Good news for real estate – a recent article on MSN states new home starts are expected to rise by 10 percent in 2012. We’re encouraged by this and to see several new construction sites arising here at Smith Mountain Lake. So what is on the radar for the future of home building? The perks of practicality.

More home builders are thinking of the future when it comes to their home’s design. Whatever is efficient, helpful and practical is in for 2012. The MSN article specifically points to the preference of fewer stairs to climb, bathrooms safe for  the handicapped and aging folks, garages fit for more storage, main living area nooks instead of whole rooms devoted to offices and projects and energy efficiency.

We’ve seen these and similar trends emerging at Smith Mountain Lake in recent years. New residents and home builders want a home that will endure and meet their changing needs – and the changing needs of their family. At Smith Mountain Lake, home building trends lend toward a smarter, less consuming and calming lifestyle – one we’re sure you’d love to get acquainted with.

In a recent post on todayonline.com, concerned writer Julia Ng makes several statements about the future of retirement living. She points out the difference in the financial status, lifestyle expectations and health of current generations approaching retirement versus those previous. In summary, she states today’s retirees expect a longer, higher quality of life through retirement than the previous generation and they have the financial means and physical care and stamina to have it. 

Here at Smith Mountain Lake, with a large population of retirees and soon-to-be retirees investing in second homes at the lake, we understand how the dynamics of retirement living has changed. Like Ng writes, retirees are looking for a community that offers excellent and accessible healthcare, community centers such as a local gym, library, tennis facilities and churches. They want to live in a place of beauty that is relaxing and naturally invigorating. Rather than depend on their children and grandchildren for assistance, they want to be able to offer their family members a wonderful place to visit. This is what second home buyers and retiring couples and individuals get at Smith Mountain Lake. It is an idyllic place for an active, engaging and fulfilling retirement lifestyle. 

CLASSES
FREE COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES Free beginner and some advanced computer classes. Most classes offer hands-on training; laptops are provided. The courses will vary according to the library location. Bedford Public Library System. For the Moneta/SML Library, call (540) 297-6474 or go to www.bplsonline.org

READ TO DOG Moneta/SML Library offers “Bow Wow for Books” winter read-to-a-dog program. Children can read to a trained reading dog to increase literacy skills. Call to make a reservation. Held second Saturdays through May 12th. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. For more information call(540) 425-7004. Westlake Library offers the Reading Education Assiatance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program. Second Saturdays through May. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Westlake Library, Westlake Towne Center, Hardy. For more information call (540) 483-3098 (ext.3)

TENNIS CLINICS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Clinics are available for high school students on the indoor courts. Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in  February. $5 per session. SML YMCA, 293 First Watch Drive, Moneta. For more information call (540) 721-9622.

We’ve mentioned before one of the most recent highlights of living at Smith Mountain Lake – the making of a feature film inspired by the producer’s own experience at SML and filmed entirely at the lake called “Lake Effects”. We are proud to follow those posts with an exciting new update. “Lake Effects”, starring Jane Seymour, has been swept up by the Hallmark Movie Channel. The film will make its television debut on Hallmark on May 19th at 8 p.m.

Whether you’re already an SML fan or curious about the mountain setting of the lake, its atmosphere, homes and scenic shoreline, the film is a breathtaking tribute to the lake’s beauty, capturing the serenity and wholesome community spirit found in here in reality. We are thrilled to be a town inspiring more than just local residents. The embrace of “Lake Effects” by a popular network is further proof that Smith Mountain Lake is a highly desirable destination, even fit to be the main character in a film.

Smith Mountain Lake residents love to taut the privacy and rare seclusion offered by this community. Though it is a quiet place to live, with plenty of space and properties enclosed in their own personal pocket of acreage, privacy doesn’t mean we’re far away from the most important conveniences. Healthcare, for example, is a top priority at Smith Mountain Lake. Residents are never far from excellent clinics, hospitals and physicians. Area health care companies are expanding to meet the needs of a growing SML community, ensuring every lake family has access to medical care located within just a few miles or less.

Two area healthcare networks have state-of-the-art locations at or near Smith Mountain Lake. Roanoke-based Carilion Clinic meets the needs of local residents through their Westlake Center, just minutes from some of the most populated neighborhoods on the lake. Centra Health, based in Campbell County’s city of Lynchburg, also offers the SML community several treatment facilities including Village Family Physicians, Centra Stroobants Heart Center and Seven Hills Urology – all located near the lake. In addition to clinics close to Smith Mountain Lake, several hospitals are readily available to lake area patients in need of emergency care, a birthing center or specialized services.

Carilion Clinic installed a helipad at its Westlake location a few years ago and recently reported plans to add a hangar to the location. Smith Mountain Lake is in the company’s sights as a place for increased emergency care access, including air medical services. A development sure to give lake families even more peace of mind.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is giving away a phenomenal five-day, four-night Smith Mountain Lake vacation as part of its Love Aquatic “Fun on the Water” sweepstakes. The Washington Post reported on the travel sweepstakes on January 30th, mentioning the relaxing pontoon rental getaway at Smith Mountain Lake. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations for four, a four-day pontoon boat rental, family fun pass at Bridgewater Plaza, dinner for four at two popular local restaurants, a rental car for five days and a $200 cash card.

What an opportunity for the winner to experience beautiful Smith Mountain Lake and so many of its superb amenities. In five days, a family can certainly be won over by more than their vacation. Certainly the unbeatable waterscape, endless luxury homes, friendly community and quality service offered here will make a lasting impression. We’re thrilled Smith Mountain Lake is considered a prime vacation destination by Virginia Tourism.

Before long, spring will show up at Smith Mountain Lake, bringing beauty of a blooming landscape, the brightness of summer, and….weddings! Which means now is the time for brides and grooms to plan the what, when and where of their big day. In recent years, Smith Mountain Lake has emerged as a prime wedding location for locals who are already familiar with its attraction and quite a few distant couples who find it to be a wedding day dream come true. In the winter 2012 issue of our local Laker Magazine is its annual wedding guide, highlighting SML as a lovely, affordable wedding destination. If you’re looking for the perfect place to have a memorable wedding day, the stories included in the guide will secure this place as a desirable choice.

If you’re a bride planning a Smith Mountain Lake wedding, or the family member of an engaged person for whom SML would be a perfect fit for, this resource could be a tremendous help. If you do spend a wedding weekend at Smith Mountain Lake, don’t forget to spend some time taking in the fantastic homes, waterfront communities and views our mountain lake has to offer. If you have any real estate questions, we’d love to help. Happy SML wedding planning!

Spend much time at Smith Mountain Lake and you’ll quickly notice how many transfers the place attracts. A beautiful, retreat-like lake setting in the scenic Blue Ridge is the second home or retirement dream of many, particularly natives of northern cities and states such as Washington D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Such residents will tell you they worked hard in a busy city to then retire or relocate to a tranquil setting where their friends children and grandchildren can enjoy the open countryside, water recreation and Mayberry-like neighborhood in safety.

A recent article in our local Laker Weekly newspaper illustrates how popular Smith Mountain Lake is with east coast transplants. Several SML women with roots in New Jersey have formed their own club to make the common northern connection, plus use their time together to benefit area charities.

When you live at a mountain lake location such as we do, attracting new residents from larger areas is a constant reminder of how charming your hometown really is.

The year is young and if you’re like us, you’re hoping to accomplish a few goals soon to get you set up for a great 2012. As long as the weather is chilly, the Smith Mountain Lake water is not so inviting and the neighborhood is quiet, it’s a great time to stay inside and check off your list of home interior changes.

We mentioned before that there’s a bright, bold color trending this year, but fresh color isn’t the only transformation you’ll want greeting you and your family members when they walk through your front door. Country Living Magazine has a few decorating ideas intended for a calm atmosphere, while remaining family-friendly. These interior ideas, perfect for the antique collector, country design lover and “welcome home” comfort seeker fit with the overall atmosphere of peaceful lake living at Smith Mountain Lake well.

Spend a few days investing a few alterations into your SML home or luxury home’s interior and you’ll notice the difference, as will your friends and family – all year long.

 

CLASSES
FREE COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES Free beginner and some advanced computer classes. Most classes offer hands-on training; laptops are provided. The courses will vary according to the library location. Bedford Public Library System. For the Moneta/SML Library, call (540) 297-6474 or go to www.bplsonline.org

READ TO DOG Moneta/SML Library offers “Bow Wow for Books” winter read-to-a-dog program. Children can read to a trained reading dog to increase literacy skills. Call to make a reservation. Held second Saturdays through May 12th. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. For more information call(540) 425-7004. Westlake Library offers the Reading Education Assiatance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program. Second Saturdays through May. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Westlake Library, Westlake Towne Center, Hardy. For more information call (540) 483-3098 (ext.3)

TENNIS CLINICS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Clinics are available for high school students on the indoor courts. Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in January and February. $5 per session. SML YMCA, 293 First Watch Drive, Moneta. For more information call (540) 721-9622.