The Sanctuary
135 Acres of Waterfront on the South Shore
What is The Sanctuary at Smith Mountain Lake?
The Sanctuary is a 135-plus-acre waterfront development on the south side of Smith Mountain Lake near Penhook, Virginia, built by The Plyler Group. It has more than 4 miles of shoreline and spans two counties, Franklin and Pittsylvania, across three neighborhoods: Sanctuary Bay, Sanctuary Pointe, and Sanctuary Village.
The Sanctuary is one of the newer large-scale waterfront developments at Smith Mountain Lake, spanning more than 135 acres and over 4 miles of shoreline on the quieter south side of the lake near Penhook. Developed by The Plyler Group, it is organized into three distinct neighborhoods. Sanctuary Bay was the first phase and is now largely sold out, known for lakefront home sites with deep-water docks. Sanctuary Pointe is the premier offering, with elevated home sites and many parcels enjoying unobstructed views of Smith Mountain. Sanctuary Village is the newest phase, designed with a smaller minimum home size to make Sanctuary ownership more approachable. Home sites are supported by a pre-installed community water system, private septic, lighted streets, and an architectural review board that protects the character and quality of the community. Golf, dining, and shopping are only minutes away, with several championship courses on the lake.
Updated July 2026
Amenities & Features
Housing Options
135+ acre waterfront enclave with three distinct neighborhoods
Key Details
- Acreage
- 135+ acres
- Shoreline
- 4+ miles
- Units / Lots
- Waterfront homesites
- Housing Types
- Waterfront Homesites, Custom Lake Homes
- Location
- Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
The Sanctuary FAQs
What county is The Sanctuary at Smith Mountain Lake in?
The Sanctuary spans two Virginia counties, Franklin and Pittsylvania, because the 135-plus-acre development straddles the county line along the south shore near Penhook. The county a specific home site falls in affects its school district and taxes, so confirm the county for any individual parcel before you buy.
What are the neighborhoods within The Sanctuary?
The Sanctuary has three neighborhoods. Sanctuary Bay was the first phase and is now largely sold out, known for deep-water docks. Sanctuary Pointe is the premier section, with elevated home sites and unobstructed Smith Mountain views. Sanctuary Village is the newest phase, designed with smaller minimum home sizes for more approachable lake ownership.
Who developed The Sanctuary at Smith Mountain Lake?
The Sanctuary was developed by The Plyler Group. The community includes a pre-installed water system, lighted streets, and an architectural review board that maintains construction quality and protects owners' investments.
What kind of property can you buy at The Sanctuary?
The Sanctuary sells waterfront and water-view home sites where buyers build custom lake homes, along with some completed homes. The development covers more than 4 miles of shoreline with generally flat to moderately sloping terrain.
Interested in The Sanctuary?
Our team has helped hundreds of buyers find their perfect home at Smith Mountain Lake. Let us guide you through The Sanctuary and find the right fit.