Standing tall with sweeping panoramas of the James River from almost every room sits a residence of unmatched distinction, offering its new owners the opportunity to make their own history just a stone’s throw away from its inspiration — the Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg.
This extraordinary 10,000-square-foot Kingsmill gem, located at 319 East Landing in James City County, was built in 1999 and is meticulously designed, inside and out, down to the very last detail. Boasting nine bathrooms, five working fireplaces, and an awe-inspiring dining room that can seat 20 guests for a dinner party or a special family occasion, this magnificent residence is both a Williamsburg legend and a comfortable home that has graciously raised a prominent local family.
With an elegant exterior facade which mirrors the Governor’s Palace on Duke of Gloucester Street, the house was carefully designed from the outside in order to ensure window placements that accurately represent the palace, as well as to take full advantage of the sweeping river views.
“No detail has been spared,” said Liz Moore, president of Liz Moore and Associates, listing agents for the exceptional property. “Despite its grandeur, the house is really livable. You don’t experience that Governor’s Palace formality on the inside the way you do on the outside.”
You travel from the seventeenth century to the twenty-first century when you enter the soaring grand foyer through solid mahogany doors with double-tiered transoms and extensive millwork. Generous in both height and breadth, with 12-foot ceilings, the gracious formal dining room is capable of hosting every event — from splendid dinner parties to intimate holiday celebrations. Seven-piece dentil and crown mouldings, a fireplace with coordinating mantel, a shimmering crystal chandelier and gorgeous wall and window treatments create an elegant yet welcoming space. The floor-to-ceiling windows add abundant natural light and breathtaking river views.
As comfortable and warm as a hand-knit sweater, the family room is certain to become a favorite for all — perfect for quietly enjoying a book, yet wired for media when the occasion calls for it. The fireplace is quintessentially colonial, with a marble hearth and beautifully crafted mantel. Crown moulding and chair rail wrap the room, along with large windows overlooking the James. Double doors open to the patio and refreshing Virginia breezes.
The gourmet kitchen, inspired by British designer Clive Christian, is a home chef’s dream come true. Crisp, white, furniture-style cabinetry is lavish and accented by exquisite mouldings and brushed nickel hardware. Elegant granite countertops offer plenty of space for multiple chefs to share in the prep work. A subway-tiled backsplash adds a sense of artistry, while making cleanup a breeze. There are two sinks, one of which is a timeless farmhouse style with goose-neck faucet, cross-arm handles and a separate spray nozzle. The cherry center island provides an area for friends and family to perch while meals are being prepared or a convenient setting for a quick bite. High-end stainless-steel appliances grace the kitchen with beauty and functionality, including a Subzero refrigerator and double wall ovens with a warming drawer. The crown jewel of the space is the six-burner professional Viking stove plus griddle, set within its own cooking hearth — keeping utensils and spices at your fingertips. The stove’s backsplash features a decorative harvest panel that contributes the feeling of hospitality within this space. Multiple dishwashers make cleanup after even the most arduous of dinner parties a breeze. Gaze out of the windows to serene river vistas while working at the sink or stove. Right outside the door is a convenient grilling porch with built-in barbecue.
Just steps away from the family room and kitchen, the vaulted breakfast room presents a surprising panorama of the water. The center Palladian window is flanked by two additional windows, each capped by up-lit light boxes. The room provides casual dining space for eight people or a spacious spot in which one or two may enjoy morning coffee while watching the egrets fish.
The butler’s pantry adjoining the kitchen and dining room is lined with additional cabinets, counter space and a second sink. Built-in open shelving is ideal for storing volumes of cookbooks and culinary guides. Glass-front cabinets gracefully display fine crystal and china. Beverage drawers make it easy to fill empty glasses without having to travel far from the dining room.
A large transom entry off the grand hall leads to the exquisite formal living room. Enriched with 12-foot ceilings, elaborate dentil and crown mouldings, chair rail and a lovely fireplace capped by colonial-style sconces, you will love to welcome guests here. Enjoy a game of chess at the picture window while watching the sky fill with a watercolor of pinks and oranges as the sun sets on the James. Or perhaps your family will bring a piano, as the current residents have, and this will be a room to enjoy impromptu recitals of the classics.
Offering the most majestic river views, the handsome study includes a wall of windows and doors leading to the patio. Built-in mahogany bookcases and cabinets are ready to display your library volumes with style. The carefully selected color palette and classic hardwood floors found throughout the home are well represented here. An adjacent full bath makes this room versatile in function and offers marble tile, furniture-quality vanity, jetted tub and step-in shower. A cozy craft room is just down the hall — sure to inspire and thrill the hobbyist.
The second level is accessible via the stately rear staircase, or by the elevator and stairway just off the west garage. The second story landing offers the first bird’s eye view of the water below. This lovely space is no afterthought, with impressive millwork and hardwood floors. Offering a more private ambience, it’s a wonderful spot to encounter upon waking and before heading to the main level to start the day. The guest suite could easily serve as a second master bedroom. Accented by paneled wainscoting, angled ceiling and a pleasing colonial robin’s egg blue, this room features two picture windows. The ensuite bath is graced with an antique vanity, marble tile, custom light fixtures and a large step-in shower.
As luxurious as any five-star accommodation, the sweeping master bedroom includes an adjacent sitting area with a captivating fireplace. Walls of windows overlooking the river are equipped with electronic shades for convenience and privacy. There is even a dedicated laundry center — forget carrying baskets downstairs. An oasis of calm and serenity, you will look forward to retiring to this amazing retreat at the end of each day.
The storybook vision of an en suite bathroom features a furniture-style vanity with incredible storage space, crystal knobs, nickel pulls, antique finish, granite counters and dual sinks. Custom gold mirrors are flanked by hand-selected sconces above each basin. Tile floors and a step-in shower with decorative accents and multiple showerheads, as well as a deep soaking tub, combine to provide a spa-like experience sure to soothe away the cares of the day. Separate makeup vanity with seating and double walk-in closets with built-in organization systems all harmonize in a symphony of restful, graceful perfection.
The charming third bedroom features crown moulding and river views, as well as an adjoining princess bathroom with a lovely chandelier, table vanity with basin, tiled floor and step-in shower. The fourth bedroom is a dashing suite with an amazing James River vista and topped with crown moulding. The attached bathroom is accented by beadboard and a tile floor, step-in shower, cast-iron claw-foot tub, and pedestal sink.
The poker room sports many classic notes — moss green walls, a copper tray ceiling and rich woodwork create an “invitation only” club feel. A marble fireplace with a wood mantel is flanked by built-in bookcases and crowned with space for a large television. A bar-style kitchenette with granite counters, sink, stainless beverage drawer and wine cooler, combined with an additional bar pantry ensures no highball, fine vintage or snack is ever out of reach. A half-bath features a pedestal sink, tiled floor and thoughtfully selected wallpaper with a fox hunt theme.
Currently serving as a home gym, the versatile third floor space is accented with palace blue walls, paneled wainscoting, columns, and large projection dentil moulding. It is wired for a wall-mounted television — a convenient distraction while training on the elliptical machine or jogging on the treadmill. There is a ton of storage space here, as well as a full bathroom with a tiled shower. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this room is the view of the cupola above.
Accessible from several rooms, the back patio provides a resort-style outdoor living space that may get more use than any single room in the home. The James River seems to stretch to infinity, while scrupulously groomed landscaping adds to the natural beauty. Gorgeous brick and wrought iron are easy to maintain, so you can spend more time relaxing. Plenty of lighting will keep the festivities going long past twilight, until unspoiled stargazing begins.
Walled by impressive brickwork in Flemish bond with glazed headers, and accessible through a wrought iron gate guarded by lions atop their columns, the courtyard is a stately entrance into a masterpiece of Georgian architecture. With two garage bays on either side and carefully manicured grounds, the residence may well be the most authentic “Welcome home to Williamsburg” ever constructed.
This unique estate is represented by Diane Beal of Liz Moore and Associates and is offered for sale at $2,750,000. The enchanting property beckons new owners to come and make history all their own. For more information, call (757) 291-9201, or visit lizmoore.com/319elanding.
