Experience the Raw Beauty of Tahoe’s Once Untouched Nature when First Discovered by European Civilization, and the Exclusive Social Culture Present Surrounding the Lavish Architectural Beginnings of Alpine Nordic Decent.
Lake Tahoe was first discovered by European civilization late in the 19th century. The Post Gold Rush era of the early 20th century brought an influx of wealthy San Francisco families who began to develop palatial summer homes along the lakeshore. Some of these historically significant settlements are the Thunderbird Lodge on the coveted East Shore as well as the Vikingsholm Mansion nestled within Tahoe’s hidden gem, Emerald Bay. Since Lake Tahoe is reminiscent of Nordic geography showcasing a massive alpine lake with pristine water quality, dense old growth forests, and dramatic snowcapped mountains, many of the architectural stylings of the time sourced inspiration from Viking and Nordic origins. This created the beginnings of a unique social culture of boating, sunbathing, remote beach picnics, and lavish house parties. It was an exclusive community dedicated to seeking fulfillment by enveloping themselves in the beauty pristine natural surroundings can provide and sharing in the experience together.
The design concept for this 1934 lakefront compound was to bring one back to this time when people first experienced and celebrated the beauty of Lake Tahoe. This included an emphasis on leisure and social gathering, a revival of Nordic inspired architectural detailing, the lost grace of lacquered mahogany and chrome boats once gliding across these glassy waters, and a communication with the natural surroundings within the designed spaces. The unique setting for this exclusive residence is located directly on the lake, completely isolated on grandfathered private property in the middle of a protected national forest. The raw nature available in the immediate surroundings is vivid with centuries old redwood trees, untouched white sand beaches, massive granite boulders from a once erupted ancient volcano, snow peaked mountains, and an alpine lake shimmering with a soft turquoise along the shallow waters that transitions into a deep cobalt blue as it reaches the seemingly endless depths. Each of the homes embraces the color palate of its surrounding natural environment. The compound is comprised of a boat house on the lakeshore taking in the shallow turquoise waters and cream colored sand, the main home on a bluff overlooking a panorama of the lake absorbs the cobalt blue of the deep water in the distance and soft grays of the volcanic boulders, a small guest cabin nestled among towering Sequoia and Redwood trees embraces a whimsy of mossy greens and the cool white of the morning mist above the nearby trickling stream, and a second lofted guest cabin embracing the saturated gold and blood orange sunsets visible at dusk.
Main house
The main home engages the Nordic architectural features of log beams and mountain cabin aesthetics while embracing a contemporary layer of understated lake house elegance. This is accomplished through the use of compelling indigo and cobalt blues complimented with charcoal grays and bright whites. A continuation of lacquered woods and reflective metals are maintained throughout each home to unify the separate structures. Quartzite stone kitchen floors are reminiscent of the massive gray granite boulders of a once erupted volcano speckling the white sand beaches. High gloss lacquered redwood counters showcasing swirling wood grains reflect each cycle of seasons passed. The master suite exudes a monochromatic palate of biscotti and cappuccino to create serenity in such an intimate space. Surrounding nature is visibly inspired throughout the home, and an open plan combining the expansive living room, dining room, and kitchen invites social gathering.