Suite Retreat: Smith Mountain Lake Luxury Vacation Rental

Entrepreneur Craig Wilson noticed a recurring problem at Smith Mountain Lake. Families familiar with the charm of the area were eager to vacation here together, but struggled to find a place that could house a large group and offer true resort-style amenities. So, they often chose sprawling beachfront homes in places like the Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach instead.

With a background in development, construction and hospitality, Wilson and his wife Angela decided to create a better option.

They purchased a seven-acre lot in The Waterfront community, sketched out the vision for a Smith Mountain Lake luxury vacation rental, and brought in local draftsman Eric Buck to draw up plans.

After two years of design refinement and construction by Cooper Contractors, the result is Suite Retreat, a 19-bed lakeside home unlike anything else at SML.

Guests are welcomed into a soaring foyer with a barrel ceiling and a breathtaking view across a quiet, no-wake cove. Towering windows frame a pristine, forested shoreline, setting the tone for a luxurious, immersive experience.

The 14,000-square-foot home is built for large groups without sacrificing comfort or style. Two oversized bunk rooms each feature six queen-sized beds in over-under configurations, with built-in reading lights, charging stations, keyed lockers and under-stair storage drawers.

Each “dorm” has its own spacious, multi-user bathroom and a nearby coffee bar. Ten-foot ceilings and full-height tiled showers make everything feel even more expansive.

Seven additional king and queen suites line a central hallway. Each is distinctively decorated with themes like “Blue Shores” and “Berry Breeze,” styled by Angela with high-end furnishings, artwork and thoughtful amenities.

Every suite includes a tiled shower, beverage fridge, walk-in closet with custom drawers and an elevated luggage shelf.

“We didn’t want guests tripping over those spindly hotel-style suitcase racks,” Craig Wilson said.

At the end of the hall, the owners’ suite (above) offers next-level luxury.

Spanning 1,800 square feet—three times as large as the guest suites—it features a timber-trussed ceiling, fireplace, full wet bar, glamorous bath with heated floors, a zero-entry shower, a freestanding tub with heated jets and a two-sink vanity.

Sliding glass doors open to a private deck with views of the pool and cove below.

Outside, the estate truly shines. A generous dock invites swimming, paddling or relaxing on floating water mats. The auto-covered pool connects to a sunken fire pit and a built-in swim-up bar, creating a seamless space for sun, cocktails and conversation.

Adjacent patios, dotted with chaise lounges, lead down to a large jetted hot tub with lovely long-water views.

A covered pavilion anchors the outdoor living area and includes a full kitchen, fireplace, bathroom, outdoor shower, gas heaters, beverage fridges, pizza oven, grill and smoker—plus a 75-inch TV for game days or movie nights.

Nearby are thoughtful extras like a dedicated towel laundry, a hidden massage room and a gaming area for virtual adventures.

If weather doesn’t cooperate (or it’s the off-season), guests can head to the home’s lower level, where a private entertainment wing awaits.

A standout feature is the duckpin bowling system by Brunswick, a global leader in bowling equipment. Discovered by Wilson at a hospitality industry conference, it’s the first residential installation of the company’s Illuminated lanes, which feature interactive projections that respond to the ball’s movement, adding a high-tech, family-friendly twist to a classic game.

A professional golf simulator doubles as an archery range, target range or even a zombie dodgeball arena. Other game room features include arcade basketball, auto racing games, pinball, skeeball, billiards, air hockey, karaoke and a four-sided Jumbotron-style screen that can show four games at once. Over the bar, an 85-inch TV amplifies the entertainment.

The 10-stool bar also features AI-crafted drink recipes, developed by Wilson, that incorporate dehydrated fruits he prepares himself. Ingredients for signature mocktails—like a spiced old fashioned with orange agave drizzle, cinnamon and cane sugar—are stocked and ready for guests to mix.

Part of the Wilson Premier Properties “Identity Series,” Suite Retreat features a textable AI concierge programmed to share how-to videos for the home’s many tech features, offer local dining and activity suggestions and even deliver dad jokes on demand.

The heart of the home is a dramatic great room with 33-foot ceilings, a 20-seat sectional sofa and a 16-person dining table handcrafted by Wilson using hickory from his nearby estate, Milan Manor. A chef’s kitchen is fully outfitted with premium appliances, a commercial griddle and a massive 10-by-10-foot island that seats eight—perfect for shared breakfasts or casual snacks.

“Our intent was to create a place where people can truly connect. Whether it’s a Smith Mountain Lake family reunion, a wedding party or business retreat, we wanted it to feel indulgent, easy and unforgettable,” Craig Wilson said.

To keep the experience seamless, the Wilsons have partnered with local Smith Mountain Lake businesses. Goodhue Boat Company delivers and retrieves rental boats from the dock, providing on-site training.

Napoli by the Lake offers catering. Mountain View Farms stocks high-end meats in advance. SML YMCA coordinates personalized fitness sessions, either onsite or at the nearby facility. Paddleboards and kayaks are provided, with more available on request.

“We’ve taken a ‘we-thought-of-everything’ approach,” Wilson said. “Once guests arrive, they can just relax.”