248 Valley Mill Rd, Huddleston, VA 24104

When the owners arrive they have a tradition. .. “We just stand on the patio and look at the water and the view. We soak it all in and think: ‘Take a deep breath. We’re at the lake now. ’”And with a view like this, who could blame them? Built on a point near the base of Craddock Creek, the home is nestled close to the water and offers a panorama of Smith Mountain. “Whenever we have guests arrive, and we open the door, and they look straight through to the lake, their mouths drop open. '' In 2009, they hired North Carolina-based Schumacher Homes to build a custom home that would suit their needs while taking full advantage of the view. The house has four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms in 3,500 square feet with all the main living areas facing the lake. It comfortably acc the couple, as well as their two adult children and a close circle of friends who visit frequently from Memorial Day weekend well into the fall. Decorated throughout with a soothing palette of teals, greens, browns and creams, the home definitely has a serene vibe—not coastal or rustic but something that embraces the feel of water and mountains. The main living area is spacious with an open floor plan that connects a formal dining room, great room, bar area with wine cabinet and fridge, gourmet kitchen and a non-traditional breakfast area with plush, upholstered chairs. "We don't use the breakfast area much for food. It's more for having coffee, playing games or a place to gather for cocktails, in fact, that's one thing guests have commented on about the house is that there are so many different places to sit and relax. " Huge windows let abundant morning light stream into the great room, which is dominated by a massive stacked-stone fireplace. The kitchen is warm with cream-colored glazed cabinets, granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances. "I had to have the Wolf stove with the red knobs. And the ice machine and wine fridge in the back hallway were critical. The appliances come in handy when we're entertaining" Also convenient is an adjacent pantry where tableware, linens and decorations for every season and entertaining style are stored along with non-perishable foods. But as much as they enjoy spending time in the kitchen, the owner's favorite part of the home is the screened-in porch. Accessible through French doors just off the kitchen, the space includes comfortable seating and a floor-to-ceiling wood burning fireplace that matches the one in the living room. "I don't care how many people we have at the lake—everyone tries to jam into the porch, it's the perfect spot to gather on cooler evenings in the spring and fall. " On one end of the home is the master retreat with a spacious bathroom and a sitting area overlooking the lake. The opposite side of the house is where you'll find two guest rooms separated by a shared Jack-and-Jill bathroom. Overflow guests can hunker down in the finished bunk room, which occupies about half of the home's three-car garage. In the summer, the owners gather frequently with family and friends by the water where there's a two-slip boat dock, boathouse, floating dock and stationary dock equipped with comfortable furniture for long days spent lounging. Nearby is a hardscaped stone firepit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Back up at the house is a large paver patio with multiple seating areas and an all-weather outdoor kitchen with gas grill and a Big Green Egg. The patio also includes an endless pool, a perfect spot to relax, cool off or swim against a current for exercise. Designed and installed by National Pools of Roanoke, it also doubles as a hot tub with bench seating with a view of the lake and mountain. There's a sentiment about this house that makes it special. It's a great gathering place. You can relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake or you can be as active as you want. http://smlhomemagazine.com/a-retreat-with-a-view/