Meridith Ingram

EDITOR_MaridithIngramPeople choose to call Smith Mountain Lake “home” under a variety of circumstances— living here full-time, enjoying regular weekend getaways, or sneaking away for an occasional retreat. Though circumstances vary, the reasons, not so much: unmatched natural beauty and great quality of life. In this issue of HOME, we’re thrilled to introduce you to several residents who share what calling Smith Mountain Lake “home” means to them—whether it’s a ground-up custom plan, an upscale downsize, or even friends who ended up purchasing side-by-side vacation homes, each with a different aesthetic. In sharing these stories, we hope that these residents’ ideas and choices help inspire you to make the most of the place you call home.

PEOPLE CHOOSE TO CALL SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE “HOME” UNDER A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES— LIVING HERE FULLTIME, ENJOYING REGULAR WEEKEND GETAWAYS, OR SNEAKING AWAY FOR AN OCCASIONAL RETREAT.

We also show you ways to address unique issues that come with this beautiful terrain, like how to manage and maximize lots sloping down to the lake, and the many ways to expand outdoor living spaces. And while we’re outside, we explore ways to enhance the area’s natural beauty. Planting to attract wildlife is even more beneficial than you may know, and we’ll give you tips on precisely what to plant to have birds, bees and butterflies flocking to your yard.

We also take a peek at interior looks we love for 2020, including trends in flooring. But you know what they say about all work and no play; it’s important to have fun, too. Brush up on the rules of old-school lawn games and learn a few new ones for some good unplugged fun. And learn about the many opportunities to tap into the rich creative community here at Smith Mountain Lake, whether it’s painting, singing or woodworking, to help everyone find a way to embrace their inner artist.

Thanks for reading,
Meridith Ingram
meridith@westwillowpublishing.com