Entire home

Cozy Fall Retreat ✦ Lakefront ✦ Hot Tub ✦ Fire Pit ✦ Fully Stocked Kitchen

Lakefront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Cozy Fall Retreat ✦ Lakefront ✦ Hot Tub ✦ Fire Pit ✦ Fully Stocked Kitchen

Property grounds
Sit in the Living Room and view the Lake.
Hot Tub? Yes please.
Terrace/patio
Enjoy all the luxuries of home with a fully stocked Kitchen.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12223.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Penhook, VA
  • Place, Smith Mountain Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Smith Mountain Lake State Park
  • Place, Palmer's Marina
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Airport, Roanoke, VA (ROA-Roanoke Regional)
    ‪78 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

+1
5 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Living Room 1

1 Single Bed

4 bathrooms

Extra Bathroom (4)

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Hall Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Master Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Master Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cozy Fall Retreat ✦ Lakefront ✦ Hot Tub ✦ Fire Pit ✦ Fully Stocked Kitchen

Welcome to Brenda — Your Fall Getaway on Smith Mountain Lake

Brenda is your cozy lakefront home-away-from-home — the perfect fall retreat where crisp mornings, golden sunsets, and peaceful water views set the tone for rest and reconnection.
Located on Smith Mountain Lake, this updated 4-bedroom, 4-bath home combines the comfort of a modern family house with all the charm of a lakeside cabin. Whether you’re here for leaf-peeping, winery-hopping, game days, or a quiet weekend with family and friends, Brenda offers everything you need for a stress-free, memory-filled fall stay.

Lakefront Living Made Easy
Enjoy true lake access with a gentle, no-stairs walk to the dock — a rare find on Smith Mountain Lake. Start your day sipping coffee on the deck as fog lifts off the water, then paddle out in one of the two kayaks to explore the colorful shoreline.
On sunny afternoons, adventurous guests can stretch out on the 6×20 ft Lily Pad, while others can relax in the hammocks with a blanket and a book. As the evening air turns cool, unwind in the hot tub under the stars or gather around the fire pit for s’mores, laughter, and a glass of local Virginia wine.

Inside Brenda: Modern Comfort Meets Cozy Style
Brenda was designed for comfort and connection, with thoughtful touches throughout:
✦ 4 spacious bedrooms / 4 full baths — ideal for families or groups of up to 12
✦ King beds in each suite for hotel-level comfort
✦ Two living areas + game space so everyone has room to relax
✦ Smart TVs, fast Wi-Fi, and plenty of cozy seating for movie nights or football weekends
✦ Dual kitchens — perfect for cooking together or setting up a game-day spread
✦ Fully stocked kitchen essentials including cookware, spices, coffee maker, and more
✦ In-home laundry for convenience during longer stays
✦ Every space is designed with both relaxation and functionality in mind. Whether you’re hosting family dinners or enjoying a couples’ getaway, you’ll find everything you need right at your fingertips.

Outdoor Spaces to Savor the Season
Fall is a magical time at Smith Mountain Lake. Trees glow in shades of amber, crimson, and gold, and the air carries a crisp stillness that makes you slow down and breathe.
At Brenda, you’ll have plenty of ways to take it all in:
✦ Private dock for fishing, lounging, or watching the sunset
✦ Hot tub with lake views — perfect for cool nights
✦ Fire pit with seating for the whole group
✦ Hammocks for lazy afternoons or stargazing
✦ 6×20 ft Lily Pad (great for warmer fall days)
✦ Kayaks (3) and plenty of floating options for the kids
Whether you’re sharing a bottle of wine under the stars or roasting marshmallows as the sun sets, the outdoor spaces at Brenda bring everyone together.

Nearby Adventures & Local Favorites
Brenda’s location puts you close to everything that makes Smith Mountain Lake so special.
You’re just minutes from:
✦ Wineries & Breweries – Discover local vineyards like Hickory Hill, Ramulose Ridge, or Bottled Up Wine Bar.
✦ Hiking & Nature – Explore scenic fall trails at Smith Mountain Lake State Park or the Peaks of Otter.
✦ Golf Courses – Tee off at Mariners Landing or Copper Cove.
✦ Marinas & Boat Rentals – Need a pontoon or jet ski? Several options nearby.
✦ Dining – Enjoy local favorites like Jake’s Place, Waller’s, and Napoli Cowboy.
✦ Family Fun – Try mini golf, farm markets, or nearby fall festivals.
✦ Whether you’re chasing adventure or simply want to slow down, everything is within easy reach.

Bedroom Setup
✦ Bedroom 1: King bed, ensuite bath, smart TV, lake view
✦ Bedroom 2: King bed, ensuite bath, smart TV
✦ Bedroom 3: Queen bed, hall bath access
✦ Bedroom 4: King bed, close to lower-level bath
✦ Common Areas: Two living spaces + sleeper sofa options
✦ Perfect for multi-family trips, couples’ weekends, or friends’ reunions — everyone gets their own comfortable space to retreat to.

Amenities at a Glance
Lakefront with private dock (no stairs)
Hot tub with lake view
Fire pit & hammocks
2 kayaks + Lily Pad (weather-permitting)
Dual kitchens (fully equipped)
Smart TVs & fast Wi-Fi
Game area & two living spaces
In-home laundry
Parking for multiple vehicles
Central heating & air conditioning
Everything you need for a relaxing stay — whether for a long weekend or an extended lake getaway.

Why Guests Love Brenda
Guests often say that Brenda feels like a real home, not just a rental. The layout is spacious but welcoming, and every detail — from labeled kitchen drawers to plush bedding — makes it easy to settle in from the moment you arrive.
It’s a place where families reconnect, couples unwind, and friends make new traditions year after year.

Perfect for Every Kind of Fall Traveler
Families: Plenty of space, kid-friendly setup, safe lake access
Couples: Private suites, romantic hot-tub nights, peaceful setting
Groups of Friends: Two kitchens, game area, and plenty of hangout space
Remote Workers: High-speed Wi-Fi and peaceful lake views for productive “workations”

Make the Most of Fall at the Lake
Brenda is more than a place to stay — it’s a place to make memories. Watch the trees blaze across the hills, cozy up by the fire pit, and feel the stress melt away with each quiet ripple of the lake.
Whether it’s your first visit to Smith Mountain Lake or your fifth, fall here has a way of reminding you what matters most.
Book your stay at Brenda today and experience Smith Mountain Lake at its most beautiful.
Hot tub nights, fire pit stories, crisp air, and calm waters are waiting.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Penhook

Located in Penhook, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the waterfront. Lakeside Marina and Lumpkins Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake.
Map
Penhook, VA

What's nearby

  • Smith Mountain Lake - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Lakeside Marina - 1 min drive - 0.0 km
  • Palmer's Marina - 19 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Pelican Point Yacht Club - 35 min drive - 24.6 km
  • Smith Mountain Lake Community Park - 65 min drive - 52.5 km

Getting around

  • Roanoke, VA (ROA-Roanoke Regional) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Napoli By The Lake - ‬44 min drive
  • ‪Mexico Viejo at Penhook - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Mitchell's Restaurant - ‬51 min drive
  • ‪Bruno's Gastropub - ‬44 min drive
  • ‪Carl's Restaurant - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cozy Fall Retreat ✦ Lakefront ✦ Hot Tub ✦ Fire Pit ✦ Fully Stocked Kitchen pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cozy Fall Retreat ✦ Lakefront ✦ Hot Tub ✦ Fire Pit ✦ Fully Stocked Kitchen?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cozy Fall Retreat ✦ Lakefront ✦ Hot Tub ✦ Fire Pit ✦ Fully Stocked Kitchen?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cozy Fall Retreat ✦ Lakefront ✦ Hot Tub ✦ Fire Pit ✦ Fully Stocked Kitchen located?

This family-friendly Penhook holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Smith Mountain Lake and Lakeside Marina. Lumpkins Marina is 1.9 mi (3 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alicia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful location on the lake. Beds were very comfortable and the home was lovely. Lots of things for kids to do and places for adults to congregate. Loved the swinging chairs!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Irma E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

We really enjoyed our stay The house has it all
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect fishing getaway

Will revisit this property
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sammie

A Wonderful Relaxing Time, Lake Living!

Our accommodations were amazing, and the location has all you would want to relax and enjoy the lake, as well as first class accommodations on the inside - there is plenty of room to put your feet up, read, eat and watch the sunrise and sunset! An amazing experience all around!

10/10 Excellent

Diane P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family vacation!

We stayed for a week with 5 adults and 5 children 15-2 years old. The house was very clean and well equip. The beds were so comfy, the kitchen had everything we needed, the kids love the ping pong and foosball table. The owners provided lots of essentials and the water toys were amazing! This is our second time staying at Smith Mountain lake and this house was by far the best! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Liz S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Beautiful Smith Mountain Lake

Awesome view of the lake, great dock that worked out well for swimming and parking 2 jet skis and a pontoon.In addition to the lake, enjoyed the hot tub and many hours of ping pong and X-Box. Nice double porches. Water pressure was good and towels were fluffy. We did not run out of hot water. Beds were comfortable. We had a few hick-cups, but the host was responsive.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wayne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful lake view! We've been coming to SML on Labor Day weekend since 1997. We've rented larger homes and a few smaller ones. This one checked the boxes...clean, close and easy walk to the dock, well appointed with all the amenities you could need, appears to have been recently updated. The host was great and easy to work with...even added some simple things that were unexpected extras.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an incredible family stay at this property. It has unbelievable views from the deck, the home was spacious and well thought out. Kids loved the games, ping pong, hot tub, fire pit for s’more’s or hanging out, kayaks, giant lily pad, etc. Home was clean and there were plenty of towels, the grill worked great, smart TVs’, dock for fishing or if you bring over a boat like we did, well stocked kitchen (even had a second kitchen in basement. Would highly recommend this home for anyone that would like to visit the lake, especially if you have a larger group. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing time at this great home. It had plenty of space with 2 kitchens (main floor & lower level). The host, Ron, was always quick to respond and very helpful each time. The amenities were many and top notch and of quality. The neighborhood was basically quiet and relaxing. We rented a boat and they all had a great time on the beautiful clear lake either fishing, wake & knee boarding or peaceful rides in the evenings enjoying the amazing sunsets...and the fun they had with the lily pad created so many giggles. Our time went so fast and we still can't quit talking about what a great time we had. Hopefully we make it back again sometime.This may sound silly, but the TP supplied was of high quality...not the commercial grade usually supplied at most of the rentals where we've stayed.Thank you Ron for sharing your home and all the extras.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic property with great views. Perfect location for our stay at SML. Owner had great communication and Checkin and Checkout were very easy.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Naomi F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adorable Lakehouse

Beautiful inside and out. Nice decks. Convenient to Country Club. Clean and great views. Super responsive, understanding, and accommodating host. Great stay for all!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Antoine T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Gateway

Stunning views, and very fun house well equipped! Great family memories
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place to get away!

This is an absolutely fantastic place to stay. It's right on the lake with comfortable places to hang out outside even in Nov when our group of cousins stayed. Two floors with two outside areas running the length of the house; two kitchens - one up, one down. Plenty of things to do without ever leaving the property! Trash and recycling are only a 5 mile drive away and drop off is 24 hrs/day. The host, Ronald, is an excellent communicator; responded quickly to any questions. We all agreed that we would come back any time. It would be a great place to come in warmer months to get more use of the lake but even with cooler temps, it is a great place to gather with friends and family!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible weekend getaway

“Brenda” was the perfect lake house for a family weekend getaway. The house, the property, all of the amenities were exactly as described and so much more. All of the family members loved “Brenda.”
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This is a Wonderful place to relax and enjoy the Beautiful View of Smith Mountain Lake.

Very well equipped and clean home. Will come back next year!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved staying at Brenda!

We had a great stay at the property! The house was clean, updated and fully stocked - meeting all of our needs. Very conducive for a family with multiple aged children. The teenagers loved the downstairs area with the ping-pong table and Xbox. The cove where the house is located was perfect for swimming and floating with zero boat traffic. The host was friendly and easy to communicate with. We would definitely like to visit again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delightful Celebration

Very nice property and met most of our expectations. View was spectacular, living space clean and furnished nicely. Hot tub and gas grill worked but were not the cleanest. Dock was very nice for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, etc. but not easily accessed for handicapped. Kitchen was furnished with everything we needed. Beds were very comfortable. We celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary with family and all had a great time. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Brenda

Came down and stayed with a few friends so I could go to settlement on a piece of property I recently purchased. The house was exactly as described and more. Going in November you can’t really do much on the lake, but it didn’t matter with everything provided at the house. We all had a great time!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house and location

Stayed for 4 nights - there were 8 of us, 4 adults and 4 children under 12. Everyone had a great time, the house was beautiful, well furnished and stocked with necessities. Great location on the lake and we used the dock for our boat rental. If you’re looking for a place to stay for 8-10 people I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to book this property!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Nick H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Beautiful spot with some nagging issues

We really enjoyed coming to Smith Mountain Lake. The property is on a beautiful spot, and the views are outstanding. The house is overall comfortable and clean. There are a lot of water toys and spaces to relax. The kitchen is well equipped and the house overall is well stocked with supplies. Make sure you are aware of what you're getting with this home. This is an older home that has recently been given a facelift. As such, there are still some issues. The dock and deck are in need of some work and are splintered significantly (bring your tweezers if you will have kids running around on them). The house is smaller than it appears on the pictures. The hot tub was full of leaves and debris, and there were fixtures coming out of the wall in the bathrooms. Most "house rules" for listings exist on a continuum between the reasonable (no big parties, strip the beds when you leave) to the more unreasonable (basically clean the house yourself and maybe do some minor home repairs while you're at it). This one exists closer to the latter. For example, they want you to run the grill grates through the dishwasher (is that even a thing?) They ask you to take the trash to a dumpster that is a 20 minute round trip from the house. The alternative is paying $10 a bag for them to do it. When you're paying $5000 for 5 nights there, that seems like something that should be included. Overall, this is a nice spot to enjoy the lake from, just know what you're getting.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Lee

We have stayed at this home multiple times. The owners have thought of everything,no need to worry about will this home have everything we need they have that and more. The personal touch they give to each renter means so much. Thankyou for a great weekend!!!!!!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Conner

Great house for a large crowd

We had a group of 11 and everyone had room. House had everything we needed. Stayed up in SML for a wedding so didn’t get to use the dock as much as we would have liked but Ronald had lots of lake toys in the shed including a 15ft lilypad. Tons of seating for the porch and the dock. Basement has foosball and ping pong tables. Very newly renovated and the beds were very comfortable. Beautiful view of SML. Host is very responsive. Will definitely stay here again.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Brad

Great Stay

It was a great stay at the house. The house was just as nice as the pictures and descriptions noted. The home was clean and the location is great!

10/10 Excellent

Ashlee B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Extended family getaway!

Awesome house with great updates and spacing for several families. Host was amazing with communication and made it feel warm and cozy. Have been vacationing at SML for 20+ years and could not have found a better location to all the best SML places plus an awesome view. Fully stocked kitchen made it easy for cooking large meals and had a great deck for grilling and outdoor eating. Boat dock is perfect for relaxing, fishing and playing; host provided the best lake toys! Great for families with small and older children. Highly recommend and look forward to staying again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bradley U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!

The house was exactly as advertised. Clean and a great location. The owner made our check in very easy and was great with communications.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Ronald Gulick

Host profile image
My name is Ronald and I live and work in the DC area. I love the lake and I love Smith Mountain Lake. It made sense to own and share a property. I am excited to use this property for my own vacations as well as share it with you.

What makes this property unique

The best thing about this property is its position on the lake and the ease to get to the dock. Some properties on the lake are gorgeous but have many steep stairs. Not at Brenda. The backyard is a very gentle slope and anyone can make it to and from the dock with ease.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests