Maintenance Free Living 

Smith Mountain Lake communities cater to the baby-boome rgeneration

by Andie Gibson

Over the next 25 years, the number of people 65 and older in the U.S. will double to 70 million - that’s 20 percent of the population. The unprecedented growth of the Baby Boomer segment is changing the way developers around the country – and at Smith Mountain Lake – are building. A number of communities at the Lake are specifically targeting the shifting needs of this lucrative market with housing designed to accommodate the wants and needs of boomers. If you’re considering going "maintenance-free" – a buzz word that describes communities where the burden of yard work and other chores become a thing of the past – there is no shortage of options at Smith Mountain Lake. However, maintenance-free can mean different things to different developers. Be sure to check out the chart on pages 76-77 to compare amenities offered by top developments at the Lake that bill themselves as "maintenance-free."

Bernard’s Landing

Bernard’s Landing Resort & Conference Center set the standard for convenient living back in the early 1980s. Condos and townhomes dot one of SML’s most beautiful point properties with a stunning view of Smith Mountain. While homeowners’ dues are on the high end, the POAs here include some utilities and even cable TV.

Bridgewater Pointe

Convenience is key at Bridgewater Pointe, luxury condominiums being built right at Bridgewater Plaza, where dining, shopping and entertainment are just steps away. In addition to luxury amenities, the community includes around-the-clock security in a gated environment.

Bridgewater Bay

Also well-located off Rt. 122 near the Bridge is Bridgewater Bay. Homestyle choices here include villa patio homes and condos, all with a distinctive Mediterranean design and feel. Other features include golf cart paths, lighted tennis courts and walking trails.

The Carriage Homes at LakeWatch Plantation

The Carriage Homes are located within LakeWatch Plantation, a 479-acre rural village just off Rt. 122 in Franklin County. The homes will be within walking distance to shopping, medical facilities, dining, and a new YMCA.

Celebration Square at Downtown Moneta

If you’re looking for more of a cosmopolitan feel, Celebration Square may be the choice for you. These single-floor condominiums will overlook Downtown Moneta’s main thoroughfare from four stories above.

Golf Villas at The Waterfront

These Nantucket-style villas, painted a soft yellow, provide a quiet retreat along No. 4 fairway at The Waterfront Country Club. Close to the pool, driving range and clubhouse, they’re centrally located and are situated on level lots.

Golfer’s Crossing at The Water’s Edge

Golfer’s Crossing features 45 spacious single-family homes with New England cottage architecture. Most are on the water and have southern exposure and mountain views. All are convenient to the newly-renovated golf course and clubhouse at The Water’s Edge.

Hammock Pointe at The Farm

The Willard Companies began construction in the spring on their newest development, The Farm, located off Scruggs Road across from The Boardwalk. Hammock Pointe will feature 17 waterfront cottages in a rural setting and will incorporate "green" building technologies, with environmentally responsible products and techniques.

Lands End

Located on the south side of the Lake with easy access to North Carolina, Lands End is a gated community with Cape Cod-style homes. Lands End features longwater views, sandy beach and deeded boat slips.

Mayberry Hills at Downtown Moneta

Construction has begun and Mayberry Hills is beginning to take shape just off Rt. 122 in Bedford County. This development of single-family homes and townhomes will be interspersed with shops, dining and professional services to create a sense of old-time community.

Mariners Village

Mariners Village condominiums overlook a quiet cove within Mariners Landing on the Bedford side of the Lake. They are popular units for the community’s vacation rental program and are convenient to the golf course and The Pointe Restaurant.

The Grand Villas of Montego Bay

Montego Bay features stand-alone patio homes with beautiful mountain and Lake views. Newly constructed, these homes are smart-wired for security, sound, lights and more.

6th Fairway Townhomes at Mariners Landing

These family-friendly townhomes offer views of the Lake and the golf course at Mariners Landing. They are also convenient to The Pointe, an award-winning restaurant.

Sunset Cay

Construction began earlier this year on Sunset Cay, a 550-acre development that will feature single-family homes, townhomes and condos. The community will include commercial space with shopping and dining close by. A golf course is planned, and residents will have access to a nearby waterfront village with marina.

The Cottages at Contentment Island

The Cottages at Contentment Island feature flat lots and sweeping water views in a secluded atmosphere. Located on the south side of the Lake, The Cottages are popular with buyers who want close proximity to southside Virginia and North Carolina.

The Boardwalk

Another community built and marketed by The Willard Companies, The Boardwalk features Nantucket-style cottages with stunning views of the water and mountains. The development’s amenties include a pool, playground, volleyball and croquet courts.

The Pointe at Mariners Landing

The Pointe features 145 condo units in three buildings, all of which enjoy a beautiful vew of Smith Mountain. Construction has begun on a fourth building. The condos have a wide price range and can be short-term rented. Among the communities amenities are golf, private beach, multiple pools and walking trails.

The Villages at Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay is a new gated community located just off Scruggs Road in Franklin County. The development features single-family villas with upscale amenities, including a "smart house" option that offers the ultimate in home security and control.

Village Green at The Water’s Edge

Village Green features 18 single-level golf villas with views of the Lake, Smith Mountain, and the newly renovated golf course. Convenient to the clubhouse, pool and tennis courts, the Village Green units are located on flat lots and feature three floor plans ranging from 1,593 to 2,684 square feet.