Mr Williamsburg, Blogging on Life and Real Estate in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads Virginia

 

The George Wythe House in Colonial Williamsburg Continues to Inspire

Though he did not design the colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, house that bears his name, George Wythe had a life tenancy to the home, a gift from his father-in-law. Wythe, who resided there for thirty-six years was indeed a remarkable man.  He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a lawyer and teacher (his most notable pupils being Thomas Jefferson and John Marshal)l. His home was considered the finest in town in its day. That legacy has also made it the most reproduced of all the Williamsburg homes.

 

One such reproduced Wythe house is not in Virginia, but in Georgia within commuting distance of Atlanta, Macon and Peachtree City. Built in 1983, it is remarkable in many ways. The design of the original house was recreated with an updated floor plan of 3588 square feet of living space, but has all the modern conveniences even a history lover would expect.

 

In many ways, the Georgian style house is a virtual copy of its historic counterpart. The design is simple and symmetrical as is its predecessor. It has Flemish bond brick, splayed brick arches, water table, and gauged-brick belt course, twin interior chimneys, hip roof, and even the carefully calculated arrangement of smaller windows on the second floor than the first, to produce the stately presence that is uniquely the George Wythe house. Neither house uses gutters but rather drip edges, with rainwater landing on French drains For practicality’s sake, the newer house has three fireplaces–all of them working–while the original house had eight. Two of the fireplaces have gas logs. For those who love a wood burning fire, the third is log-burning with the convenience of a gas starter. This house is also backup generator wired to ensure minimal interruption of modern amenities in the event of an emergency.

 

But step through the double doors onto wide plank floors in the large central passageway that runs from the front to the back of the house and you feel you’ve stepped into the original George Wythe house. The Wythe house balustrade staircase has been duplicated, and sunlight floods the hallway through the transom window and flanking living and formal dining room windows. All are colonial-era rooms, and feature white walls, with painted Wythe house chair and crown moldings, window seats and raised wooden panel window shutters.  All paint colors  are Williamsburg authorized. The ceilings on the fist floor are 10 feet; 9 feet on the second floor. The family room or parlor beckons by reversing the white-walls/painted molding color scheme to wheat colored walls/white molding with plantation shutters and fireplace. The shutters throughout make the house either as sunny or private as desired.

 

On the second floor are four large bedrooms of equal size, including the master. The master bedroom fireplace, white walls with mellow yellow Williamsburg chair rail and crown molding would have been comfortable features to colonial senses. However, the walk in closets and spacious beautiful bathrooms with duel sinks would have been eye-openers despite the period molding details. 

 

The kitchen serves the modern cook in 18th-century ambiance. Brick paver floors and period lighting combine with recessed lighting, all new stainless steel appliances, Viking smooth-surface cooktop with downdraft vent, Kitchenaid convection/microwave wall unit and granite counter tops and back splash that reflect the glow of an abundance of cherry cabinetry.  There is both a breakfast bar and a sunny breakfast room.  The pantry with built-in shelves and glass doors connecting the kitchen and dining room would not have surprised 18th century occupants. What would, is the large laundry room on the main floor although its brick paver floor would be familiar.

 

Exiting the kitchen to the outside via a French door, the living space is extended by a large screened-in porch across the rear of the house with two ceiling fans, something a colonial could only dream of. The porch flows onto the generous brickyard, now used for entertaining; 200 years ago such spaces were used for work.   The landscaped yard, boxwoods, colonial outbuilding (actually a potting shed) and 4-square herb garden are all reminiscent of the well-to-do Williamsburg residence. Of course no Wythe house reproduction landscape would be complete without white picket fencing with ball and chain closer, and this detail has not been overlooked.

 

Although hidden from view, this home on approximately ¾ of an acre is situated in a golf community with country club amenities. Membership is optional and there are no community fees. The course is showcased by tree-lined fairways and small greens that are fast and undulating. The signature hole is #9, a 195-yard, par 3, requiring a tee shot over water to the green.  The club house offers full bar, restaurant and snack bar.

 

Fishing is abundant in nearby lakes and State Parks; history buffs can explore colonial and civil war history in the surrounding areas.   Those who prefer the arts or sports will find ample and myriad venues to enjoy in Atlanta.

  

Had George Wythe vacationed here, he would have enjoyed more than the comforts of home.  

 

Our piece of Williamsburg in Georgia is now on the market. And our story has come full-circle.  We were fortunate enough to discover Mr. Williamsburg (literally! www.mrwilliamsburg.com), John Womeldorf, who has patiently  helped us scout out dozens of neighborhoods, and given us all the “insider knowledge” we needed for our eventual return to Williamsburg VA. 

 

Here is a link to the listing for our  George Wythe Home currently on the market in Georgia