Classic Incline Lakefront www.villalaketahoe.com
April 8, 2010
Timeless Tahoe Compound on the Market
Lake Tahoe, Nev. (April 1, 2010) – Eccentric billionaire George Whittell is most famous in the Lake Tahoe area for his eclectic Whittell Estate along Tahoe’s East Shore. What many people don’t know is Whittell also pioneered the first neighborhood at Incline Village – a neighborhood that predates the community itself. This tucked-away part of Incline is right on the lake’s shore along the historic Pine Cone Circle.
One of the original properties on Pine Cone Circle has now been put on the market. Though the original character of the home still exists on this private lakefront property, the home itself has been completely renovated and decorated by renowned interior designer Catherine MacFee.
“What’s unique about this property is the classic Tahoe feel, offering primarily main level living,” explains Kerry Donovan, one of the property’s listing agents. “Much of the exterior space was purposely not built on, which offers a truly open setting from the front drive to the lakefront.”
Though the home retains much of its Old Tahoe charm, the modern touches of casual elegance and custom craftsmanship are evident throughout. MacFee’s attention to every detail has created the feel of a well-loved family vacation compound. The home’s complete renovation included the restoration of the original log ceiling and an authentic granite stone fireplace. However the custom crafted curved staircase, built-in cabinetry, luxuriously appointed double master suites, separate bunk house and gourmet kitchen are thoroughly modern upgrades.
MacFee has masterfully pulled together all the elements of a home, from cushioned window seats filled to the brim with interesting throw pillows to a hand painted linen cabinet to a one-of-a-kind antique carved wooden sink vanity. Each element catches your eye as it complements the next, whether it’s the canopied master bed or the woolen drapes. The preeminent Tahoe mountain décor is completely dialed from the deep paint hues to the mix of glossy and tumbled tile to the rich textures used throughout.
According to a California Home + Design article, MacFee studied cabins as far as the Adirondacks to develop a sense of old lodge style, and then updated the look with sophistication. From tribal rugs to exposed beam ceilings, the cabin is a study in that unmistakable combination of elegance and rusticity that has defined Tahoe interiors for more than a century.
“This look relies on layering unexpected textures,” MacFee said. “You don’t know why it connects, but it does.”
The home was originally constructed to take full advantage of its lakefront setting, with windows positioned for lake views in every room. MacFee took further advantage of the home’s spectacular setting by adding a number of outdoor living spaces to the home. There is an expansive outdoor dining and entertaining area that links to a quartzite stone path that meanders down to the boulder-strewn shoreline. Another deck with a fire pit and meditation circle sits just steps from the water’s edge. Low stonewalls that line walkways and pine needle covered grounds provide a Carmel-like feel to the well-kept enclave.
“This property is the epitome of turn-key,” added Karin Baker, the residence’s co-listing agent. “It was built in 1951 with an extensive remodel and expansion in 1992. Villa Lake Tahoe combines the rustic charm of a bygone era with modern amenities one would expect in a newly constructed luxury home.”
This home, aptly dubbed Villa Lake Tahoe, is a place where a family can hunker down and enjoy all that Tahoe has to offer, right at its doorstep. The 3,400 square foot home is situated on nearly a half an acre of land and includes one hundred feet of lake frontage. Two buoys are included with the property as well as access to an adjacent pier. A private sandy beach for use by Pine Cone Circle residents only is just steps away from the property. The home, located at 1655 Pine Cone Circle, is being offered for sale at $8,790,000.
Incline Lakefront www.stonegatelaketahoe.com in the news!
February 22, 2010
INCLINE VILLAGE — President Obama White House designer Michael S. Smith’s sophisticated, yet inviting design style is reflected throughout a stunning Lake Tahoe residence now offered by Chase International for $19.95 million. Known for his work with Hollywood celebrities and most recently the first couple’s Pennsylvania Avenue residence, Smith’s low-key luxury sensibility was a perfect fit for the owners of this 10,000-square-foot home, including exercise room and wine cellar, set on the sandy shores of Lake Tahoe. “StoneGate is an extraordinary home,” said Smith, who has written two home-design books. “The attention to detail and craftsmanship is unmatched on Lake Tahoe. It can hold its own with the most beautiful homes in the world.” According to listing agents Shari Chase and Kerry Donovan, Smith’s lush country lodge décor compliments a home that features unrivaled quality construction from its mechanicals to the impeccable artisan-stone masonry and ironwork. Chase and Donovan said that with its private pier, sandy beach and buoys, this gated estate really has it all. According to these Lake Tahoe real estate experts, this caliber of property is hard to come by. “StoneGate is for a buyer who desires and appreciates attention to detail where no expense has been spared,” said Donovan, of Donovan Group of Chase International’s Incline Village office. Like an exquisitely wrapped gift, the wrought-iron gated drive creates an enticing prelude of the detail and craftsmanship that lies ahead. Similarly, upon entering through the massive Alder doors, one’s line of sight is drawn to the end of the corridor, which connects the front of the residence to the primary living spaces and concludes with a dazzling view of Lake Tahoe. Natural flooring mined in Colorado, Jerusalem Gold Grand Granite and Southern Yellow reclaimed vertical pine and wrought iron are the residence’s signature design materials. The 10,000-square-foot home was aptly named StoneGate for its impressive exterior granite stonework. The main living area features a grand living room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen and master wing, which includes the library. With its sunlit lake views, 22-foot-high-beamed ceilings and massive granite hearth, the grand living room epitomizes mountain elegance. French doors provide access to the stone patio and barbeque. Adjoining the patio is a level landscaped lawn and garden. And best of all, a lovely private sandy Lake Tahoe beach is just a few steps down an adjacent stone path. The gourmet kitchen showcases a 60-inch Wolf range with double ovens and a French country ceramic hood rising to the beamed ceiling. Perfect for entertaining, a butler’s pantry provides an additional prep area, wet bar and auxiliary refrigerators and freezer. The richly appointed master wing offers a library complete with wood-burning fireplace, plus a full bathroom. The master bedroom has high-beamed ceilings and picture windows that beacon the natural light and English garden views during daylight hours, and starlit skies by night. Encompassing a magnificent space, the master bath features Waterworks fixtures from London, a double steam shower and spa tub. An open winding stone staircase leads to the second-floor lower-living area, which includes three guest suites and a family room accessed on each side with French doors. Opening out to the backyard and close to the pier, a separate valet garage offers room for summer furniture, kayaks, and other Tahoe recreational gear. The lower third floor level offers an exercise room with a full bath, cork flooring and windows with garden courtyard views. Also on this level, is a temperature controlled wine cellar with 1,200-bottle capacity. The upper third floor level features a private executive office with full bath and a peek of the lake as well as a staff or guest quarters with full bath, kitchen, den and sitting area. And finally, two symmetrical double car garages with convenient built-ins flank the entry. For more information or to arrange a private viewing of the property, contact Chase at 775-588-6132 or sharichase@chaseinternational.com, or Donovan, at 775-750-2190 or kdonovan@chaseinternational.com. |
Short Sale Luxury~www.996wedge.com SOLD
February 15, 2010
Yes there are some luxury properties that are great deals and this was one of them, www.996wedge.com
Just closed last Friday for $1,861,000.This was a short sale,which was originally priced at $3.6m 2 years ago.We have had success on getting several of these closed now,and it takes true grit.Debbie Hansen ,on our team,has the tenacity and patience to work through the bank’s complicated maze.If you are looking for one of these luxury opportunities,call us,or email.
Ultimate Luxury www.stonegatelaketahoe.com in Incline Village, Nevada
February 12, 2010
Lake Tahoe Home Features Interiors By Noted White House Designer
For Immediate Release
Lake Tahoe, Nev., (Feb. 8, 2010) - Obama White House designer Michael S. Smith’s sophisticated, yet inviting design style is reflected throughout a stunning Lake Tahoe residence now offered by Chase International for $19,950,000.
Known for his work with Hollywood celebrities and most recently the first couple’s Pennsylvania Avenue residence, Smith’s low-key luxury sensibility was a perfect fit for the owners of this stunning 10,000 square-foot home (including exercise room and wine cellar) set on the sandy shores of cobalt blue Lake Tahoe.
“StoneGate is an extraordinary home,” comments Smith, who has written two home design books. “The attention to detail and craftsmanship is unmatched on Lake Tahoe. It can hold its own with the most beautiful homes in the world.”
According to listing agents Shari Chase and Kerry Donovan, Smith’s lush country lodge décor compliments a home that features unrivaled quality construction from its mechanicals to the impeccable artisan stone masonry and ironwork.
Chase and Donovan, who represent many lakefront homes, explain that with its private pier, sandy beach and buoys, this gated estate really has it all. According to these Lake Tahoe real estate experts, this caliber of property is very hard to come by.
“StoneGate is for a buyer who desires and appreciates attention to detail where no expense has been spared,” says Donovan, of Donovan Group of Chase International’s Incline Village office.
Acclaimed Tahoe builder John Brink believes “the quality of a home lives in the details” and nowhere is that more evident than in this five-bedroom, 10-bathroom estate that was completed in 2006.
“The owner hired and gave creative license to the team consisting of an extremely talented architect, Larry Henry, an award winning interior designer, Michael Smith, my lead project manager, Pete Dittle and myself to collaborate on the design and construction of his home,” Brink says. “It was a quality-driven project where we used only premium materials and left no design or construction detail to chance; the result being a truly extraordinary home that we are all very proud of.”
Like an exquisitely wrapped gift, the wrought-iron gated drive creates an enticing prelude of the detail and craftsmanship that lies ahead. Similarly, upon entering through the massive Alder doors, one’s line of sight is drawn to the end of the corridor, which connects the front of the residence to the primary living spaces and concludes with a dazzling view of Lake Tahoe. Natural flooring mined in Colorado, Jerusalem Gold Grand Granite and Southern Yellow reclaimed vertical pine and wrought iron are the residence’s signature design materials.
The 10,000 square foot home was aptly named StoneGate for its impressive exterior granite stonework. The main living area features a grand living room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen and master wing, which includes the library.
With its sunlit lakeviews, 22-foot high-beamed ceilings and massive granite hearth, the grand living room epitomizes mountain elegance. Paned French doors provide access to the stone patio and barbeque. Adjoining the patio is a level landscaped lawn and garden. And best of all, a lovely private sandy Lake Tahoe beach is just a few steps down an adjacent stone path.
The gourmet kitchen showcases a 60-inch Wolf range with double ovens and a French country ceramic hood rising to the beamed ceiling. Perfect for entertaining, a butler’s pantry provides an additional prep area, wet bar and auxiliary refrigerators and freezer.
The richly appointed master wing offers a library complete with wood burning fireplace, plus a full bathroom. The master bedroom has high-beamed ceilings and picture windows that beacon the natural light and English garden views during daylight hours, and starlit skies by night. Encompassing a magnificent space, the master bath features Waterworks fixtures from London, a double steam shower and spa tub.
An impressive open winding stone staircase leads to the second floor lower living area, which includes three guest suites and a family room accessed on each side with French doors. Opening out to the backyard and close to the pier, a separate valet garage offers room for summer furniture, kayaks, and other Tahoe recreational gear.
The lower third floor level offers an exercise room with a full bath, cork flooring and windows with garden courtyard views. Also on this level, is a temperature controlled wine cellar with 1,200-bottle capacity. The upper third floor level features a private executive office with full bath and a peek of the lake as well as a staff or guest quarters with full bath, kitchen, den and sitting area.
And finally, two symmetrical double car garages with convenient built-ins flank the entry.
StoneGate is listed at $19,950,000 with Chase International. For more information or to arrange a private viewing of the property, contact Shari Chase at 775.588.6132; sharichase@chaseinternational.com or Donovan Group’s Kerry Donovan, at 775.750.2190; kdonovan@chaseinternational.com.
February 2, 2010
Lake Tahoe real estate: How to sell a $12.5 million home in Incline Village
Maybe it’s a story about the role of the home in history. Or the part it played in a famous life.
So when the Donovan Group of Chase International sat down to begin developing the marketing plan for a 7,130-square-foot home in Incline Village that just hit the market with a $12.5 million price tag, one of the first jobs undertaken by Warren and Kerry Donovan, the co-listing agents, was development of the home’s story.
Built in 1999, the house at Lakeshore Boulevard and Highway 28 hasn’t been around long enough to carry tales of history or celebrity.
Instead, the Donovan Group built the story of the house around its builder — longtime Incline Village contractor Ira Rodman. The story of the house focuses on its design that takes advantage of an unusually shaped parcel along a private cove on Lake Tahoe. The story pays substantial attention, too, to Rodman’s craftsmanship in details ranging from hickory flooring to massive ceiling beams.
Equally important, Warren says, is the creation of a name for luxury properties on the market — “Secret Cove” in this case.
Preparation for the marketing of the home also includes creation of a portfolio of professional photography as well as the registration of a domain name, www.1169lakeshore.com, as a home for the photographs and marketing materials.
Getting that message into the right hands, however, can present a challenge.
“Our buyer could be 20 years old. Or 50. Or 70,” Warren says.
That dictates a strategy that includes everything from social messaging and text messages to traditional advertising in glossy magazines such as Premiere Homes.
The marketing plan also includes Realtor.com, the Web site that’s used by shoppers for $12.5 million luxury properties just as it’s used by shoppers for $150,000 starter homes.
“It generates tremendous traffic for us,” Warren says.
Public relations efforts by Truckee-based Switchback Communications also help carry the word. Last fall, press releases about another of Donovan’s listings at Lake Tahoe —the $34 million property known as Osprey Point — landed on the pages of both the Wall Street Journal and Architectural Digest.
Even with all the marketing efforts, Donovan says the process of selling a home priced above $10 million takes time to find a buyer whose heart and pocketbook match the property.
In fact, Warren says, Chase International tells sellers of properties priced at $10 million or more that they typically can wait two to four years to find a buyer.
