The Water's Edge and Willard estate up for sale

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. (WSLS 10) - 

The Water's Edge, a private 712 acre development that includes an 18-hole PGA Championship course and a private 36,000 sq. ft. country club nestled along 13.5 miles of Smith Mountain Lake shoreline, is up for sale. 

The golf course and country club will also be packaged with a 12,000 sq. ft. gated estate and primary residence of Ron Willard, Sr., president of the Willard Companies. 

Ron Willard II, Associate Broker and vice president of the company, will list the properties through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate, for a cool $25 million.

Willard, Sr. announced his plans to start strategically implementing his retirement and determining a succession plan for the company last fall. Willard, Sr. has spent the last 40 years of his career transforming Smith Mountain Lake into a resort area that has attracted people from across the country to enjoy golf, recreation, and resort living. 

"I'll be turning 70 next year and I'm ready to downsize, travel and enjoy my golden years," said Willard, Sr. in a written statement. He also plans to continue residing in the community post sale as well as part-time in his Naples, Florida home.

According to Willard, Sr., the sale will not affect the golf course and country club operations, which currently employs approximately 75 staff. He added that The Willard Companies plans to continue managing the business until they find the right buyer.