About Us
Testimonials
Wil Childress
BROKERBorn and raised in the Huddleston area of Smith Mountain Lake, I grew up on the water. This lake holds my family’s past, present and future and my roots go back before S.M.L was even a thought. Once the lake filled, my grandfather, Jess Mitchell, built Mitchell’s Snack Bar which is now Mitchell’s Marina. In May of 2007 I received a BA from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and have been in full time Real Estate for 18 years. I still reside in Huddleston with my beautiful family, wife Randi and three children, Reagan, Little Wil and Harper; along with my parents, siblings and a whole slew of aunts, uncles and cousins whom I am very close to and live within a stone’s throw. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and to have grown up in such a beautiful part of our great country, now spending my days helping people fulfill their dreams of owning a piece of this breathtaking lake. WELCOME TO SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE – JUMP ON IN….YOU’LL GET HOOKED TOO!
Margie Madsen
ASSOCIATE BROKERGrowing up in Northern Virginia, I have always appreciated the vast beauty of this state – from the beaches to the mountains and everything in between. Smith Mountain Lake, however, combines the majesty of the mountains with wonder of the water into one, very special place! My family and extended family have spent 15 years of vacations here and my husband and I would travel by car and by jet ski around the entire lake, looking at properties and dreaming. We finally bought a house at the lake and consider it our true “Happy Place”!
Having had many years of experience in real estate in fast-paced Northern Virginia, I have expanded my real estate career to include the more tranquil areas of Huddleston, Moneta and the surrounding lake areas. I am very excited and humbled to have joined the amazing Lake Retreat Team and look forward to helping other families like ours find their “Happy Place!” at the lake!
Melinda Miller
REALTORBio coming soon!
Jack Phillips
REALTORI first came to Smith Mountain Lake in 1998, when a friend bought a condo here and invited me to visit. I instantly fell in love with the lake, and when my wife and I got an opportunity to purchase land on the airport here, we quickly took it, since I’m a pilot and always wanted to live on an airport, particularly an airport on a lake.
We built and have operated a Bed & Breakfast, Bedford Landings, for over 12 years. We’ve had many guests over the years who came to the lake for the first time and stayed with us. Many of them would say, “We really like this area! We’d like to get a house here. Do you know any realtors?” After a few years of referring them to local realtors, I decided to become a Real Estate Agent myself. I know the area well, and have helped many people over the years find their Dream Home. Let me help you find yours!
Chris Tyler
REALTORSpent most of my childhood and adolescence in Florida. I found my love for Smith Mountain Lake vacationing with immediate and extended family on houseboats from Parrot Cove at Hales Ford Bridge. I moved to SML when I was 20 and never looked back! Smith Mountain Lake is by far the most beautiful lake that I have ever visited, and it is the home to my wife & I, and our 3 teenage children.
In addition to being a real estate agent, I own a SnapOn Tool franchise and also have a lot of in-depth experience in residential construction. Having been on both the buying and selling side of real estate, I found enjoyment in the full real estate process and look forward to helping clients find property that checks ALL of the boxes!
Kelly Perrow
REALTORMy grandfather built a home here in 1963, just 3 short years before the lake was full. Our family spent absolutely every summer here at the lake enjoying the scenic vistas and beautiful waters. I have so many fond memories of walking early to catch the best skiing conditions and often cried when it was time to leave. My daughter and I moved here full-time and we have never felt more at home than we do at SML. A warm community that welcomed us with outstretched arms, SML is truly a destination all its own. SML will beckon to your heart and I am here to help you fulfill that calling!
Ida Heath
REALTORBorn in the Midwest, moved to Florida in the 80’s where I started a family and supported my husband’s building career. I soon realized that I enjoyed working with people and wanted to help make their dreams of owning or selling real estate a rewarding experience. Fourteen years brought us to the lake community in 2000. We enjoy all the beauty and friendly people of Smith Mountain Lake. My husband and I are proud to have raised our 3 children in such a great area.
Bill Berry
SALES ASSISTANTI moved to Smith Mountain Lake in 1986 with my wife and daughter to work for a land development company. It didn’t take long to fall in love with the lake and the community. Prior to moving to Smith Mountain Lake, we had lived in several states. Smith Mountain Lake with the community and life style is the perfect place to work and raise a family.
I have been involved in developing both residential communities and commercial properties here at the lake and also in Forest, Va.
I enjoy being a sales assistant for Wil Childress and using my years of experience in land development to help with sales and property rentals.
Kim Tyler
RENTAL MANAGERAs a lake native, I’ve always enjoyed being part of the tight-knit atmosphere that our community provides. My husband and I view Smith Mountain Lake as the perfect place to raise our three children. I truly enjoy taking some of the ‘work’ off of our rental owners and promoting beautiful lakefront properties to vacationers. Whether you’re looking to take a vacation or offer your vacation home for rent, I’d love the opportunity to help you!
Courtney Farren
RESERVATIONISTI am beyond grateful to call Bedford County my home. My grandparents, as well as my parents, were born and raised here. My two sisters and I are blessed to say that we were too. I live with my husband on his family inheritance, and we plan to start our own family here. Leisure activities for me consist of hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, spending time with my family, spending time with my church, catching up with my friends, and playing on the lake during the warm summer months. I am excited to be a part of the Lake Retreat Team, and I look forward to helping you find the perfect vacation home for lasting memories that will keep you coming back.
Reagan Childress
RESERVATIONISTI am beyond blessed to call Smith Mountain Lake my hometown. I have had the privilege of traveling to many beautiful places in my life but have yet to find one comparable to SML. My fond memories of the area start back further than I can even remember; fishing, tubing, watching fireworks and boat races, hanging out with carp on Smith Mountain Dock, and so much more. I am very lucky to say that most of my immediate family lives here on the lake, and it is my hope to remain here and raise a family of my own. I am so proud to be a part of Lake Retreat and The Childress Family, and hope to remain here for quite some time.
Julie Goin
RESERVATIONISTThough born and raised in Dallas, Texas, I consider the lake area my home. We would spend summers and winters here with family so this will always be where my heart is. I have my family in Dallas and my family here so I’m twice as lucky! I raised my daughter in Texas and have a handsome grandson whom I’m both very proud of! I was in Corporate Aviation over 15 years, first as a Certified FAA Dispatcher and ended my aviation career as an Account Executive in business and corporate aircraft training. I decided to leave Corporate America and come home. Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to be and I have many fond memories of growing up around the lake and making new ones every day!