Man Caves of Smith Mountain Lake

Man•cave:

Part of Speech: n

Definition: an area within a house frequented by a man, as in workshop, garage, basement or den.

            It’s a term popularized by the DIY Network’s series about basement, attic and garage spaces that get custom-designed or decorated especially for a man and his interests.

            Each episode follows Tony “The Goose” Siragusa, a former defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens, as an ordinary space gets transformed into a man-topia.

            Passions that have been thematic challenges for spaces featured on the show include listening to music, watching sports, driving cars and riding motorcycles. There have also been rooms designed for playing video games, poker, darts or pool, eating unhealthy food and washing it down with something other than milk, buffing up, and displaying hobby gear or college/sports team memorabilia,

            Similar displays of testosterone also have found their places in homes at Smith Mountain Lake.

MAN ROOM EXTRAORDINAIRE

            When Brian and Heather Wyatt built their home on Gills Creek, most of the 2,500-square-foot lower level was designed to serve as a hangout for Brian and his buddies with potential for the couple to entertain as well.

            “One New Year’s, we had about 150 people here, and there was room for everyone to be doing something,” Brian said, gesturing to an expanse that includes a large-screen theater room, several additional flat-screen TVs, billiard and pingpong tables, two commercial arcade games, darts, wine cooler, aquarium, cigar humidor and massive U-shaped bar complete with fridge, ice maker, trash compactor, keg-erator, mirrored wall and several neon beer signs.

            Finishing of the lake level began in early 2005, shortly after Brian’s dad, Martinsville builder Cliff Wyatt, obtained the home’s Certificate of Occupancy. Brian designed the bar as a nod to his time spent behind – and occasionally seated at – commercial versions while a student at Coastal Carolina University.

            “Do you really want it to look all ‘messy’ like that?” Cliff Wyatt asked about the distressed design. “Yep,” Brian replied. The result looks much like it’s been plucked from a Baltimore corner taproom.

            Brian admits the room doubles as “all-purpose family space” now that son Rand, 3½, has the run of the house.

            “Life changes,” he said, “but we love it.”

A RETIREMENT “CAVE”

            Bob and Christi Bryden’s home, where they’ve lived since moving from Memphis, Tenn., in 2003, is an eye-catcher. Hardly cave-like, its glass expanses offer sweeping views of Betty’s Creek.

            On the lower level, the couple’s remodeling has produced several man-centric spaces, though the Brydens often enjoy them together. In the glassed-in game room, poker, billiard and foosball tables – all with wide-open views of the lake, dock and back yard – await friendly competition with friends and family.

            In 2005, Bob decided to convert a windowless basement space into a theater room/library/wine cellar combination with a center pod of 12 commercial theater seats on tiered stadium risers, each offering a perfect view of the massive screen.

            Collaborating on the project were carpenter Roger Walker, cabinetmaker Nelson Cline and Mr. Fix It’s Rich DeForest, who researched and installed the audio/video setup. The room is rich in carpeted vertical surfaces and oak cabinetry — storage for files, tapes, CDs, DVDs and electronics. A massive speaker is tucked in the base of the seating pod which, Bob said, “makes every seat shudder when an explosion occurs on screen.”

            In a back corner, beyond shelves with hundreds of favorite books, a narrow door leads to a temperature-controlled wine room. Its built-in bottle racks extend under the home’s main staircase, yielding lots of nooks and crannies for keeping Bob’s collection of reds organized by country of origin.

NOT ALWAYS DOWN UNDER

            Of course, manly spaces need not be subterranean.

            “Bruce calls this his ‘man nest,’” said Teresa Shelton, referring to her husband’s favorite spot in the house. “He had more of a cave in our former home in Atlanta, but here, where we’ve downsized a bit, he settles for a converted room above the garage where he can surround himself with his toys.”

            The Shelton “man nest” includes a pool table, big-screen TV, hunky leather sofa and low table that’s an ideal foot rest, a dry bar and a bar-height table. With his busy schedule as manager of Capps Home Building Center, most of Bruce’s nest rest takes place on Sundays when the store is closed.

            “It’s a good retreat for watching football with friends,” he said.

 For additional images of SML man caves, click here.