Tom Staab is what you might call a water lubber. Lakes, oceans, rivers -- he loves them all.

"I was spoiled rotten as a kid because we were basically right across the street from the Long Island Sound," he said.

So when Staab and his wife, Brenda, were helping her parents, Terrence and Doris Clary, move to SML from Virginia Beach in 2004, Staab was smitten.

"The first time we had seen the lake, we were just amazed at how beautiful it was," he said. "Prior to that, I had not even known about SML. I told my wife that one day I would love to build a home up there."

Construction on that home, in The Cape subdivision in Moneta, began in November. The couple threw the traditional building order of home first, then dock, to the wind. They enlisted Plyler Homes & Docks shortly thereafter and construction began in January.

"When we made the decision to build [a house], we knew that we would be coming up often during the building process to check on progress and make decisions," said Staab, "and wanted to be able to have the dock and all it offers available to us."

The two-slip dock was completed in March. Since then, the Staabs have visited the lake several times, making the five-plus-hour drive from the Pungo area of Virginia Beach.

Erik Plyler, president of Plyler Homes & Docks, said the dock was constructed using eco-friendly materials including Evergrain composite decking and skirt boards, and Monarch composite handrails.

Staab said they selected the materials because, although they're more expensive than wood decking, they're "more maintenance friendly and have a longer life span." Additionally, composites are made partially from recycled content, "which benefits the environment," said Tom.

But it's more than just maintenance and eco-friendly materials; it's also the look of the finished product they considered.

"My personal opinion is that it provides for a much better aesthetic appearance than traditional decking, railing and trim boards," said Staab.

Another eye-catching feature is the vinyl bead board-finished ceiling. The white drop ceiling conceals the boat lift mechanisms, which are accessible via an attic door.

But the dock on Gills Creek stands out not simply because of its sleek design, but because of its size. Average in terms of square footage -- 2,180 square feet -- it's the height of the dock that could draw lookers.

At 11 feet from the deck to the finished ceiling, the dock is taller than average, said Plyler. Staab said it was necessary to accommodate their 28-foot 2008 Grady White Gulfstream which has a hard-top tower used to house fishing rods and equipment, and provide cover when asea.

In addition to the Grady White slip, a second slip houses the family's 17-foot 1998 OMC Sunbird. Two PWC floating lifts were filled last weekend when the Staabs picked up two new Sea-Doos from Webster Marine.

They have another floating dock without a boat in mind. The Staabs installed a removable doggy dock for Sammie, a mixed breed who enjoys the lake as much as the family, but is hesitant to jump off the dock. The doggy dock is a partially submerged ramp providing safe, easy access. Staab said Sammie is still learning to use it.

"She has gotten out of the water using the doggy dock, but so far she prefers to go into the water over the riprap on the shoreline," said Staab.

Sammie will have more practice after the Staabs' house is completed this fall and the family, including daughters Megan, 20, and Sarah, 15, can spend longer visits at the lake.

Staab said they hope to make it their permanent home in 2013 when Sarah graduates from high school. For this water lubber and his family, a waterfront house with a pleasurable dock will be paradise.

"The ability to walk out the back of our home and have a boat and jet skis readily available is a dream come true," said Staab. "Just to be able to cast a line to catch a bass or striped bass, what more could you ask for?"

Tom and Brenda Staab

Occupation: Tom, director of business development for RF Concepts, Inc. in Virginia Beach; Brenda, student studying to be a physical therapy assistant

Family: Daughters, Megan, 20, and Sarah, 15

Home: The Cape, Moneta, near G4

Dock size: 2,180 square feet

Dock features: two boat slips, two PWC floating slips and a doggy dock