Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: Insider’s Guide [2025]

Taking place over Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 10-12), this highly anticipated event has raised more than $5 million since its inception, with proceeds benefiting more than 50 local charities that serve the Smith Mountain Lake area.

In this insider guide, you’ll get a sneak peek at each home on the tour as well as a handy print and interactive maps. As always, the tour promises scenic fall foliage, friendly volunteers and beautiful homes that showcase the best of lakeside living.

What: Tour eight stunning waterfront homes, featuring a variety of architectural styles, interior designs and outdoor spaces. Proceeds support eight local charities.

When: Oct. 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Oct. 12 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Tickets: $35 through Oct. 4, available online or at the SML Visitor Center at Bridgewater Plaza. From Oct. 5-12, tickets are $40, including during the tour at any featured home.

Giveaway: Enter to win a pair of free tickets at smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes!

More Info: smlcharityhometour.com

Need to know:

• Tour is held rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable.
• All homes except the McCarry home are accessible by boat.
• To visit the James home, park or dock at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater; a free shuttle will transport guests.
• Homes are not handicap accessible; limited-mobility parking is available.
• No children under 12; no babies in arms or carriers.
• No smoking, food, drinks, pets or photography inside homes.

Located on a quiet cove, the McCarry home is a 3,600-square-foot contemporary that blends sleek design with thoughtful aging-in-place features. Renovated in collaboration with Roanoke’s Circle Design Studio, the main house includes a detached garage with a finished apartment and full bath. Inside, the open-concept layout centers around a striking Viewrail floating staircase with steel framing, hickory treads and glass railings. Low hickory cabinetry, accessible bathrooms, camouflaged ramp and a Stiltz elevator highlight the home’s commitment to ADA-friendly design. The primary suite includes an ADA-compliant bath and a large painting framed by sheer curtains that mimics the effect of a window. A soothing palette of blue tones and waterfall motifs flows throughout the home via tile and artwork, including feature walls that display the McCarrys’ glass art collection.

Charity Pairing: SML Good Neighbors

Tucked into a no-wake cove on 7 acres, the Wilsons’ “Suite Retreat” is a luxury lakefront property spanning 14,000 square feet with 600 feet of shoreline and two expansive docks. Designed in a contemporary style with wood trusses, the home features nine bedrooms and 10 full baths, including two custom bunk rooms with six queen-sized built-in beds each. The entertainment wing includes a duckpin bowling alley, golf simulator, pool table, gaming room, theater, private gym, jumbotron-style TV and full bar. Outdoors, there’s a hot tub, in-ground pool, sunken firepit, outdoor pavilion and kitchen, plus multi-tiered patios perfect for gathering. High-end finishes are found throughout, including commercial ice makers, multiple refrigerators and freezers, and beverage fridges and coffee bars in each suite. A finished garage area serves as a conference and training space.

Charity Pairing: YMCA Group

The Streff Home

Located in The Boardwalk community, the Streff home is a 5,700-square-foot, three-level retreat with six bedrooms, four full baths and two half baths. A striking stone fireplace anchors the main living room, while the spacious dining area features a custom table that seats 24. Nearby, a screened porch offers peaceful views of the lake. Themed bedrooms reflect the homeowners’ travels and history, including the West Point Room, which displays military uniforms and memorabilia from the family’s service; the Bavarian Room, inspired by the couple’s overseas assignment in Germany; and the Virginia Room, which showcases state-themed art and cherished family wedding dresses. Additional spaces include a California Room and the whimsical “Carolina Flip Flop Room.” The lower level features a handcrafted bar built by the homeowner and his son during the pandemic. Above the garage, visitors will find a charming lighted village with German market, Oktoberfest and Sound of Music scenes.

Charity Pairing: United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge

The Huffman Home

Located in Compass Cove on the Roanoke River, the Huffman home offers 3,900 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with aging-in-place features throughout. Leaded glass front doors and sidelights create a welcoming entry into the open-concept main level, where hickory floors and staircase set a warm tone. Eclectic artwork and custom touches abound, including unique light fixtures and built-in shelving near the stairs. The kitchen features a striking curved island and a matching drop ceiling that adds architectural flair. The pantry is prepped to be converted into an elevator shaft if needed, and all areas provide clearances suitable for wheelchair users. Zero-entry showers add to the home’s accessibility and comfort. The living room features a stone fireplace and a burgundy accent wall that highlights artwork. The lower level includes a rec room, gas fireplace and bar perfect for entertaining.

Charity Pairing: STEP: Solutions That Empower People

The Campbell Home

Located on Saunders Point in Huddleston, the Campbell home is a 3,000-square-foot renovated cottage featuring four bedrooms and three baths. Completely transformed by its owner, an interior design professor at a nearby university, the original home was gutted and reconfigured, turning the former master bedroom into a new front entrance. The open floor plan centers around a spacious kitchen, while a newly added fireplace and screened porch offer cozy gathering spots. Outdoors, the level lot provides beautiful views of the lake and easy access to the dock. There’s no formal path or stepping stones so visitors to this home will have to walk on the grass.

Charity Pairing: Bedford Ride

The Pike Home

Located in The Water’s Edge community, the Pike home is a 4,800-square-foot Grande Villa built just two years ago with top-tier finishes and a maintenance-free exterior of brick and stone. The two-level layout features a bright, open living room with a fireplace and a long cove view of the lake. A cohesive neutral palette flows throughout the home, including the kitchen, which is outfitted with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and custom glazed cabinetry. The main-level master suite provides convenience and privacy, while an elevator leads to the lower level, where you’ll find a second family room, kitchen area, second master suite, two additional bedrooms and baths, and a dedicated golf simulator room. Covered patios on each level offer comfortable outdoor living. A gently sloping walkway guides guests to the dock for easy lake access.

Charity Pairing: Tackfully Teamed Riding Academy

The James Home

Nestled in a quiet cove near the S-curve, the James home is an expansive estate blending Nantucket charm with low country elegance. The main house spans 11,246 square feet and includes an upper two-car garage and a lower single-car bay. A detached garage adds 4,200 square feet with six additional bays and a fully finished upper level housing a complete home gym. Inside, the home features live sawn oak matte flooring, quartzite and marble countertops, custom light fixtures and a mix of green and natural oak cabinetry. A hallway designed to resemble a storefront cleverly disguises closet doors as faux bookshelves. In the living room, a large stone fireplace with a limestone mantle provides a stunning focal point. The master suite includes a sitting room, private library and luxurious bath with an exotic marble vanity. An elevator connects to the lower level with a full kitchen.

Charity Pairing: Agape Center

The Davis Home

Situated in The Retreat on the Blackwater arm of the lake, the Davis home is a 4,300-square-foot modern Craftsman-style residence built in 2023. The open floor plan features a cool color palette of blues and grays, complemented by a stone-floored foyer and pre-finished wood floors throughout the main living areas. Large windows provide beautiful views of the lake and the forested peninsula of the Skelton 4-H Center across the water. A striking two-sided fireplace divides the living and dining rooms, adding warmth and visual interest. The main level includes the master suite and a screened porch, while the lower level offers a spacious game room with pool table and bar, plus a covered patio for enjoying the outdoors. Each of the three guest bedrooms includes its own bath, making the home as functional as it is inviting.

Charity Pairing: Helping Hands of Franklin County

Because the Charity Home Tour showcases properties spread across Smith Mountain Lake, there isn’t one single “best” place to stay. Instead, your best bet is to browse rentals and filter for the amenities you want, in the price range that fits your budget.

From waterfront condos and townhomes to cozy cabins and large family houses, the options are plentiful—but they book quickly for tour weekend.

Use this interactive lodging map to find the accommodations that make the most sense for you and your group.

Traveling by boat to this year’s tour makes for a fun and scenic outing. Home numbers correspond to the by-land directions on Page 56, but here you’ll find them listed in recommended boating order, starting from Hales Ford Bridge.  

Pack smart for your day on the water: bring a detailed lake map, plenty of water, light snacks, sunscreen, and make sure your phone is fully charged. Confirm that each passenger has a properly fitted life jacket within reach. Lake safety officials strongly encourage wearing them whenever the boat is underway.

Keep in mind that many docks offer limited space, often just two slips. If you’re visiting homes by boat, plan a little extra time for docking. Each location also includes a convenient drop-off area so the captain can wait offshore while guests explore the property.

65 Pine Crest Cir., Moneta
The dock at this home is not available for mooring. Please visit it by car.

400 Backcove Dr., Moneta|
GPS: 37°10’60.7” N, 79°65’24.2” W

Travel downriver from Hales Ford Bridge. After passing R26, stay relatively close to the right-hand shore. Enter the cove on the right after the Poplar Point sign, then idle through the no-wake zone. The large home will be visible ahead at approximately 11 o’clock.

Note: Although the James Home is nearby, it is not accessible by boat here. Boating access is available later via Goodhue Boat Company – Blackwater.

25 South Pointe Ln., Moneta
GPS: 37°06’79.5” N, 79°62’60.8” W

Continue down the main channel through the S-Curve that begins at R21A, exiting at R16. Steer straight ahead and follow the right side of the channel until you round the red-roofed Boardwalk gazebo. Motor into that cove until you pass three large willows on a point to your right. The home sits high on the left shore of the mini-cove just beyond those trees.

34 Compass Pointe, Moneta
GPS: 37°05’91.0” N, 79°61’67.0” W

Exit The Boardwalk cove with Windemere Point on your right. Continue downstream until passing R11A. Enter Compass Cove, slow to idle at the no-wake markers, and continue along the right-hand shoreline. Look for a burgundy home with beige accents.

400 Saunders Point Rd., Huddleston
GPS: 37°05’68.5” N, 79°56’36.8” W

Exit Compass Cove and continue downstream. You’ll pass R11 on your right just after Rabbit Island, then R8 on your left. Angle left down the main channel, pointing toward the twin cell towers at the base of Smith Mountain. Pass R6 and R4. Continue past C1, avoiding the shoals to the left. Leave C1 to your left, round it, and aim toward the black-and-white striped lighthouse in Craddock Creek. Pass C2, then angle right into the cove before the lighthouse. Deep in the cove on the left, look for a large flagpole flying the U.S. and Virginia flags.

215 Grande Villa Dr., Penhook
GPS: 37°02’36.2” N, 79°61’92.3” W

Retrace your route back to the main channel, keeping C1 well to your right to avoid shoals. Cross the large bay toward Vista Pointe, keeping it to your left, and head up the Blackwater River with B1 on your left. Leave B2, B4 and Christmas Tree Island to your right. Enter the cove before BU1 and keep to the right-hand shoreline. You’ll see several golf holes on the left. The home is located at the end of the cove. Docking space is limited, so be prepared to wait if needed.

400 Crazy Horse Drive, Moneta
Access via docks at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater.
GPS: 37°11’10.5” N, 80°07’77.2” W

Backtrack out of the cove into the mouth of Bull Run, then head upriver on the Blackwater, keeping Christmas Tree Island to your right. Stay near the right-hand shore, passing marker B10 on your right. Navigate between Chimney Island (at B10A) and the shoreline, then continue deep into the cove until you reach the no-wake markers for Goodhue Marina. Volunteers in orange vests will direct you to a slip, and a shuttle will transport you to the home after you disembark.

215 Stillwater Dr., Union Hall
GPS: 37°06’18.5” N, 80°19’85.5” W

Retrace your route out of the cove and turn right to head upriver on the Blackwater. Follow the B markers for about 15 minutes, keeping a close eye on the winding channel. After rounding the sharp left turn at B31A (stay wide to avoid oncoming traffic) the home will be just ahead on the left-hand shore.

An easy return trip to Hales Ford Bridge will take about an hour depending on speed, water conditions and boat traffic.

These driving directions begin at Hales Ford Bridge on Virginia Route 122 (Booker T. Washington Highway). The numbered homes below correspond to the map on page 54, but visitors may start at any location and tour the homes in any order. Look for orange and black signs in the neighborhoods of tour homes, along with volunteers in orange vests directing traffic and assisting with parking. While none of the homes are handicap accessible, each will have a designated drop-off location near the driveway for guests with limited mobility.

Bedford County

1. Campbell Home – 400 Saunders Point Road, Huddleston

From Hales Ford Bridge:

• NE on VA-122 for 2.4 mi
• Right on Hendricks Store Rd – 4.1 mi
• Right on White House Rd – 2.8 mi
• Right on Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy – 0.2 mi
• Left on Tolers Ferry Rd – 3.8 mi
• Right on Trading Post Rd – 2.3 mi
• Left on Saunders Point Rd – home is on the left in 0.6 mi

Travel time to next home: 38 minutes

Franklin County

2. McCarry Home – 65 Pine Crest Circle, Moneta

Return to Hales Ford Bridge:

• SW on VA-122 for 3.4 mi
• Left on Scruggs Rd – 3.4 mi
• Left on Bremble Dr – 1.5 mi
• Left on Bremble Dr/Pine Crest Cir – home is straight ahead

Travel time to next home: 10 minutes

3. Wilson Suite Retreat – 400 Backcove Drive, Moneta

From McCarry Home:

• Return to Scruggs Rd via Bremble Dr
• Left on Scruggs Rd – 0.7 mi
• Left on Windlass Rd – 1 mi
• Left on Anchor Dr – 0.6 mi
• Look for volunteer-directed parking; shuttle provided

Travel time to next home: 9 minutes

4. James Home – 6189 Scruggs Road, Moneta

From Wilson Home:

• Return to Scruggs Rd
• Left on Scruggs – 2 mi
• Parking at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater (400 Crazy Horse Dr)
• Use second (event) entrance and park as directed; shuttle provided

Travel time to next home: 4 minutes

5. Streff Home – 25 South Pointe Lane, Moneta

From the marina:

• Right on Scruggs Rd – 1 mi
• Left on Boardwalk Dr – 0.4 mi
• Right on South Pointe Ln
• Primary parking along Boardwalk Dr

Travel time to next home: 4 minutes

6. Huffman Home – 34 Compass Point, Moneta

From Streff Home:

• Return to Scruggs Rd
• Left on Scruggs – 0.7 mi
• Left on Compass Cove Dr – 0.1 mi
• Left on Compass Cove Cir – 0.2 mi
• Compass Point is on the right; park along Compass Cove Cir

Travel time to next home: 36 minutes

Insider Extras

Where to Stay

Making a weekend of it? From cozy cabins to luxurious waterfront rentals, Smith Mountain Lake offers a wide range of places to rest and recharge. Explore our complete lodging guide to find the perfect spot. smith-mountain-lake.com/stay

Where to Eat

From casual bites between stops to dinner with a lakeside view, our dining guide features comprehensive restaurant listings plus a dedicated waterfront dining guide. smldiningguide.com

What’s Happening

There’s more to explore at Smith Mountain Lake! From live music to local festivals, our popular monthly events guides make it easy to see what’s happening during tour weekend and beyond. smith-mountain-lake.com/events