Scott and Meredith Elliott had long envisioned creating a distinctive lodging option at Smith Mountain Lake. “We were looking at tiny houses, something unique, something different,” says Scott, who owns a design construction business specializing in unconventional projects such as converting silos into apartments. “We like creative types of structures.”
Then one day, they found the perfect option. “We came across these really cool canvas cabins,” Scott recalls. After some research they found a company based in South Africa that crafts high-quality models. Once they secured the right piece of property, they knew it was time to bring their vision to life.
Karoo Resort at Smith Mountain Lake
Their journey took them to Cape Town, South Africa where they toured the cabin manufacturing facility and met the owner. While there, they experienced a safari, visited a winery, and stayed in one of the cabins. “We were hook, line, and sinker at that point,” Scott says. Inspired, they returned determined to share the experience of Africa with Smith Mountain Lake.
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That vision, minus the safari, came to fruition in October with the opening of Karoo Resort. Named after South Africa’s semi-desert Karoo region, this luxury glamping experience features eight beautifully designed African cabins ranging in size to accommodate two to eight guests. The largest option, Boschendal, is named after a stunning wine estate the Elliotts visited in South Africa. Meredith also named one cabin Nakupenda, Swahili for “I love you.” “All the cabins are named after things that bring peace, love, hope, and pure heart,” Meredith explains. For those who prefer indoor accommodations, the resort also offers a lodge with seven guests rooms.
Along with African-inspired names, the cabins feature art that the Elliotts purchased from a street vendor in Cape Town. Meredith oversaw the interior design, choosing details like the fabrics and seagrass rugs. “I wanted to go with a very natural, crisp look, but then I wanted to pop color with some of the pillows and throws,” she says.
Inside, the cabins offer modern conveniences like kitchenettes equipped with a refrigerator, coffee maker, air fryer, and cookware, along with smart TVs and spacious bathrooms. With heating and cooling options, plus heated blankets for colder nights, they’re designed for year-round comfort.
A standout feature is the wood-burning hot tubs, imported from Africa. “We ended up going with this company because they had better features and better quality of construction,” Scott says. It takes about two hours to heat the tubs, giving guests time to enjoy a leisurely dinner before a relaxing soak. A dedicated property manager ensures hot tubs are ready and provides on-site assistance throughout each stay.
The Elliotts envisioned Karoo Resort as a place to foster connection and togetherness. Amenities include community fire pits, hammocks, beach volleyball, kayaks, paddleboards, fishing, and swimming. “I really wanted a place where grandparents brought their grandchildren or couples brought their parents, where people could still be connected to the real world through TV or Wi-Fi but leave all that in the room and go outdoors and just become one with nature and other people,” Scott says. “That was my vision for the whole thing.”
