17
Discover Smith Mountain Lake
SUMMER 2015
16
You have the right to choose your repair facility!
You want the best... we’re here!
“The finest in auto body & paint repairs”
Located in Westlake ... yes, we’re local, your neighbors!
Lifetime Warranty • Free Pickup & Delivery
BEFORE
AFTER
W
I
N
N
E
R
A
W
A
R
D
S
•
2
0
1
5
BEST
OFSMITHMOUNTAINLAKE
S
M
I
T
H
M
O
U
N
T
A
I
N
L
A
K
E
,
V
A
95 Springlake Drive, Moneta, VA 24121
540-721-4000 •
The Starks built the two-story brick barn that is
still in use on the farm today. It is supposedly
the only brick barn in the County, if not several
counties in this area. They also added a two-story,
five room addition to the east side of the house,
which is used today as a kitchen, laundry room,
and office. Two guest bedrooms and a bathroom
comprise the second level. Stark died on March
2, 1916 following a fall down the back stairs in
the house. His widow sold the property four years
later, in May of 1920.
Another owner of interest was an author by the
name of Edward A Moore from Lexington. He
wrote the book The Story of a Cannoneer Under
Stonewall Jackson. In fact, Moore had sold the
property to the Starks.
Besides Abner, the family to stay the longest at
Savenac was that of Landon Lowry, a prominent
Bedford attorney. The Lowrys raised their three
children on the farm and lived there a total of 27
years. They kept five horses for their children to
ride and added clay tennis courts, which are now
gone. A daughter of the Lowrys was married in
the drawing room at the house. Mr. Lowry died
on November 8, 1943 and his widow continued
to live at Savenac Farm for four more years. She
rented the land to Morman Field of Bedford for
his Shetland ponies.
In 1947, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Shaw purchased title
to Savenac Farm. His interest in ponies prompted
Shaw to visit Savenac to see the Shetlands,
whereupon he apparently approached Mrs. Lowry
and convinced her to sell him the place. The Shaws
operated a furniture store on East Main Street
in Bedford in the old Leggett Building, which
eventually became the County Administration
Building.
Dr. and Mrs. Freeman Jenrette bought Savenac
in 1955. During their ownership, the tenant
house was rented, and the large drawing room or
ballroom was used for dance classes. Local artist
Edith Smith also conducted many art classes in
that same room.
The Jenrettes sold Savenac in 1985 to Thomas
McWaters, Jr., who changed the name to
“Balmoor”. McWaters had moved to Virginia from
New York. Then, according to Online newspaper
accounts, within three years after moving here, he
invited a much younger man, Joseph J. Savino III,
he also from New York, to live with him. Savino, a
recovering heroin addict, was paroled to Virginia
by NewYork, having done prison time for robbery.
Allegedly, the two were sexually involved.
Things supposedly turned sour between the two
lovers, and during the night of November 29,
1988, asMcWaters slept, Savino,who later claimed
to have been under the influence of “acute cocaine
psychosis”, bludgeoned the 64 year old to death.
Savino was arrested the next day in Roanoke, for
failure to appear in court on earlier drug charges.
McWaters’ wallet was in his possession at the
time of the arrest. Bedford County police, who
Things supposedly
turned sour
between the
two lovers, and
during the night
of November 29,
1988, as McWaters
slept, Savino, who
later claimed to
have been under the
influence of “acute
cocaine psychosis”,
bludgeoned the 64
year old to death.
Ophthalmologist and Optometrist
When it comes to
customer satisfaction,
the eyes have it!
“Providing Comprehensive Eye Care With Compassion and Excellence”
OTHER LOCATIONS
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE
13295 Booker T. Washington Hwy
540-721-4433
BLACKSBURG
110 Professional Park Drive
540-552-4573
BOTETOURT
33 British Woods Drive
540-992-6768
ROANOKE
1960 Electric Road
540-772-7171
540.874.4113
BedfordAreaHomes4Sale.com
AmyCarter,
REALTOR
540.598.9645
LandMattersLLC.land
DavidHurt,
REALTOR
2644 Virginia Byway, Bedford, VA •
Savor the at Savenac
Offered at
$1.2 Million
A 5 bedroom, 3 full bath home situated on 129.4 acres of rolling pastures complete with
stocked pond, grazing horses and scenes of mesmerizing mountains.This c.1821 home has
authentic 19th century charm with period details while updated with modern bells and
whistles including a brand new kitchen. Savenac will keep you entertained and happy
through every season, with one of several beautiful fireplaces in the winter or an expansive
outdoor patio or lovely porches in the summer. Imagine welcoming family and friends with a
marble foyer and dancing in the elegant ballroom. The Estate also features a newly
renovated guest house, 36' x 70' brick barn and conservation easement.
So slip away where past meets present. Call today to schedule your viewing appointment!
good life
Beautiful Historic Home with a View
Discover Smith Mountain Lake
Winter 2015
