Happy New Year to my FC neighbors

Happy 2021! I have so much hope for a fresh, healthy start from the most complicated and intense – and yes, scary — times most of us will ever know. I wish you all warmth and peace.

On to news highlights from the first Talk of the Colony (the Ford’s Colony HOA magazine) of the new year:

  • The HOA plans to spend roughly $2 million this year on a project to repair old pipes throughout Ford’s Colony.
  • A right turn lane onto Ford’s Colony Drive off of Longhill Rd. will be constructed.
  • Four of the seven seats on the HOA board of directors will be filled durig the election period that runs Jan. 4 through Feb. 5. Online ballots – one per household or lot owner – should arrive via email by Jan. 5. (Contact communityservices@fchoa.net if you don’t get one.) Voting instructions were mailed with the January assessment billing. Only electronic ballots will be used.
  • An impressive roster of candidates, with deep and diverse backgrounds, is running for the open slots – Ray Van Cott, Roy Madsen, Rick Beers, Daphne Kinkel and Robert J. Boggio. Their bios and introductory videos can be found on the “Election” page on the HOA website. Additionally, look for a virtual “Meet the Candidates” webcast to be recorded and posted at fchoa.org soon.
  • Entry gate arms continue to receive damage by motorists unaware of how to enter Ford’s Colony, including non-pass holders who try to gun their way through to beat the gate cycle. Don’t try it, advises security chief Crystal Bowers. It won’t work, and you’ll have to pay for the gate damage.

As always, remember that I post links to a year’s worth of Talk of the Colony editions here on their own page.

Best wishes!

Deelyn

Meet the FCHOA board candidates online

The Ford’s Colony HOA has announced that residents can “Meet the Candidates” for the 2021 board of directors in a moderated, pre-recorded webcast that will be posted on fchoa.org in early January.

Residents may learn about the five candidates’ views, vision and hear their introductory statements on the election page here. They may also submit questions for the candidates to the nominating committee by Dec. 29 at this email address.

The unabridged webcast, including the Q&A session, will be posted on the 2021 board of directors page. Residents will be able to post follow-up questions, and the candidates’ responses will be posted on fchoa.org.

This will lead up to the online voting period of Jan. 4-Feb. 5. Each household will receive one vote via its primary email address on file. Voting instructions will be included in the FCHOA’s January assessment billing.

117 Westward Ho wows with updates and dual primary suites

Take the Matterport tour

117 Westward Ho

Bed 4 | Bath 4 | 4,048 square feet | Offered at $629,000

Feel the warmth of this inviting home that offers numerous updates, an open floor plan, first- and second-floor primary suites and a light-filled sunroom.

The thoroughly updated kitchen, including granite counters, newer appliances and an eat-in banquette, opens to a cheerful family room as well as the sunroom. The first-floor primary suite features a large walk-in closet and en suite bath with dual vanities, while the upstairs primary bedroom has potential as an in-law suite.

A deck and pavered patio allow comfortable outdoor-living options.

  • Sunroom
  • Office with built-ins
  • Updated kitchen
  • One of two primary suites

Take the Matterport tour

Please contact Deelyn at 757.503.1999 or deelyn@lizmoore.com for more information or to schedule a tour of this beautiful Ford’s Colony home.

Downsize in this charming, golf-front home

148 Shinnecock

Beds 4 | Baths 3 | 3,025 square feet | Offered at $639,900

Take the Matterport tour.

148 Shinnecock offers the best in elegant, golf-front downsizing opportunities, a William Poole-designed home located on the 13th fairway of the Blue Heron golf course.

With golf views throughout, this light-filled home offers two first-floor bedrooms, a three-season sun porch, plus an ALL NEW kitchen and master bath. The fabulous kitchen offers quartz counters, tiled backsplash, stainless appliances and a convenient pot-filler over the range.

The great room is expansive and features beautiful built-ins and a gas fireplace. Also roomy is the first-floor primary suite with hardwood floors and a NEW en suite spa-like bath with a large tiled shower, a free-standing stone tub and heated tile floors.

There is so much more to love about 148 Shinnecock.

Please contact Deelyn at 757.503.1999 or deelyn@lizmoore.com for more information on this lovely Ford’s Colony home.

Downsize elegantly at these Eaglescliffe condos

Condominiums at Eaglescliffe in Ford’s Colony provide the perfect opportunity to downsize to carefree luxury living – and are more cost effective than a single-family home.

Take some time to look at and virtually tour these two beautifully appointed and maintained units, one on the first floor and the other on the top. You’ll like what you see.

1104 Eaglescliffe

Bedroom 2 | Bath 2 | 1,862 square feet | Offered at $400,000

Take the Matterport tour.

A first-floor condo replete with upscale finishes and gorgeous views from a private screened porch. This lovely home features a beautiful gourmet kitchen with granite counters, a bright and airy great room with a tray ceiling, elegant dining area and a spacious primary suite with hardwood floors, en suite bath and two closets.

2301 Eaglescliffe

Bedrooms 3 | Baths 2.1 | 2,051 square feet | Offered at $465,000

Take the Matterport tour.

This move-in ready, top-floor condo features two covered porches and an extra half bath that is uncommon to most of the Eaglescliffe properties. Beautiful cabinets and quartz counters highlight the updated kitchen. Spacious and light-filled throughout.

Please contact Deelyn for more information or to arrange a private tour of these condos –757.503.1999 or deelyn@lizmoore.com.


Local home sales continue strength

According to the Virginian-Pilot, there were 95 percent more homes under contract – 205 in all — in September in James City County than a year ago.

That increase is part of the boom that real estate in Hampton Roads continues to experience, despite lower-than-usual inventory levels.

In September, the median price for a home in Hampton Roads rose by more than 10 percent over the previous year. The Pilot said that’s the largest year-over-year growth since the Real Estate Information Network (REIN) began tracking the statistic in 2006. 

In Williamsburg, the median sale price increased 40 percent from a year ago, to $349,900. Eleven homes were sold in the city in September, 10 percent more than last year. 

You can read the entire report here.

Rising trend for closings through the third quarter

The number of real estate closings in Ford’s Colony so far in 2020 rose to 138 through the third quarter, January through September.

That number is boosted by 55 closings in the third quarter alone, an increase of nearly 45 percent for the same time period in 2019.

July and August each saw 19 closings, with 17 more in September.

Below are the closing statistics through the third quarter:

(Data from the Williamsburg Multiple Listing Service and Broker Metrics on
Oct. 26, 2020. Data believed to be reliable but not guaranteed.
Ford’s Colony data collected Oct. 15, 2020.)

Carefree condo living in Eaglescliffe

Take the Matterport tour of 2301 Eaglescliffe

2301 Eaglescliffe

Beds 3 | Baths 2.1 | 2,051 square feet | Offered at $465,000

Experience an outstanding downsizing opportunity in this beautifully appointed condo offering elegant spaces for carefree living — and in a top-floor unit!

This move-in ready condo features two covered porches with gorgeous views and an extra half-bath that is uncommon to Eaglescliffe properties. 

The gourmet kitchen features beautiful cabinetry, a tiled backsplash, pantry and an updated center island with quartz counters. A vaulted ceiling, custom bookcases, gas fireplace and access to a covered porch set apart the light-filled great room.

  • Kitchen
  • Great room
  • Porch

There is much more to appreciate here. Plus, on an annual basis, carefree condo living has proven more cost effective than the costs of maintenance for a single-family home.

Please call Deelyn to arrange to visit of this must-see Eaglescliffe condo.

Notable FC happenings

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey and house-cured pork loin ham, a chef-prepared dinner for four and a personalized fitting for a new set of golf clubs are a few of the attractive items up for online auction through Ford’s Colony Country Club. 

The Ford’s Colony Charity Classic, which will be open until Nov. 11, will benefit these nonprofit organizations: FISH Williamsburg, which supports local residents who need food, clothing and financial help, Clublife Charities, and the ClubCorp Employee Partners Care Foundation.

All interested can access the auction website, view all the available items and make bids – or simply donate money – at  https://go.rallyup.com/fordscolony.

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Also, a pharmacist provided by Ford’s Colony HOA will give flu shots, including the “high dose” senior flu shot, Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at the swim and tennis club located at 165 St. Andrews Drive.

No appointment is necessary, although those coming for a shot are reminded to bring their insurance card. 

Price update in popular Brigadoon

Take the Matterport tour

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101 Westbury

Beds 5 | Bath 4.1 | Square feet 5,645 | NEW PRICE $715,000

An inviting new price adds to the attraction of this charming, custom home in the popular Brigadoon neighborhood, located adjacent to the 10th tee of the Blue Heron golf course.

Now offered at $715,000, graceful and meticulously maintained 101 Westbury features an open floor plan, five bedrooms plus a loft and a sunny three-season porch perfect for early morning coffee or happy hour watching the golfers play through.

Click here for more information on 101 Westbury, and here to take the Matterport 3D tour.

Golf-front charm in Brigadoon

Take the Matterport tour

101 Westbury

Beds 5 | Bath 4.1 | Square feet 5,645 | Offered at $739,000

This charming, custom home in the sought-after Brigadoon neighborhood is located adjacent to the 10th tee of the Blue Heron golf course.

It is a graceful, meticulously maintained home with an inviting open floor plan, five bedrooms plus a loft and a sunny three-season porch perfect for early morning coffee or happy hour watching the golfers play through.

Click here for more information on 101 Westbury, here to take the Matterport 3D tour of this home, or contact Deelyn at 757.503.1999 or deelyn@lizmoore.com.

108 Berrow is a must-see property

Beds: 4 Baths: 3 | 1 Sq. Ft.: 5,863

Offered at $995,000 

Take the Matterport 3D tour of this incredible home.

This extraordinary home is one of the most beautiful waterfront and golf-front properties in Ford’s Colony. 

Elegant and all-brick, this 5,863-square foot home — located at the end of a cul-de-sac and overlooking the sixth hole of the Blue Heron golf course — is highlighted by uncommon quality and meticulous attention to detail. You will be impressed.

For more information on this stunning property, please contact Deelyn at 757-503.1999 or deelyn@lizmoore.com.

Climb aboard and “Let’s Go Sail”

Looking for something fun to do outdoors on a Williamsburg Wednesday, even as the weather turns cooler? Grab a sweater and Let’s Go Sail on the York River.

Working out of the York River Yacht Haven just over the Coleman Bridge in Gloucester Point, Capt. Bill O’Donovan of Williamsburg Charter Sails offers his 32-foot Hunter sloop for a variety of Let’s Go Sail charters for up to six people. 

O’Donovan’s menu of offerings includes three-hour adventure cruises up the river, special event cruises for celebrations such as birthdays and graduations, staff appreciation and history cruises in which Capt. Bill regales his guests with tales of Revolutionary War naval battles that took place in the very same locations. O’Donovan also shares his years of experience with guests on cruises featuring sailing lessons for those who want to learn or broaden their sailing confidence, as well as giving things-to-know tips for guests in the market to buy their own sailboats.

Williamsburg Charter Sails operates twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Make reservations on the website or call 757-876-8654. Couples cruise for $150, families $250 and other groups $350, with discounts on Mondays and Tuesdays.

On a recent sunny Sunday morning, we met the engaging Capt. Bill on the dock and soon departed on the Hunter (which, yes, has a bathroom and is in pristine condition) along with a family visiting from Vienna, Va. Not long in, Capt. Bill handed me the wheel! Gulp! No worries, though. As the sails billowed, Capt. Bill stood nearby and pointed toward to the distant landmarks he wanted me to follow as he discussed the views along the river and shoreline, adjusted the sails as needed, shared sailing expertise and even radioed nearby vessels for safety precautions.

Soon enough, he had my husband, “first-mate” Tom, uncranking the huge spinaker and pulling ropes to help raise it high above the deck. And then as we headed home, several pods of dolphins escorted us along the way. Nice.

Let’s Go Sail is a fun and different way to spend a Williamsburg Wednesday, any day at all.

Thanks, Capt. Bill.

201 Panmure features price drop, Sunday open house

This meticulously maintained, elegant rancher with great upgrades and an easy-living floor plan can be visited during an open house Sunday, Aug. 30, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Additionally, 201 Panmure is now offered at $589,000.

Take a Matterport tour of 201 Panmure here.

201 PANMURE

Beds: 3 / Baths: 3.1 / Sq. Ft: 3,150 / NOW OFFERED AT $589,000

This top-quality, custom home offers fabulous first-floor living with 3,150 square feet that includes three bedrooms, plus the bonus room, and 3 1/2 baths.

The light-filled great room features a gas fireplace and opens to a well-designed kitchen with quartz counters, a pantry, ample cabinetry and a breakfast area with a bay window.

The spacious master bedroom includes another bay window, walk-in closet and a beautiful en suite bath.

Please email Deelyn or call 757-503-1999 for more information about 201 Panmure.

School supply drive for FC students

Williamsburg-James City County students will begin the school year learning virtually, but they will still need supplies at home. You can help by donating items into two totes that have been placed outside the Community Services Building.

Supplies most needed are:

  • Dry erase markers
  • Glue sticks
  • Pencils
  • Composition notebooks for elementary students, who do not use spiral notebooks or loose-leaf paper.
  • Crayola crayons; they work best and hold up longer than other brands.

Cash donations are also welcome! Checks can be made out to WJCC and put into the drop box — not the totes — also outside the CSB.