Perched on a hillside, the townhome on Ambler Street is one of six units built in the 1980s. Frank Wood purchased the home before it was even finished being built, and he has owned it ever since.
Wood fondly recalled driving over the Coleman Bridge and seeing the construction going on as he was returning home to Richmond from a day of boating. Interested in purchasing a vacation property, he made a quick decision to stop by the work site and get some information. Looking suntanned and windblown, he was dismissed at first for not looking like a serious prospect. However, within 20 minutes Frank had made an offer, and it was his.
Over the years, Frank and his family have spent many weekends, summers and holidays enjoying the picturesque views, going to the beach, boating and watching the Yorktown waterfront grow into a destination area with shopping, dining and entertainment. He said what he loved most was bringing extended family to the area and entertaining in the vacation home.
“We had so many wonderful times here. It’s such a special place,” he said.
Though he’s decided to put the home on the market, he remains nostalgic about his time spent in Yorktown.
Frank remembers sitting on the deck with friends from college who had majored in engineering and marveling at the reconstruction and widening project of the Coleman Bridge back in 1995. He also watched as the Watermen’s Museum building was moved in sections via a barge from Gloucester across the York River to its current location on Water Street.
Currently on the market, the nearly 2,200-square-foot, three-story townhome features three bedrooms and 3½ baths. An updated kitchen now has cherry cabinets, a new island and all new appliances. Designed to be in tune with colonial architecture, lovely exposed beams and random-width pine flooring add a lot of character to this already charming home. The open-concept living and dining areas give way to views of the York River, and a cozy fireplace is perfect for the winter. Both the first and second floors feature walk-out balconies with plenty of room for tables and chairs.
The property is also versatile. It could be a vacation home, a retirement home, a forever home or even a business opportunity since it has county approval to be operated as a bed and breakfast.
In addition to the aesthetics, being only a block away from a thriving waterfront district is hard to come by. Whether there is a French Market, a festival, a live music or art event, there is always something to do right outside the door.
For more information about this house, visit the Liz Moore and Associates listing.
