Category — vacation homes

If you were on the fence about taking a vacation this year (or even are planning ahead for next year), it’s not too late to arrange a fabulous, affordable getaway to Smith Mountain Lake. Not only will the beautiful sight of what’s been called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains” be relaxing in and of itself, it also provides excellent recreation for those who enjoy a more active time.

At SML, the scenery is absolutely astounding, the fun is endless, and there are accommodations to fit almost all time constraints and budgets. Rentals are available by the long weekend, week, and even the month. You can choose to deal directly with the private homeowner or SML vacation rental property managers. Similar to other vacation spots, rates are based on the season, size of the rental property, and the amenities included. SML Vacation Rental costs tend to be quite a bargain when making comparisons to similar waterfront resorts across the country.

Peak season typically runs June – August. Check in and out for peak season is usually on a Saturday, renting in full week increments is requested, and in most cases, you’re expected to supply your own linens.

The mid-season time is usually 4-6 weeks prior to and following summer. This would be perfect for someone who still wants to enjoy pleasantly warm weather, but is looking for a getaway with fewer visitors around. There tend to be modest discounts from peak rates during this time and more flexibility with check in and out times. Often daily or weekend rate options are even available.

Low-season is generally mid-October through mid-April. If you love the fabulous view, appreciate the mild weather, and are looking for a more reclusive escape, this would be the time for you to plan your SML vacation. You will enjoy the benefit of discounts ranging from 20%-50%, flexible check in and out dates, and daily, weekend and monthly rate options.

For boat owners, most of the SML lakefront rentals include a dock. Be sure to ask when you are securing your rental. However, public SML boat launching ramps are typically easy to locate and nearby. If you are unable to bring your own boat, there are marinas that rent pontoon boats, ski boats, PWCs (Seadoo, Yamaha, etc.) and other motorboats.

While SML is quite a secluded sanctuary for a vacation, you may be asking yourself if there are stores and services available around the area. SML has that covered too! Several large supermarkets, banks, marinas, dozens of restaurants, two YMCAs, two libraries, doctors, an urgent care center, dentists, veterinarians and many retailers are all located just a few miles away. Almost all of your needs can be easily accommodated within very close proximity of the lake. Your vacation haven is just awaiting your arrival, so call and make the arrangements today!

Once you’ve rented here, you might think about settling here. For assistance in buying lakefront property, call me, Vicki Millehan. I have over 19 years of experience selling waterfront homes, and am a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake.

In a recent issue of Smith Mountain Laker Magazine, garden photographer, speaker and author Catriona Tudor Erler shares some of her knowledge and experience to help you create an amazing array of flowers around your own home. If the natural beauty exuding from every pore of Smith Mountain Lake compels you to want landscaping to match, follow this expert advice for a fabulous flower frenzy!

Erler recommends these following tips:

Good Soil

If you are not in a hurry, you could collect some organic materials-make sure compost, leaves, rotted manure, and weed-free straw are included in the mixture-and spread at least 5-6 inches on top of the existing soil. Let the worms do all the digging, while the decomposition of the materials will be improving your soil. In a couple of years, it will be ideal for planting.

For more immediate results, till the organic material into the existing soil yourself. If dealing with an area that has a lot of stones, it may be necessary to remove an area of at least 10-12 inches and replace it with a high-quality top soil. However, buyer beware as the quality control of top soil around SML leaves something to be desired. Erler’s personal experience has been a delivery of river bottom sand, almost nutrient-free, that hardened into a concrete of sorts, and another was a delivery of clay. So choose your supplier carefully!

Plant Performers

The challenge of creating your beautiful utopia with minimal care is to work smarter, not harder. Erler advises selecting some perennials that can bloom for long periods, survive with little or no rain at times and are low maintenance.

Geranium ‘Rozanne’-while not deer resistant-are worth protecting because of their garden performance of flowering in early summer and continuing until frost. Helenium ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’ will grow as high as 2-3 feet and is deer resistant. Border the flower bed with blanket flowers such as Gaillardia ‘Oranges and Lemons’. Next to the Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and against the background of the lake is a perfect setting.

Don’t Forget the Foliage

Even flowers need a little down time, so while not blooming, offset the garden with foliage. Great possibilities are Hemerocallis ‘Golden Zebra’, Heliopsis ‘Loraine Sunshine’ and Cimicifuga ‘Hillside Black Beauty. Take advantage of the recent hybridizing of coral bells. With such a variety of foliage colors and typical availability at The Growing Place in Wirtz, there is nothing stopping you!

Other forms of flower and foliage are provided with shrubs which also fulfill the need for mass. Try Loropetalum ‘Purple Diamond, Sambucus ‘Black Lace’ and Weigela ‘Eyecatcher’ to start.

Create Dimension

“Reach for the sky,” says Erler. Don’t have everything the same height in the flower bed. Create some dimension with vertical elements by adding supports for vines to grow up tall, the shrubs will help and try some trees too. A few evergreen shrubs can even keep some green through the winter; one idea is a fastigiated conifer.

A final suggestion for this eye-tantalizing feast of flowers is repetition of planting patterns in the border. Keep in mind that alternating the blooming varieties and the foliage will create rhythm and balance in your design.

For more resources on fabulous landscaping around your home or assistance in buying lakefront property, call me, Vicki Millehan. I have over 19 years of experience selling waterfront homes, and am a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake.

The real estate market reflects the economy and times are very uncertain right now. However, for some buyers this is the perfect opportunity to find their dream home at amazing prices and in amazing locations.

Many people are taking the opportunity to buy a second or even third home. It takes careful consideration, though, to get the best deal. It is smart to use a talented and knowledgeable agent who can help you through the process and ensure that you will get the house you want for the price you want.

Vicki Millehan can walk you through every step of the process. Plus, she is located is the heart of one of the best areas for new home buying. Smith Mountain Lake is one of those ideal real estate areas because it is a paradise location that has not yet been discovered by the masses.

According to experts, areas like Smith Mountain Lake are the spots to shop for those second and third home purchases in 2009. The most popular areas have pretty much bottomed out and great deals are few and far between, but in lesser known areas, like Smith Mountain Lake, the deals are abundant.

Are you thinking about getting a second or third home in 2009? Have you set your heart on buying in an area that is perfect for vacationing any time of the year? If you said yes, then Smith Mountain Lake is your place to be. You get everything you want in a home and location, but at prices that can not be beat. Contact Vicki and let her get you that home you’ve been dreaming about. Smith Mountain Lake offers beautiful new and recently built homes right along the lake. If you’re looking for a business opportunity, there’s even a winery for sale!

It’s hard to miss the Smith Mountain Dam. It is, after all, why there is a Smith Mountain Lake. It should be no surprise that it is a treasured landmark and a popular attraction in the area.

Owned by the Appalachian Power Company, the dam opened in May, 1976 to serve as the main source of power in the area. Damming the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers created a 32 mile lake which offers great recreational opportunities, but the dam itself is interesting as well. The dam welcomes you to tour the visitor center where there is an abundance of information at your disposal. In fact, over one million people have toured the dam since it opened.

The visitors center offers an audio-visual presentation that shows the dam being built and there is a mural on the wall that shows how the Smith Mountain Gap looked before the dam was built. Today that gap is filled with water, thanks to the dam.

You can learn more about how the dam works by inspecting the model that shows how water is pumped and stored. Plus, there are additional exhibits that explain how electricity is generated from the dam. It is an overall educational experience for everyone.

The Smith Mountain Lake Dam is open everyday during Daylight Savings Time from 10am to 6pm. All other times of the year the dam operates from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday and Monday. It is a good idea to call to confirm the operating hours before your visit. You can also make reservations if you have a large group.

The Smith Mountain Dam is located on the eastern edge of the lake in beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. You can easily find this charming town just off Rt. 751. You will probably fall in love with the laid back atmosphere of the area, the miles of trees and, of course, the glistening lake, so if you think you may just want to spend more time here then give Vicki Millehan a call. She is the local real estate expert that can help you to find a home right in the heart of this paradise.

Buying real estate may seem simple on the surface, but it is not something that everyone can handle on their own, especially when looking for a second home or out of state property. Buyer’s agents are here to help you through the buying process and to ensure your best interests are at the forefront of every deal.

Many people figure they can buy real estate without any assistance. Many times, the idea behind it is to save money. You may think you are getting an agent when talk who has listed a property, but that person is actually working for the seller. In the end, though, you could actually end up paying more money, far more money, than you would have if you had just used a buyer’s agent in the first place.

Doing a purchase on your own involves many more tasks than just finding a piece of property and putting in your bid. You will also need to know how to:

- evaluate properties

- evaluate a fair price

- create documents

While it is possible to do all of this yourself, it is not easy. You will spend a lot of time doing research. Wasting all this time may just mean you lose out on the property of your dreams because instead of being out there looking for real estate, you are stuck inside at a computer doing research.

Using a buyer’s agent is not a requirement, but it is a smart choice. When you choose an agent, though, choose carefully. You want an agent that will work for you. You want an agent who is going to be out there, finding good deals and finding you what you want. You want an agent that is as excited and vested in your purchase as you are. You need Vicki Millehan.

Vicki throws herself into every part of your real estate search, from beginning to end. She will do everything she can to ensure you get the best deal on the best property. She has the knowledge and the skills to do the best job. Vicki knows the diverse properties available in Smith Mountain Lake and will do all the leg work so all you have to do is decide which one to buy.

What is the first thing you think of when you think about Smith Mountain Lake? The lake, of course! Shopping for a new home in Smith Mountain Lake can be a spectacular experience if you check out lake front homes from the deck of the Virginia Dare.