Classic Incline Lakefront www.villalaketahoe.com

 

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.