Tranquility, Seclusion, peace:
Most of the land sits btwn the house and the water, making the lake viewing possible from the pool deck, but not the house. Even then, this is not a sweeping lake view. But it is a great view of lawn/trees, where families of deer wander and feed. It's great sitting outside in the evening on the pool deck with a cocktail, watching the deer wander by. Other wildlife frequently spotted: turkeys, fox, raccoons, great blue heron, box turtles, opossums, woodpeckers (there's a pileated woodpecker I saw fall '08 and 2 new osprey families on the lake with new hatchlings I saw May/June '09), and more.
The tranquility of this home will draw you in, and you may just find yourselves turning off the TV and enjoying the sounds of nature and spending time with loved ones.
A visit to Smith Mountain Lake can be very busy and active and social, or it can be total peace and seclusion. This is a wonderful family home and perfect for six people.
Historical and celebrity status of SML::
The area around Smith Mountain Lake is historic with a variety of sights to visit. The D-Day Memorial here (in Bedford) is significant for it's historic change in the course of how the military draft is done, due to the losses this small town sustained on D-day during WWII. Thomas Jefferson had a vacation property nearby called Poplar Forest, that is open to the public and replicates much of the architecture of his home in Monticello. And the road coming into the SML area is named after Booker T. Washington; a man born into slavery, but rising to complete a college education and become a great leader in bringing education to other African Americans. Other significant facts about SML: The movie 'What About Bob' with Bill Murray as a psych patient, and Richard Dreyfus as his psychiatrist, was filmed here.
other info:
The walk up from the dock to the house is fairly steep and not for anyone with ambulatory difficulties. Most people become out-of-breath, and may even complain of calf muslce pain. I say it's your body telling you you're too sedentary. It's good for you! But be aware that it's not a quick jaunt to the dock and the trek up can be taxing. The path down can get washed out with a good rainstorm, so this area is uneven terrain; be careful.
Also, you should know you need to bring your own sheets & pillow cases (comforters, pillows, blankets, mattress pads are provided and cleaned regularly--including pillow protectors). You also need to bring your own towels for both the pool and the lake. Other things to bring: charcoal, binoculars, flashlights,coolers.
Other Activities:
boating
