CHESAPEAKE BAY AND RIVERS
RIVAH COUNTRY
A paradise of beautiful waters. Miles of coastline with deep water creeks, pristine estuaries and salt marshes await you in Virginia’s Rivah Country. Bounded on the north by the Potomac River, the South by the York River and the Chesapeake Bay on the east, the area is rich with four centuries of history and holds some of the nation’s oldest records. Generations of Waterman still continue to harvest rockfish, blue crabs and famous Virginia oysters in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and rivers.
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A short drive from Williamsburg, Richmond and Norfolk, you can truly take a step back in time and enjoy the road less traveled. Whether you choose to fish in the quiet creeks, enjoy a boat charter on the Chesapeake or kayak the navigable marshes, there is always plenty to do. Along with the stunning scenery, Rivah Country offers a variety of shopping, including unique shops, galleries and antique stores.
CHOOSING A HOME IN RIVAH COUNTRY
The variety of housing choices will surprise and delight. You’ll find cozy cottages on country lanes, stunning new construction homes, magnificent waterfront estates with breathtaking views and stylish condominiums. Whatever your preference, you’ll find your dream home in Rivah Country.
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Call a River Team Agent today. Specializing in the counties of Middlesex, Gloucester, Mathews and Lancaster.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Bordered by the Rappahannock and Piankatank Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, the Middlesex peninsula has 135 square miles of coastline. The area is a charming mix of old and new with gently rolling farmland, horse farms, scenic drives, and forests of wild turkey. Seventeenth century estates mix comfortably with new custom homes in the countryside and along the waterways.
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The historic port of Urbanna with its nostalgic village of charming homes is nestled on a harbor just off the Rappahannock River. In November, this peaceful village hosts the legendary Urbanna Oyster Festival that attracts thousands of visitors.
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Deltaville, at the eastern most point of the peninsula, was once a wood boat building center. With a variety of notable marinas, the village is now a popular port for sailors from up and down the East Coast and all over the world.
In mid-county on the pristine Piankatank River you will find the village of Hartfield, home to the Steamboat Golf Club. Upriver is the Great Dragon Run, one of the only remaining prehistoric swamps in the country and is a popular for kayaking to view the amazing ecosystems. The area offers some of the county’s most remarkable custom homes with amazing sunset views as well as condominiums along the creeks with moorings for sailboats and motor craft.
HISTORIC GHENT
Just north of downtown, Ghent is a thriving and pedestrian-friendly community offering diverse cultural, shopping and entertainment venues. From local neighborhood bars, breweries and eateries, to more sophisticated restaurants offering international cuisine, Ghent is a favorite dining destination. The Ghent Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes 184 contributing buildings
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The housing in Ghent is one of the most eclectic and delightful assortments in Norfolk with turn of the century apartment buildings next to rows of cozy bungalows that mix well with newly constructed and recently converted condominiums. Handsome single family homes offer stunning examples of Queen Ann, Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival style homes that would suit the most discerning buyer. Gent offers a selection of homes styles for every budget and preference.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
The area was famous for growing daffodils in the 18th century and is nicknamed “The Daffodil Capital of the World”. Gloucester hosts the annual Daffodil Festival and flower show each year in early April. Thomas Jefferson wrote many famous works for colonial independence while staying at Rosewell Plantation on the York River. The Inn at Warner Hall, a magnificent 17t century waterfront inn on the Severn River, was founded by George Washington’s great-great grandfather and is the ancestral home of Meriwether Lewis.
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In the village of Gloucester Court House, with it’s historic 18th century village square, you will find a statue honoring Pocahontas, the Powhatan Princess who lived along the York River and is know for saving the life of explorer John Smith in 1592. Prominent estates from three centuries blend with newly built homes in bucolic country settings and along the waterfront.
LANCASTER COUNTY
Cross the Rappahannock River into the Northern Neck and Lancaster County. The tranquil village of Irvington reflects colonial coastal America at its best. Situated on the natural deep harbor of Carters Creek, residents can walk to the town’s Commons to shop at upscale boutiques, visit the celebrated farmer’s market or hear a concert.
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The area has two championship golf courses, premier sailing schools and an array of handsome and architecturally diverse homes. The Village of Whitestone, hosts the annual Bird and Water Fowl show, featuring notable carvers and artists. Taste local wine at a Northern Neck vineyard, take a drive to Windmill Point with spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay or visit Historic Christ Church in Weems.
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Kilmarnock, the largest town in the county, was once known as Steptoe’s Ordinary and was settled in 1719. It is the main shopping destination for the area, and includes regional shopping centers as well as locally owned shops, boutiques, antique markets.
MATHEWS COUNTY
Nature lovers, history buffs, beach-goers boaters and wanderers. There is something for everyone in Mathews. With the earliest English settlement in 1650, Mathews is rich in historical landmarks, churches, cemeteries, estates and civic buildings. New Point Comfort Lighthouse is the third oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay and was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson in 1804. Thirty-nine churches, some dating back to the 1600’s, grace the landscape.
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Mathews is home to a thriving arts community and a growing number of world-renowned artists. The Bay School Community Arts Center, with year-round classes, provides students of all ages an opportunity to explore painting, sculpting, rug hooking, glass blowing, and more. In the fall, local artists open their studios for the public to visit and admire their works.
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Housing choices are plentiful and include cottages, bungalows, fine new construction and famous weaterfront estates in a wide variety of styles and price ranges.