
Kingsmill Williamsburg VA
KINGSMILL’S VA HISTORY
Steeped in a tradition of gracious Southern hospitality, Kingsmill heralds a rich history dating back to Colonial America. The bucolic land located along the banks of the mighty James River was considered as a permanent base when encountered by the Englishmen on May
12, 1607
. They decided to settle at Jamestown the next day. Located in the heart of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, it should come as no surprise that the land now known as Kingsmill featured a bustling Virginia plantation from 1619 through the 1800s.
Today, Kingsmill retains those magnificent traits inherent in Kingsmill’s early days with grand accommodations, gracious hospitality and stately service.
Kingsmill played a significant role in the growth and development of the Jamestown colony. When the first settlers arrived in Virginia, colonist Gabriel Archer proposed to his fellow pioneers to consider the currently-named Hope section of Kingsmill their new home. Thought to be a true paradise and idyllic locale for their homesteads, the settlers eventually made their home slightly west at Jamestown, which permitted their ships to anchor closer to shore.
More than a decade later, the first 300 acres of Kingsmill would be settled by
Richard Kingsmill
, a member of the Virginia Company, an organization chartered in England and charged with the founding and settlement of Virginia.
Several other early colonists played a significant part in the development of Kingsmill and the growth of nearby Williamsburg VA.
Col. Lewis Burwell III
was a member of the Governor’s Council, the first elected legislative assembly of the new world. He inherited his grandfather’s lands and built Kingsmill Plantation, titling it after the original owner.
Col. Thomas Pettus
was a prominent land owner and also served on the Governor’s Council. After his death, Pettus’ lands passed to James Bray II, his widowed daughter-in-law’s new husband.
James Bray II
was one of the first legislative representatives for the new City of Williamsburg and acted as a Burgess and Justice of the Peace for the County.
These brave new adventurers carved out a gracious existence along the banks of the mighty James River. The foundations of several notable historical sites can still be found at Kingsmill Resort & Spa.
Kingsmill Plantation
Col. Burwell’s Kingsmill Plantation was at the core of a thriving, small riverbank community with its own compilation of mansions, outbuildings and slave quarters, as well as an attended ferry landing and flourishing population.
The Plantation’s grand mansion was situated on the current Plantation golf course and overlooked the majestic James River. The 4,800-square-foot manor house was two-stories tall, built of brick and contained eight rooms. Granite stairs manufactured in Wales lead to two acres of beautiful terraced gardens on the river side of the mansion.
The plantation also included two brick dependencies, a coach house, dairy, stable, barn and two wells. Although the main house was destroyed by fire in 1844, the two flanking dependencies and original garden steps remain. These buildings can be viewed on the second hole of the Plantation Course.
Burwell’s Landing
Col. Burwell also established the Burwell’s Landing ferry and warehouse. This water landing became a major port of entry for Williamsburg during the 18th century and played a significant part in the American Revolution. The site is visible from the 17th golf hole of Kingsmill Resort’s River Course.
Burwell’s Ordinary
As Burwell’s Landing grew in commercial importance, it developed into a social hub with the operation of the Ordinary at Burwell Landing. The Ordinary at Burwell Landing provided travelers with entertainment, horse stables, storage and supplies. This site can be visited on the River Course’s 17th hole.
Pettus Plantation
Col. Pettus built his plantation in the 1640s and titled it Littletown Plantation. A profitable tobacco plantation, it was located on property now featuring Kingsmill Resort’s marina. Littletown Plantation’s manor house encompassed six rooms, several outbuildings and a well, all of which are marked at the site.
Bray Plantation
Around 1700, James Bray II constructed a brick house flanked by out-buildings overlooking the James River. The substantial foundations of this home still stand today and the main house, dependency and well are located on the path between the resort center and the spa.
William M. Kelso, Ph.D., director of Archaeology for the APVA Preservation Virginia and author of
Kingsmill Plantations,
wrote about the excavation at Kingsmill. “The study at Kingsmill, where numerous plantation sites represented the entire social and economic range of plantation life in colonial Virginia from her earliest years, promised to reveal for the first time substantial archaeological information about country life,” he wrote.
Ever cognizant of environmental and historical issues unique to Williamsburg and the Kingsmill lands, Anheuser-Busch is committed to preserving and maintaining the historical record of Kingsmill’s history. Artifacts from the excavations are on display at the resort’s conference center, the Jamestown Settlement museum, Historic Jamestowne and at the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond. In addition to the preservation of historical sites throughout Kingsmill, the names of original settlers have been preserved and incorporated into the naming of streets and subdivisions within the resort and in the residential division Kingsmill on the James.
*William M. Kelso’s
Kingsmill Plantations 1619-1800: Archaeology of Country Life in Colonial Virginia, published by University of Virginia Press, 1984.
RECENT AWARDS
Kingsmill Resort & Spa added to its extensive list of prestigious honors in 2007/2008 including:
•
Silver Award for Best Resorts from Golf magazine
•
One of the Best Places to Golf in the mid-Atlantic from Golf magazine
•
The Gold Tee Award by Meetings and Conventions
•
The Pinnacle Award by Successful Meetings
•
One of the 75 best golf resorts in North America by Golf Digest
•
Award of Excellence by Corporate & Incentive Travel
•
Greens of Distinction by Corporate & Incentive Travel
•
The Paragon Award by Corporate Meetings & Incentives
•
The AAA 4-Diamond Award
•
One of the Best Golf Resorts by Travel + Leisure Golf
•
One of the Best Buddy Trips by Travel + Leisure Golf
•
One of the Best for Family Trips by Travel + Leisure Golf
•
One of the 25 Best Family Golf Resorts by Golfforwomen.com
•
One of the 20 Family-Friendly Hotels by Woman’s Day
Kingsmill’s River Course also received several top honors:
•
One of the Best New Remodels by Golf Digest
•
4th place on the Virginia State Ranking by Golf Digest
•
One of the Best Golf Courses by Travel + Leisure Golf
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
At Kingsmill Resort & Spa, 425 extraordinary villa-style guest rooms and suites afford the ultimate in tranquility by combining refined luxury and relaxing comfort. Stylish, cozy furnishings, the finest bed linens,
pristine porcelain-tiled bathrooms and plush cotton robes offer a calm escape to even the busiest of travelers.
The comfortable elegance of each room is matched only by the scenic, lush settings of the surrounding resort. Each suite offers breathtaking views of either the James River, Warham’s Pond, one of Kingsmill’s signature golf courses, or the tennis center. The rooms also provide close proximity to fine dining, an extensive fitness center, the marina and The Spa at Kingsmill.
Earning the Pinnacle Award from
Successful Meetings magazine, Kingsmill Resort & Spa accommodations provide a convenient respite for business travelers as well. Each suite and villa features wireless Internet access for laptop computers. A fresh cup of coffee brewed from their in-room Starbucks ® coffee maker is sure to get any business trip off to a great start.
KINGSMILL’S AWARD-WINNING GOLF COURSES
Consistently ranked among the best by the nation’s foremost golf publications, Kingsmill’s immaculate courses define the resort as the region’s premier golf destination. As the largest golf resort in Virginia, Kingsmill boasts three world-class courses, one nine-hole, par-3 course and an array of golf amenities. Kingsmill’s greens feature Bent grass, while fairways have Hybrid Bermuda grass from June to September, and Rye grass from October to May. The typical green speed is 10 to 10.5, providing a professional level of play. These professionally-designed courses offer an opportunity to experience golf on challenging holes and beautiful vistas.
RIVER COURSE
The River Course, designed and renovated by world-renowned golf architect Pete Dye, features recontoured greens, expanded tees, reshaped fairways and rebuilt bunker complexes. The improvements are designed to accommodate a wider variety of golf enthusiasts, providing a challenging yet enjoyable game. This course also is home to the LPGA’s annual Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill.
PLANTATION COURSE
The Plantation Course has been named in the top 10 of the “50 Best Courses for Women” by
Golf for Women magazine. It was designed by Arnold Palmer and incorporates undulating greens into the natural landscape with historic landmarks to create a challenging and beautiful layout for players of all abilities.
WOODS COURSE
The Woods Course, designed by Tom Clark and Curtis Strange, two-time U.S. Open champion, opened in July 1995. It features wide fairways, deep ravines and a spectacular wooded setting. Upon opening, the Woods Course was named among
Golf magazine’s “Top 10 New Courses Available for Public Play.” Subsequently, the course has been voted one of the “Top Ten Courses to Play in Virginia” by Golfweek and ranked one of “America’s Best Resort Courses.” The Woods Course features its own clubhouse and golf shop.
BRAY LINKS
The nine-hole, par-3 Bray Links course is designed to suit all types of players, from beginners to low-handicappers. Located between the James River and the Resort Center, course holes range in length from 58 to 109 yards.
CLUBHOUSE
The 20,000-square-foot clubhouse is centrally located near the Conference Center. The Golf Pro Shop offers the latest in golf equipment and apparel. Kingsmill’s Golf Pro Shop has been ranked by
Golf Shop magazine as one of the “100 Best Golf Shops” throughout the United States for 2006 and has also been listed as one of the top “25 Best Resort Golf Shops” for its exquisite golf inventory and personal service. The locker rooms feature cherry oak lockers and full-service attention. The golf club’s Eagles restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual setting with a view of the James River and the 18th green of the River Course.
GOLF ACADEMY
The Golf Academy is a year-round program offering first-class instructional facilities in one-, two- and three-day schools. With a 5:1 student to teacher ratio, each golf instruction class offers individual attention using proven exercises and drills, thereby ensuring game improvement for each golfer. Professional instructors teach fundamental skills that lead to a consistent swing with special emphasis on the short game. If one-on-one attention is preferred, a series of individual lessons are available daily. Kingsmill also offers special golf programs including a golf school tailored exclusively for women golfers of all skill levels, as well as junior golf camps.
Golf Academy tuition includes accommodations, instruction, range fees, bag storage, green and cart fees on school days and complimentary use of the fitness center. Participants also receive an equipment evaluation and take-home video analysis of their golf swing.
CUSTOM CLUB FITTING
Kingsmill’s Golf Academy features Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway, Cobra and Ping Custom Fitting Solutions, which combine the club expertise of these leading golf manufacturers with the swing expertise of Kingsmill Resort’s PGA professionals to equip guests with a set of golf clubs customized to body and swing type. Available throughout the year, this unique service allows golfers to have longer, more accurate drives, consistent wedge play and fewer putts per round.
THE MICHELOB ULTRA OPEN AT KINGSMILL
For more than a quarter of a century, Kingsmill Resort & Spa has played host to both the PGA and LPGA. This time-honored tradition continues in 2008 as the Michelob ULTRA Open once again calls Kingsmill home. The LPGA tournament, played on the world-renowned River Course, will he held May 5-11, when the stars of the LPGA Tour will compete against defending champion, Suzann Pettersen, for their share of $2.2 million—one of the richest purses on tour. The MUO won four of the 10 award categories in the LPGA Best Practices players’ poll, including the top honor of “Best Event on Tour.”
In addition to showcasing world-class professional golf, the Michelob ULTRA Open tournament week includes three pro-am events, a fashion show and junior clinic. More than just an exciting experience, guest participation and attendance at these events helps benefit those in need. Over the past four years, the tournament has donated more than $1 million to deserving charities. The May tournament draws more than 60,000 fans and has become one of the top LPGA events on the tour. In 2007, the LPGA players voted to award the tournament with four Best Practices Awards:
• Best Overall Event on Tour
• Best Caddie Hospitality
• Best Family Hospitality
• Best Party
RESTAURANTS & DINING
From the Budweiser Poached Shrimp to the AmberBock Truffle Tart, Chef Brent Wertz, Kingsmill Resort’s Executive Chef, infuses prime meats, seafood, and vegetables with unique ingredients and seasonings to produce innovative dishes. When visiting one of Kingsmill Resort’s restaurants, guests will experience creative culinary delights.
THE BRAY BISTRO
The Bray Bistro is the epitome of sophisticated Southern cuisine. Fresh, seasonal ingredients create a sumptuous meal. From Peach Tea to Po-Boys to Sweet Potato Bread Pudding, each meal is a sophisticated rendition of an old favorite. A team of award-winning culinary masters have developed an array of inventive dishes designed to please the most sophisticated palate. Great pride is taken in presentation with each masterpiece artistically displayed and elegantly served. Panoramic views of the James River serve as a breathtaking backdrop to this fine dining experience.
For those seeking an equally delicious yet more casual dining experience, The Bray Bistro offers a renowned Sunday brunch and Friday night Chesapeake Seafood Buffet—two of the most popular dining experiences at the resort.
EAGLES
This authentic steak and chophouse features Kingsmill’s exclusive beechwood-smoked cooking. The innovative process involves cold-smoking beef, chops, poultry and seafood over Budweiser-bathed beechwood chips to create Eagles’ signature taste. The result is succulent, flavorful dishes. The culinary team uses the freshest Anheuser-Busch products produced locally at the Anheuser-Busch Williamsburg Brewery, located adjacent to the resort. With gorgeous panoramic views of the River Course and the James River, Eagles is a perfect location for relaxing lunches or romantic dinners.
REGATTAS’ CAFÉ & MARKETPLACE
At the café, pizzas are cooked to perfection inside the wood-burning oven. Italian specialties like paninis and pastas make Regattas’ Café a favorite for lunch or dinner. .
MOODY’S TAVERN
Dark wood, plush chairs, homey fireplaces, and a view overlooking the James River make Moody’s Tavern the perfect place to unwind after a day of meetings. Located on the top floor of the Resort Center and open during the evenings, you can take in a game on the large-screen TV, play a game of pool or enjoying good conversation.
THE MARINA BAR & GRILLE
Open seasonally, the Marina Bar & Grille is the perfect setting for a casual good time with friends. Guests can sit outdoors along the James River and enjoy delicious light fare and live entertainment. The outdoor fireplace is particularly cozy during cool weather.
CONFERENCE & GROUP GATHERINGS
Kingsmill Resort offers award-winning meeting, banquet and conference facilities to accommodate groups from 10 to 500. The resort offers more than 16,000 square feet of IACC-certified meeting space encompassing 16 meeting rooms. In addition to Kingmill’s conference level space, the resort offers two ballrooms ranging from 4,000 to 6,050 square feet.
KINGSMILL RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Kayaking excursions, fishing, kid’s camps, hiking, biking and world-class tennis are just some of the recreational amenities offered by Kingsmill Resort & Spa.
MARINA
The full service marina at Kingsmill Resort offers 15 transient boat slips where boaters may enjoy “room service” as well as boat stocking services with food and beverage. The resort is located 35 miles upriver from the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and off channel marker #40 on the James River. It’s just a short cruise from the Intracoastal Waterway and the Chesapeake Bay, and the marina offers concrete floating docks, increased slip size, water and power connections, dockside fuel service and a harbor shop. Docked boaters also have complimentary use of the Kingsmill Sports Club and have access to resort golf courses, spa, tennis facilities and restaurants. Kingsmill guests may take advantage of boat rentals that include kayaks, paddle boats and Jon boats. Fishing also is available from the resort’s standing pier and equipment, including fishing licenses, is sold at the harbor shop.
SPORTS CLUB
The 2,200-square-foot fitness center, , features Cybex Eagle Circuit training equipment, 28 cardiovascular stations, racquetball courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, group fitness classes, an extensive free weight area and professional staff to assist guests in meeting fitness goals.
TENNIS
Listed as one of the top 50 tennis resorts in the world by tennisresortsonline.com, the Kingsmill Tennis Center offers 15 courts, including six Hydro Courts™ with two lighted courts for evening play. A player’s lounge and locker facilities provide for the enjoyment and convenience of guests.
Tennis programs include the Tennis Academy with camps, private and semi-private lessons; Play with the Pro; Junior Training sessions and playdays; junior clinics; stroke of the day; and videotaping. Ball machine, ball hoppers and racquet rentals are available for a fee.
CAMPS
This Williamsburg resort offers young people ages 5 to12 an outlet for every interest from sports to health and beauty to arcade games. Throughout the summer and on holidays, Kingsmill Resort & Spa offers a variety of children’s programs designed to keep kids active and engaged.
•
Spa Kamp:
Kids have the opportunity to get their nails painted, have a massaging footbath and learn how to do mini facials from Kingsmill professionals—with comfy spa robes.
•
Kid’s Kamp:
Kids choose from a variety of activities ranging from craft projects to physical fitness classes including children’s boot camp and yoga, as well as time playing in the pool or at the arcade. This camp includes a host of activities, a healthy lunch and tons of fun.
•
Kid’s Night Out: Kids will make pizza, golf, visit the arcade with tokens, or play at the outdoor playground. Afterwards, kids can enjoy movies and a snack in the activities center, the game room or indoor pool area..
THE SPA AT KINGSMILL
The Spa at Kingsmill offers a diverse spa menu customized to bring the ever-growing need of mind and body restoration to spa enthusiasts. One of the newest additions to the spa is the Kingsmill Sampler, a luxurious exploration of the most popular massages. It includes a combination of Swedish and deep tissue strokes, hot stones, reflexology and aromatherapy and is just one example of how The Spa at Kingsmill offers clients the opportunity to experience the ultimate in body relaxation and luxury.
The Spa at Kingsmill features dedicated massage rooms, facial rooms, a wet treatment suite, manicure and pedicure stations, hair care salon and spa cuisine lunch. For truly sublime skin care, services include skin-purifying facials, exfoliating and moisturizing body treatments, manicures, pedicures and botanical body wraps. In addition to a full spa menu aimed at adults, the spa offers specialized teen services. Treatments such as Fresh and Fabulous Facial, Marvelous Massage and a Magic Manicure are some of the distinctive ways in which the Spa at Kingsmill is instructing teens in healthy and productive ways to de-stress and take care of themselves.
Aside from teens, the spa also offers unique menu items tailored specifically for men and mothers-to-be. For men, the Golfer’s Massage and the Smoothing Manicure offer the opportunity to relax after a challenging day on the links. A massage therapist can also help improve a golfer’s swing with a body massage designed to target the specific muscle groups that affect a golfer’s putt and drive. For the mothers-to-be, services such as the Kingsmill Organic Facial and the Prenatal Massage allow the expectant mother to pamper her body and soul.
•
MASSAGE:
Spa-goers can enjoy an array of massage therapies including aromatherapy, Swedish, prenatal, sports, deep-tissue, Reiki, La Stone and couples massages. The Swedish massage uses gliding strokes to promote relaxation, while an Aromatherapy massage uses a variety of aromatic oils to relax the body and treat the senses. Whatever the choice, guests will experience the ultimate relaxation.
•
BODY TREATMENTS:
Guests can reinvigorate their bodies with indulgent services designed to nourish, exfoliate, detoxify, and hydrate the body. The “Seaweed Peppermint Twist” is a refreshing and aromatic body treatment that uses fresh marine seaweed and peppermint oil. This service stimulates circulation and helps rid the body of excess fluids and accumulated toxins to oxygenate, hydrate and nourish the skin.
•
FACIAL SERVICES:
Renew the spirit and treat the face with a rejuvenating facial. The “Kingsmill Organic Facial,” uses all-natural, organic products to enrich and revitalize the complexion. From classic facials to multi-vitamin enriched facials, guests can choose a service to fit their needs.
•
SALON SERVICES: Whether it’s a special event or a regularly scheduled refresh, the newly expanded salon offers extensive hair services; nail, hand and foot treatments; waxing; and detailed make-up applications. Guests can enjoy a citrus-based manicure or take advantage of the spa’s professional make-up artist and walk away looking and feeling like a celebrity.
DESTINATION WILLIAMSBURG
Families seeking a lifestyle filled with diverse entertainment will find Kingsmill to be the perfect place to live. No where else can families experience championship golf, luxurious spa treatments, scenic views, record-breaking roller coasters, European villages, cool waves, chats with Thomas Jefferson and visit a Powhatan Indian village all in the same day. It’s an area where families can indulge in comfortable luxury, American history, European atmosphere and full-scale shopping.
BUSCH GARDENS EUROPE
Voted the world’s “Most Beautiful Theme Park” for 17 years in a row, Busch Gardens Europe combines 17th-century charm with 21st-century technology to create the ultimate family experience. Situated on 100 action-packed acres, Busch Gardens Europe boasts more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, nine main stage shows, a wide variety of cuisine and themed shops.
WATER COUNTRY USA
Plunge into outrageous fun at the mid-Atlantic’s largest water park, Water Country USA. Featuring a 1950s and ‘60s surf-theme, Water Country USA offers families tons of summertime fun with more than 30 slides, water rides and super soakin’ thrills.
WILLIAMSBURG HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
• Colonial Williamsburg, where history literally comes to life through thousands of archaeologists, researchers, historians, historical interpreters—and even you. In 2008, visitors become part of “The Revolutionary City” adventure as they witness the collapse of the royal government and join the debate over the Declaration of Independence. The two-hour daily event reflects Williamsburg’s role in one of America’s defining periods.
•
Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center are two living history museums that engage visitors in nearly two centuries of our nation’s history – from the founding of America’s first permanent English settlement in 1607 to the decisive Revolutionary War victory in 1781 and implementation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. In 2007, Jamestown Settlement celebrated its 400th anniversary with several permanent exhibits, a new introductory film and revitalized living-history areas. Together, they presented the story of 17th-century Virginia and its Powhatan Indian, English and western central African cultural origins.
Shopping close to Kingsmill
• Merchant’s Square
is a shopping area located adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg historic area and includes 30 shops and services offering fine dining, bookstores, and apparel shops.
•
Prime Outlets Williamsburg
is a designer outlet center featuring more than 90 stores including Nike, Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, Bombay, J. Crew, Nine West and more.
•
Williamsburg Outlet Mall
features more than 60 shops. This mall offers a fantastic selection of clothing, shoes, gifts, accessories, housewares, linens, sportswear, and much more.
•
Williamsburg Pottery Factory, originally founded in 1938, is now a 200-acre complex welcoming more than four million visitors annually. Pottery, glass, fine china, crystal, plants, carpets, kitchenware, candles, and sporting goods are available for purchase.
For further information about golf course homes, real estate , homes, communities, developments, neighborhoods or building lots in Williamsburg, James City, New Kent, Gloucester or York County Virginia contact:
John Womeldorf/ REALTOR
Liz Moore & Associates 757 254 8136
John@MrWilliamsburg.com email
www.MrWilliamsburg.com/ Williamsburg VA Real Estate website
www.MrBurg.com Williamsburg Va Real Estate website
www.MrHamptonroads.com/ Hampton Roads Va Real Estate website
www.MrTidewater.com/ Tidewater VA Real Estate website
www.MrVaBeach.com/ Va Beach Va Real Estate website
Williamsburg Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land for sale in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH
CLICK HERE FOR Real Estate Home Search Tidewater Hampton Roads Va
My other area Real Estate and Information Blogs for Hampton Roads/ Tidewater/ Williamsburg Virignia and surrounding areas
Williamsburg Real Estate Blog II
Williamsburg Real Estate Blog
Williamsburg Happenings/ Events Blog

