SML Home Spotlight: Homecoming at The Water’s Edge

Chris Campbell’s ties to Smith Mountain Lake run deep. His grandparents owned a farm just up the road from what is now The Water’s Edge Country Club, long before the area transformed into a premier lakeside community. 

Years later, Chris and his wife, Rita, who reside full-time in Parkersburg, W.Va.—about five and a half hours from SML—purchased a home on the lake. However, life’s demands made it difficult for them to spend as much time here as they had hoped, ultimately leading them to sell in 2016. Still, their connection to the area never faded, and when the time was right, they were eager to return to the place they loved.

Their real estate agent, Jane Sullivan Horne with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services SML, showed them numerous properties in 2021, but nothing felt quite right—until they walked into the exquisite French-country estate situated on both the lake and golf course at The Water’s Edge.

“We contacted Jane about another house, and it just didn’t meet our needs,” Chris Campbell said. “That’s when she showed us [this] house, and we knew immediately this was our dream home.”

Designed and built 20 years ago by Ron and Kris Willard, the nearly 11,000-square-foot home is a testament to the couple’s lasting impact on Smith Mountain Lake. Ron, a visionary developer, played a pivotal role in shaping SML into the thriving community it is today, while Kris, a premier interior designer, brought timeless elegance to countless area residential and commercial projects.

Set on a breathtaking 6.3-acre point lot with 1,235 feet of waterfrontage, the home features an inground pool, expansive covered porches and sweeping views of the lake, surrounding mountains and iconic No. 7 island green.

Blending Old World craftsmanship with modern luxury, it’s everything the Campbells had been searching for—an ideal place to relax, entertain and, most importantly, truly call home.

The Campbells’ kitchen showcases custom maple cabinetry and millwork by Steve Morris of Classical Design, blending rich wood tones with traditional artisanship.  A paneled refrigerator ensures a seamless look, while wood beam accents add warmth to the ceiling. Distinctive details, like the mantel above the range with intricate leaf-carved corbels, add an artistic touch to the space.

Flowing into the dining area, the kitchen opens to a large round table with spectacular lake views, making it a favorite gathering spot for the Campbells. Behind the kitchen is a spacious butler’s kitchen that houses additional prep space and appliances, a pantry and small desk area. Designed for both functionality and sophistication, the layout allows for effortless entertaining while keeping the main kitchen tidy.

The focal point of the warm and welcoming family room is the stunning rock fireplace, crowned with a unique medallion that was sourced from a home in England. The vaulted barrel ceiling adds architectural flair, creating a space where Chris Campbell said the family spends most of their indoor time.

The Campbell home offers a variety of inviting spaces to relax and entertain. The lower level blends casual comfort with fun amenities, including a pool table, card table and additional guest rooms, making it an ideal retreat for family and friends.

“We spend most of our indoor time in the [upstairs] family room except when the kids and grandkids are here,” said Campbell. “Then most of our time is spent in the basement recreation room or the theater room.”

One of the standout features on the lower level is the custom mahogany bar, exuding old-world refinement reminiscent of classic UK pubs. The expert craftsmanship lends a classic, sophisticated touch—an idyllic place to unwind after a busy day on the lake.

On the third floor, the theater room provides an exceptional entertainment experience with recliner seating that can accommodate 12. It’s an ideal space for movie nights, offering both comfort and style.

“We have changed very little in the house,” Campbell said. “The décor is second to none and fits our lifestyle perfectly.”

The Campbell home features an eye-catching façade of Arkansas cut stone, brick and shakes, steep rooflines, a circular driveway and classic French-country architectural details that blend naturally with the landscape. A three-car garage, topped with a charming cupola, includes a private suite above, providing additional accommodations for guests.

The custom dock, crafted by Turner’s Dock Building, was designed to complement the home’s aesthetic while offering optimal functionality. It features two covered slips, an over-water gazebo, boathouse and spacious covered lounge and dining area—ideal for enjoying the lake in comfort and style. Thoughtfully integrated lighting enhances the dock’s ambiance, making it a welcoming retreat for both day and night.

The Campbell home’s outdoor spaces create the ultimate retreat, with the striking pool as the focal point. A spacious pool deck surrounds the water, offering plenty of seating for guests to unwind and soak in the peaceful setting. Thoughtfully designed lighting and integrated audio enhance the ambiance, making evenings by the pool or in the hot tub just as enjoyable as the daytime.

“When we have a lot of family visiting, most of the time is spent by the pool or out on the lake boating and jet skiing,” said Campbell, emphasizing his gratitude to have found a home where he can once again connect with Smith Mountain Lake and spend quality time with family. “We consider this place our getaway, where everything just feels perfect, and we love spending as much time as we can here,” he said.

All photography courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate.