Whimsical at Water’s Edge

Janet and Jerry Potter have captured a bit of Disney magic in their new home at The Water’s Edge, which will be showcased in this year’s Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour.

By Ferne Hale

                Two words capture the essence of the Potter home at The Water’s Edge: Whimsical and creative. Oh, there’s also “user-friendly,” as evidenced by oversized showers in all four bathrooms. And “eclectic,” with a blend of decor influenced by the “Arts and Crafts” style. Plus “practical,” with each guest area being a suite complete with its own bathroom. But let’s not talk generalities. Here’s why this house is a “Wow!,” and why it was chosen to be showcased on this year’s Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour in October.

                The home is equally attractive whether it’s approached from dock or street. Out front, a huge Arts and Crafts-style door greets visitors. On the Lake side, you ascend past a “vanishing edge” pool, with water spilling over one side into a lower catch basin, creating a wide waterfall that streams downward. When seen from the patio level, the pool water and waterfall seem to spill into the Lake. Stunning!

                Just outside the main-level living areas, on the lakeside patio, there’s a custom-made, 8-10 person round table with built-in lazy Susan, while the outdoor cooking center with built-in grill makes al fresco entertaining a breeze. These homeowners have obviously built a home or two before — most recently, one in Greensboro, N.C., and one on the Lake up near R31. Here, they seem to have thought of everything!

                Challenge yourself to find square rooms in this house, but don’t expect to find many. Instead, there are free-flowing and interesting shapes: both the master bedroom and the TV room are eight-sided; the Florida room is six-sided, and these areas are trimmed out with vaulted stained wood ceilings and hidden rope lighting.

                The main-floor living areas are unified by an Ash wood floor finished with a clear stain. This even extends into the kitchen which has a work area facing the Lake and counters of black walnut butcher block and Uba Tuba granite – unusual, but very attractive.

                You’ll find interesting, surprising touches all over the main level: tongue-and-groove wood ceilings in the living room, eating area, and kitchen; two stone fireplaces looking cozy and inviting; décor that features wildlife prints by Bob Timberlake and the late local artist Ed King. Dimensional art abounds, including several wooden pieces carved by Jerry’s mom Sylvia.

                The Lake level is simply jaw-dropping. With lots of square footage to work with, the Potters have created a Disney-like “Main Street” complete with a vintage telephone booth, street lights, and a meandering brick sidewalk that unifies nostalgic small-town storefronts, which serve as entrances to the rooms behind. A child-sized door leads to a playhouse with built-in loft. A theater box office, complete with movie posters, grants access to the media room. Daughter “Julie’s Malt Shop” looks authentic with chrome and red vinyl stools at the soda fountain, a juke box, pinball machine, and a booth upholstered to mimic a ’57 Chevy’s back seat.

                There’s more to explore down here. “Cap’n Mark’s Hardware and Fishing Supplies” window displays granddad’s tackle box loaded with old lures – plus his now-antique 1½ hp fishing motor.  A “B and B” sign announces another guest suite decorated with “into-the-woods” style that includes bathroom with granite rock sink, “outhouse” door on the commode room and surprise tissue holder. One more Main Street door — with old-time painted lettering on frosted glass — leads to Jerry’s office, which is decorated with memorabilia from several well-known golf tournaments. A cup in the floor allows for putting practice: Jerry takes aim at a flagstick from the 2004 Masters.

                The Potters began with a floor plan they liked and proceeded to modify it during construction, with the help of Brian Bradner and Chris Altice, the innovative principles of B&A Construction and Design, who had built the Potters’ previous Lake home. It’s evident that the Potters’ creativity was the inspiration for much of what came to fruition through talented builder hands.

                “We just told them the effect we were after,” said Jerry. “And they made it happen.” Charles Tyson of Arcvision in Greensboro also contributed some very innovative ideas.

                As you’re planning your Charity Home Tour weekend, allow plenty of time to take in everything the unique and lovely Potter home has to offer. You’ll be glad you did.   

The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, which benefits eight area charities, will take place on October 6-8, rain or shine. For more information or to buy tickets, call 540.297.TOUR (297.8687), or visit smlcharityhometour.com.