About Us

Testimonials

“I have always been hesitant to recommend anyone for fear of misleading others. However, I am very confident in recommending Wil Childress and the staff at Lake Retreat Properties for your real estate needs.

First, I had several friends that in the past several years have used Mr. Childress as their listing agent. They were very complimentary of him and strongly recommended him to my wife and me. One of the persons had retired from another real estate firm, but had Mr. Childress list her properties because of the confidence she had in his abilities and personality. The other person said he listed his properties with Mr. Childress and left the area, leaving him to handle any issues that arose. This person was very pleased with Mr. Childress and strongly recommended him to us once he found out we were interested in selling our home.

My personal experience with Mr. Childress was wonderful. He is very knowledgeable of the area and any resources that were needed in preparing our home for sale. Many times, he would personally contact a contractor and have them contact us, taking the worry from us as to who to get. He kept us informed as to what activities were taking place and any comments made by perspective buyers. Finally, he was always available to answer any questions that we had. I feel that the sale of our home was due in large part to the commitment and efforts put forth by Mr. Childress.”

 October 2019

“Thank you for all your assistance, great customer service, and friendly staff every time I have called or emailed. The staff’s promptness in addressing questions and future (rental) confirmations is excellent.

Happy to rent from you all!”

July 2019

“We sold $1,000,000 + property with Wil as our Realtor on Smith Mountain Lake. We had tried two other local Realtors before Wil and the difference between Wil and the preceding Realtors was amazing.

Wil was communicative and informative and extremely helpful in coming up with marketing strategies to get the most views of our property by qualified prospective buyers.

If I ever buy property in the SML area again or subsequently sell there, Will is the first person I’m going to call.”

May 2019

“They are very helpful and flexible when it comes to rentals at the lake. We enjoy working with them.”

March 2019

Wil Childress

BROKER

Born 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 15 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!

sales@lakeretreat.com
540.312.7002

Margie Madsen

ASSOCIATE BROKER & RESERVATIONIST

Growing 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!

broker@lakeretreat.com
703.973.6914

Melinda Miller

REALTOR

Jack Phillips

REALTOR

Chris Tyler

REALTOR
Kelly Drinkard

Kelly Drinkard

REALTOR

My 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 about 4 years ago. We have never felt more at home than we do at SML. A warm community that welcomed us with outstreched 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!

kellyismyagent@yahoo.com
540.525.9589

Ida Heath

Ida Heath

REALTOR

Born 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 be raising our 3 children in such a great area.

heathch3@aol.com
540.537.7557

Bill Berry

Bill Berry

SALES ASSISTANT

I 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 Jeanette and Wil Childress and using my years of experience in land development to help with sales and property rentals.

info@lakeretreat.com
540.297.6002

Kim Tyler

RENTAL MANAGER

As 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!

rentals@lakeretreat.com
540.297.6002

Courtney Farren

RESERVATIONIST

I 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.

rentals@lakeretreat.com
540.297.6002

Julie Goin

Julie Goin

RESERVATIONIST

Though 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!

rentals@lakeretreat.com
540.297.6002

Courtney Mayhew

I love being a part of the Smith Mountain Lake Community. I was raised in Goodview, and now my husband and I are raising our 2 wild boys here, who love to swim, boat and make memories with friends at the lake. No matter where we travel, I’m always thankful to come home. We are currently building our forever home here in Bedford County which should be finished in the fall of 2023. I’m grateful to have found a wonderful job at Lake Retreat Properties and I look forward to helping you find the perfect vacation home!

rentals@lakeretreat.com
540.297.6002

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