SML Living at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
Living at Smith Mountain Lake means more than 500 miles of shoreline, views of the Blue Ridge and a close community in one of Virginia’s most loved lake destinations. As a custom home builder who lives and works here, Cooper Contractors knows why people choose to make the lake home, and what it takes to build well on it.
Moneta and the Surrounding Area
Our office is in Moneta, a central spot for shopping, dining and services around the lake. From here it is a short drive to Smith Mountain Lake State Park and a reasonable trip to Roanoke for larger shopping, healthcare and the airport.
What to Know Before You Build
Lot, slope and shoreline. Lake lots vary widely. Slope, soil, views and shoreline shape the floor plan, foundation and where the home sits. Planning around the lot early avoids redesigns later.
Permits and lake approvals. Building near the water usually involves more than a standard building permit, including shoreline and dock approvals. Allow time for this in your schedule, and ask us what applies to your property.
Full-time home or weekend retreat. A year-round residence calls for different choices than a seasonal getaway, such as storage, guest space, heating and cooling, and how you use the water.
A builder who knows the lake. Working with a local, family-owned builder with more than 35 years at Smith Mountain Lake saves time, avoids surprises and keeps one team accountable from design through move-in.
Explore More From Cooper Contractors
Learn more about how we work and what we build at Smith Mountain Lake:
- Custom home builder at Smith Mountain Lake – how we approach each home and property.
- Custom home design and planning – shaping a home around your lot and lifestyle.
- Custom home building process – from the first conversation to move-in.
- Waterfront home construction – building on and near the lake.
- Luxury custom homes at Smith Mountain Lake – distinctive homes built with care.
- Home remodeling – updating an existing lake home.
- Home additions – adding space to the home you have.
- Outdoor living construction – extending your home toward the lake.
- Cooper Contractors custom home portfolio – see completed homes.
Ready to talk about your home?
SML Resources
- Richards Building Supply
- SML Insiders Magazine
- CAPPS Building Supply
- Comprehensive Home Design
- Wikipedia's Smith Mountain Lake Listing
- Smith Mountain Lake Boating Association
- Smith Mountain Lake Water Levels
- Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
- Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Planning Your Lake Home
Whether you want a full-time residence or a weekend retreat, we can help you think it through. See Our Work for examples, or contact us to talk.
Sunset Point
The Ridge
Timber Reach
the arched
Living at Smith Mountain Lake
How big is Smith Mountain Lake?
Smith Mountain Lake is the second-largest body of freshwater in Virginia. It stretches about 40 miles and has roughly 500 miles of shoreline.
Which counties surround Smith Mountain Lake?
The lake touches Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties. Communities around the lake include Moneta, Hardy, Huddleston, Penhook and Union Hall.
What is there to do at Smith Mountain Lake?
Boating, fishing, swimming and paddling are the main draws. Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston offers a public beach, trails and camping, and the area has golf courses, marinas and waterfront dining.
Is Smith Mountain Lake a good place to live year-round?
Many residents live at the lake full-time. Shopping and dining are available near Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta and Westlake in Hardy, and Roanoke and Lynchburg are within driving distance.
Who manages the Smith Mountain Lake shoreline?
Appalachian Power operates the Smith Mountain Project and manages the shoreline under a Shoreline Management Plan approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Docks and shoreline work require its permit.