Courtney Cutright | The Roanoke Times

Glenda McDaniel at her lakefront home in Wirtz; McDaniel said she's seen Smith Mountain Lake change from a ''happy-camper'' lake to a popular vacation and retirement spot.

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Tom Lovegrove retired to Smith Mountain Lake seven years ago, but he didn't stay out of work long.

"Glenda [McDaniel] talked me into joining the Chamber [of Commerce]," he said.

Before long, Lovegrove seized the opportunity and took advantage of the lake's development market, launching two businesses -- Bayview Holdings and Bayview Construction.

In October, Lovegrove and McDaniel held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a 31-home development in Franklin County, known as the Villages at Emerald Bay, where he is the owner, developer and builder, and she is the listing Realtor.

"This project is very special to the lake because it offers luxury no-maintenance living," McDaniel said.

Emerald Bay is situated on 36 acres, and while each home will have access to a community dock, not all lots are waterfront.

McDaniel named the development where the water "looks like sparkling emeralds when the sun hits," Lovegrove said.

Homeowners can choose from four elevation styles and eight exterior colors, and can work with architect Ray Craighead and building manager Marc Gouin to customize the interior floor plan and amenities.

"This really appeals to baby boomers," McDaniel said. "They have mowed the yards and raised the families, now they want to travel and have a social life."