brick Cape Cod home achieves a tone of relaxed living sought by the owners. Their eclectic style mixes modern and antique furnishings reflecting time spent living in Asia and Europe. A furnished porch with skylights overlooks a rear garden anchored by crepe myrtle trees. From there, brick paths lead to a second peaceful garden with a koi pond. Mature trees provide privacy and shade for several varieties of hosta and just enough sun for a thriving fig tree. Open for the first time by Stephanie Heller and Cliff Neilson, owners.

Colonial Williamsburg

Tayloe House (207 East Nicholson Street). Built between 1752-1759, this gambrel-roofed home has two separate slopes providing more second-story headroom. Noted interior details include floor-to-ceiling, raised-panel walls in the dining room, an 18th-century bracket table in the entry hall, and an early 19th-century pendant light in the entry. The most interesting of the surviving outbuildings is the office with its ogee (bell-shaped) roof. Today the home contains items from the resident’s needle arts collection and a large assortment of books, furniture, and decorative items reflecting her interest in 18th-century American history. Open by Kay Wilkinson, resident.

Mattey’s Garden at Matthew Whaley Elementary School (301 Scotland Street).

This children’s garden was a project of the Williamsburg Garden Club and a gift to the City of Williamsburg for its 300th anniversary. Students actively participate in developing and maintaining various garden types. This award-winning garden is listed on the National Garden Association’s Children’s Garden Registry. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Escorted Walking Tour

(207 East Nicholson Street). An escorted walking tour of several Colonial Williamsburg gardens begins at the Tayloe House. Colonial revival gardens with flower and shrub borders are featured. Tours start at 10 a.m. and depart every hour. The last tour leaves at 3 p.m.

TOUR Information

Contact: Cathy Adams, Ticket Information & Lunch Reservations, (757)220-2486, cbtbka@cox.net.

Advance Tickets: $40 pp credit card sales online at www.vagardenweek.org; locally, cash or check only, at Seasons of Williamsburg, 1308 Jamestown Road, and Wild Birds Unlimited, 4625 Casey Blvd., through Saturday, April 21, 4 p.m.; or by contacting Cathy Adams directly.

Tickets: $50 pp cash, check or credit card available at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center on Monday, April 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Tuesday, April 24, 9 a.m.-noon. Also Tuesday, April 24, at the Tayloe House and at Two Rivers Country Club. Children ages 6-12: $25 when accompanied by an adult.

Lunch: Contact Cathy Adams by April 15 to reserve and pre-pay $17 per lunch. Pre-ordered box lunches will be served at the private Two Rivers Country Club between 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. Cash bar available.