About Us
Testimonials

Jeanette Childress
BROKERBorn and raised in this area, I watched the Smith Mountain Lake project take shape. As a Lake Native, I am uniquely qualified to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for the lake and its surrounding areas. I’ve been selling real estate since 1986. In 1996, I acquired Lake Retreat Properties and now serve as Broker.

Wil Childress
ASSOCIATE 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 10 years. I still reside in Huddleston with my beautiful family, wife Randi and three children, Reagan, Lil 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!

Penny Pringle
REALTORMs Penny Pringle started her career in real estate with property management in 1994. Ms Penny has been actively selling real estate full time at Smith Mountain Lake & surrounding areas in the Roanoke Valley for the past fourteen years. Leaving a franchise real estate firm (Re/Max) with top honors nationally, Ms Penny is happy to join Lake Retreat in 2012. Ms Penny Pringle is very active on the waters of Smith Mountain Lake and can guide you around by land or water with ease. Smith Mountain Lake has 500+ miles of shoreline. With all the changes in the Shoreline Management Plan and new developments, Ms Penny has a vast knowledge and years of practice with your best interest as her first priority. Ms Penny Pringle has had a wide range of clients that she has enjoyed representing over the past fourteen years. She has even represented Real Estate Brokers from other areas, Circuit Court Judge, Lawyers, Doctors, Professional Sports Coach and many more who she has become great friends with. For a “No Wake” transaction of purchasing and selling, give “Ms Penny Pringle a Jingle” for smooth sailing of your next dream. My two Daughters and my husband, Steve Harrington, are my finest accomplishments.

Kelly Drinkard
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 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!

Joy Mullins
REALTORI am a new realtor and passionate about real estate as well as making sure my clients are happy. I strive to go above and beyond their expectations. I’ve been a resident of Bedford County and lived in Moneta, VA for the past 16 years. I’ve served on the architecture committee for the subdivision I live in for 2 years. Additionally, I have 18 years of banking experience, a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in education. The last 4 years I’ve worked as a teacher with preschool age children. My strengths include many years of experience working with the public to meet their needs. I would love to have the opportunity to assist you in your real estate needs.

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 be raising our 3 children in such a great area.

Jessie Jackson
REALTOROriginally a Jersey girl who moved to Forest, VA in 2015. I’m so drawn to the beauty and peacefulness of the lake and the genuineness of those who live here. My husband and I spend much of our free time at Smith Mountain Lake with our six children. I am a licensed real estate agent for Lake Retreat Properties. I also work on the rental side of the company as well. I’m truly blessed to spend so much time and to make so many memories in such a wonderful and beautiful area.

Danielle Freed
RESERVATIONISTI’m originally from New Jersey and went to Liberty University for Kinesiology, before we married my husband and I would come up to Smith Mountain Lake on the weekends to spend time here. We married in August, 2020 and we both love the lake and see this as a great place to start a life together and maybe a family eventually.

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

Kim Tyler
RENTAL ASSISTANTAs a lake native, I’ve always enjoyed being part of the tight-knit atmosphere that our community provides. This is why my husband and I view SML as the perfect place to raise our three children. As the rental assistant, I look forward to helping both our prospective and returning guests find their perfect vacation getaway.

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!

Margie Madsen
RECEPTIONISTGrowing 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!