Splinters to Splendor

When it comes to spending time at Smith Mountain Lake, Deitz and Terry Lilly certainly have their priorities in order.
One of the first things the couple set out to do when they purchased their home on the Blackwater in April 2009 was rip out the dingy, splintery dock built in the 1970s and replace it with a fresh, fun party dock to entertain family and friends.
There are no obstructed views here. Because the home sits astride two waterfront lots along 298 feet of shoreline, the Lillys were permitted to build a second dock farther into the cove to accommodate two boat slips and a slip for two personal watercraft.
“This is ideal because it gives us plenty of space to entertain on the party dock, yet the boats and the storage shed are at the other dock,” said Terry Lilly.
Deitz Lilly, an SML and Lynchburg builder, was out on his docks with tool belt and power tools almost every weekend for nearly four months completing the projects.
“[Local dock builder] Mike Dillon set the poles, but my son, Brent [28] and I and one of our employees did the rest – the party dock first and then the boat dock,” Lilly said, explaining that he saved considerable money by using a dozen of the dock’s original poles. “Mike added some new ones then drove all the pilings for the second dock.”
Lilly installed new floor joists and topped them with EverGrain composite decking. The siding used to frame in the poles and dock house was painted a beachy blue.
“I love decorating,” said Terry Lilly, who plans to have the beige house painted the same color. “And this color is fresh and fun.”
And while the two-dock setup is perfect for entertaining, what makes this project spectacular is Deitz Lilly’s attention to detail, including a coffered ceiling that is so beautiful it looks like it belongs in an indoor room. It is made of beadboard and trim constructed of environmentally friendly engineered wood. Suspended from the ceiling are three tropical-looking rattan fans. The bar top, which Lilly also built of waterproof materials, features a striking patina of copper. Each dock’s roof sports a cupola: a mermaid atop the party dock and a flying pig on the boat dock.
“At the lake, pigs do fly,” joked Terry Lilly.
To accommodate guests, the party dock is furnished with high tables, bar stools and numerous other tables, including one made from a crab trap. There are cushioned chairs, rocking chairs and even a super-sized lounge for reclining. The look is one of comfort and relaxation.
Terry Lilly’s love of Caribbean style is evident on the dock. There’s a wacky wine rack, several large flamingos (screwed to the dock to prevent them from flying away in the wind), and several Margaritaville signs. However, her favorite dock item “has to be the bear,” she said, referring to a 5-foot-tall polar bear, wearing a grass skirt holding a tray of drinks, purchased at The Cottage Gate.
As the warm weather approaches, the couple said they plan to take full advantage of their new two-dock setup.
“It’s just such a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere down there being right on the lake,” Terry Lilly said. “We’re just looking forward to relaxing and enjoying family and friends.”

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