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North Point Plantation
As I have mentioned before, David and I have family in both Virginia and Illinois, and we try to visit everyone regularly. The Covid-19 Pandemic has temporarily made it more challenging for us to travel, and has limited our accommodation choices when not at our “home base” in Illinois. After researching our options for a recent stay in our hometown of Mechanicsville, VA, we were thrilled to find a hidden gem close by, called North Point Plantation. We made reservations for a 3-night stay.
Location
North Point Plantation is a historic waterfront (former) plantation ( built c. 1740) on Virginia’s Mattaponi River in King William, VA. It sits 30 miles NE of Richmond, VA, and two hours SE of Washington, DC. It is also 55 minutes from Williamsburg, VA, and approximately 15-20 minutes from the areas where our families are located. It was the perfect, central-but-remote location for us.
Honeymoon Cottage
While the main house was not yet open to guests due to Covid-19, (which gives us the privilege of traveling back for a visit once it is open so we can present Part II of this feature) the carriage house ( called the “groom’s quarters”) and the “honeymoon cottage” were available to book. We stayed in the honeymoon cottage–a cozy one bedroom, one bath with kitchen– and to say it was exquisite is an understatement! It was absolutely elegant. We arrived to a chilled bottle of wine waiting for us, which was a special, personal touch from the owners. (Thanks again!).
This cottage was actually the kitchen (totally detached from the main house) when it was a working plantation. The gorgeous brickwork throughout adds to the historic but warm feeling upon entering. The canopy bed with it’s soft pillows and luxurious blanket sets the stage for a peaceful, restful sleep. The bathroom boasts a claw-foot bathtub, while the adjustable lighting provided a soft touch each night. A sliding barn door to the bathroom added to the overall vintage feel of the cottage. Today the cottage has endless uses–from honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or any other romantic/weekend getaways to the focal point of “boudoir” photo sessions. Here are a few photos of the cottage:
Gracious Hosts
The owners and caretakers of the property, Bill & Rhonda, were the most gracious hosts. Rhonda is a writer specializing in books, plays and magazine feature articles. Her passion, not surprisingly, is in historic textiles. She, along with her husband, Bill, are such a natural fit to care for the North Point House, cottages and luscious grounds. Their taste in decor, while maintaining the original overall authenticity of historic features of the plantation is noticed and appreciated. They welcomed us like old friends and we enjoyed hearing their stories while sipping wine as we sat around the brick fire pit–which once served as the well for the main house. I cannot go without mentioning the TRUE greeters and protectors of the property, however–Lafayette & Natacha–two of the most friendly basset hounds you will ever meet! They took their jobs seriously! This duo loved their meet and greet sessions each day and enjoyed hanging out with us as much as they could!!
Relaxation and Rejuvenation
Did I mention the plantation sits majestically above the Mattaponi River? The views from the property are breath-taking! Even the fields beside the house and the cottage were picturesque. David and I had dinner outside several nights either at a table alongside the cottage or around the fire-pit. We got up early each morning to take in the sunrise and just enjoy the nature sounds on the riverbank. We also got back from our family visits early enough a few times in order to witness the gorgeous sunsets.
Water Fun
David and I love to be around water, but we really enjoy being ON the water even more so. We kayak a lot, so we were thrilled when we saw that North Point provided a canoe/paddles/ and safety vests for us to use during our visit! We took the canoe down to the water, and launched it right beside the dock several times during the week. This area of the Mattaponi River is very shallow, but we were able to enjoy a jaunt down the river for a bit where we even saw two bald eagles high in the trees! We didn’t get close enough to get great photos of them–but that did not stop us from just enjoying their presence on the river!
Main House Fun Facts/Sneak Peek
Like I said, due to Covid-19, the main house was still closed to the public/guests. However, we did chat with Bill & Rhonda and learned a few facts about the Georgian style house. It was built in 1739-1740, and the wings on each side of the house were added at different times in 1800. The porch and the story above were also added in 1800. There are 63 windows, 6 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms. Each bedroom is named: The King William Suite, The Valentine Suite, The Valentine Suite-Adjacent Bedroom, The River View, and Eagles Nest I and II. There is an English basement where the gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, half bath/laundry room, are located. There is a conservatory/sun room area where Rhonda says is “a lovely room to have coffee and read”. I am personally looking forward to seeing the marble and slate staircase that leads to the second level of the main house when we return for Part II, and having the opportunity to take photos inside, as I am sure it is just as beautiful as the outside.
Additional Photos
Here are a few additional photos of the property:
Contact Information
The rooms at North Point Plantation can be booked individually or the entire house/cottages can be booked together for retreats, weddings, family reunions, birthdays, etc., through the end of October. The groom’s quarters sleeps 2, as does the honeymoon cottage, whereas the main house sleeps 12 total. There is a 3 night minimum on bookings. If you would like more information on North Point Plantation, please email info@northpointplantation.com, or call 804-238-3856. Rhonda & Bill will be happy to have you!!
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