NEW KENT, VA. (April 2013) — Looking back, there is a certain sense of irony permeating the marriage that helped shape a nation.
America’s first President, George Washington, wed Martha Dandridge Custis at “The White House” on January 6, 1759. Of course, the White House – as the home of the American President we think of today in Washington D.C. – did not exist until nearly 40 years later. So how did this twosome pull such a feat off?
Well, George and Martha – both 27 years old at the time – were actually married at Martha’s estate in New Kent County, Virginia, also known as “The White House.” According to historical accounts, Rev. David Mossom, rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, performed the ceremony and it was a grand affair. The Washingtons even honeymooned in the New Kent area for several weeks before moving on to George’s Mount Vernon estate in Northern Virginia.
Thus began a reportedly solid marriage and perhaps our country’s first “power couple.” For Martha, George and eventually the nation, a new era had dawned.
Today, just a few miles from where this historic event took place, another new era has begun to take shape in the world of golf. The arrival of the Club at Viniterra and its globally renowned designer, Rees Jones, have made New Kent County a center of power once again – this time through the marriage of the grand game of golf with the rich and historical Virginia soil.
As a centerpiece to the environmentally sustainable community, the New Kent Vineyards, located just off Interstate 64 between Richmond and Williamsburg, the Club at Viniterra was designed by Jones, and is situated on more than 1,200 acres of wooded and rolling terrain. The famed “U.S. Open Doctor” and son of legendary architect Robert Trent Jones routed a splendid 18-hole championship course that stretches to more than 7,700 yards and has raised the bar of golf in the Tidewater region.
Originally developed as a private amenity to the New Kent Vineyards project, the course opened in 2009 and features dramatic elevation changes, beautiful hardwood trees and holes that spread out around the magnificent New Kent Winery, which was built by craftsmen using historic materials reclaimed from buildings that were originally constructed hundreds of years ago. The Club at Viniterra’s massive fairways and run-ups on nearly all of the greens are enjoyable to attack. Still, even the most well managed game can be derailed by strategically positioned grass, sand and water hazards.
The Club at Viniterra has now opened its doors to outside public play, making it one of the most immaculately maintained offerings and attractive golf values in the region. Well positioned, Viniterra is rapidly becoming a true destination golf course and a must-play for anyone traveling to or from Williamsburg, Newport News, Virginia Beach, Virginia’s Eastern Shore and North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
The Club at Viniterra is a special place in a truly unique community. In addition, New Kent County is one of the oldest counties in the state and was named for Kent in England. Captain John Smith first visited New Kent in 1607 and the church where the Washington’s worshiped in 1759 still holds services inside its chapel.
Combining the rich history of the region, the magnificent terrain and the exciting design of the Club at Viniterra, it is no wonder that this remarkable golf course has become so popular and a bucket list golf course. Learn more at www.ViniterraGolf.com or 804-932-3888.
Contact:
Martin Armes, 919-608-7260, martinarmes@nc.rr.com
Brad King, 336-306-9219, king@bradkingcommunications.com
