The Rockpile is aptly named for the way it sits atop a mountain of boulders.
Location: Brockway, Lake Tahoe North Shore CA, Lake Tahoe California, California, USA (Pilot Circle is a private road extending down from Speedboat) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 4 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Keywords: cabin, house
** BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE LINK BELOW FOR OUR VERY COMPLETE WEBSITE FOR THIS HOUSE!! **
Perched on top of a pile of huge boulders, The Rockpile feels a bit like being in a tree house. Hardly a stone’s throw from the lake (REALLY!), the view is phenomenal and the house, built in 1935, is loaded with Old Tahoe rustic charm and comfort, privacy, and quiet serenity.
The Rockpile spreads out over several unconnected levels. The *MAIN HOUSE* consists of the TOP FLOOR, plus THE SQUIRREL'S NEST, plus the OFFICE which also has the laundry equipment. (Each of these is on a different level.)
The TOP FLOOR has a livingroom (with a wall of windows to the lake), kitchen, master bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 3 decks with incredible views of the lake, a fireplace, hot tub and sauna (which has been temporarily converted into 2 children’s beds; for $50, it can be converted back into a sauna if you’d prefer that.)
THE SQUIRREL'S NEST is a bedroom + a bathroom; it is one level down from the top floor, tucked in under the front deck.
THE OFFICE is out the other side of the house, also a level down from the main floor.
***********
There is also a charming small cabin called THE DOG HOUSE with a queen bed, electric fireplace, microwave oven and its own deck. This can be rented separately NO MORE THAN 1 MONTH IN ADVANCE OF ARRIVAL if the whole house has not yet been booked. A great alternative to a hotel room!
***********
The Rockpile is in Brockway, considered by many real estate agents to be the very best area in Tahoe. It is at the end of a private road and radiates quiet and serenity.
We are smack in the middle of the North Tahoe ski resorts with some being as close as 15 minutes away. A large neighborhood beach is just a 3 minute walk away; larger King’s Beach with water-sport equipment rentals, is just a 3 minute drive. Ski resorts, hiking & biking trails, fine restaurants and all that Tahoe has to offer (including the small nearby casinos) are within minutes.
Because The Rockpile is part of a family compound and we live full-time right next door (at the bottom of the pile of boulders), it is imperative to us that renters be respectful and relatively quiet. Absolutely no loud music or partying will be tolerated; also no smoking, please. However, dogs are most welcome and love it here.
In the SUMMER, there is a ONE WEEK MINIMUM. The rest of the year there is a 4 NIGHT MINIMUM.
The main house and the Dog House are available separately TWO WEEKS (or less) before arrival for an adjusted fee if the whole house has not yet been booked.
Be sure to take a look at our GUESTBOOK and WEBSITE (under "Links to More Information:" just after "Rate Details"). A video tour is also available on our website, as well as a very detailed rate chart, a diagram of the house, many more photos and much more information.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Washer and dryer are in office. Large counter for sorting laundry.
- Dryer
- Linens Provided : Luxury sheets & down comforters & pillows.
- Off Street Parking : This home is at the end of a dead end, private road, in a family compound. There is room for 3 cars.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : Possibly---please ask about this.
- Gas Fireplace : Large wood fireplace in living room. Atmospheric oil heater also in living room, with window to see flame. Electric "fireplace" with realistic flame in Dog House (separate cottage).
- Wood Fireplace : Large stone fireplace in living room.
- Beds
- King Bed : Twin beds in The Squirrel's Nest can be put together, on request, to make an Eastern King Bed.
- Queen Bed : One Queen Bed in the Eagle's Nest (master bedroom) & one in the Dog House (Dog House bed has foam topper).
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : The Squirrel's Nest has 2 twin beds that can, on request, be pushed together to make an Eastern King.
- Convertible Bed : The 2 large sofas in the living room are each slightly larger than a twin bed. One of those sofas is a Queen sofa bed.
- Child Bed (2) : We have created a dual-level bed in the sauna that our 2 & 4 year old grandchildren are crazy about. This is right next to the master bedroom on the main level of the house. [Needless to say, we have disconnected the power at the power box; we have also covered the windows with PlexiGlas.] Closet in master bedroom is large enough for a PakNPlay.
- Crib : See comment about "child bed". Pak N Play portable crib is available on request. The closet in the master bedroom is large enough for clothes plus a PakNPlay - our 15 month old grandchild, with a baby moniter, happily resided there for a week this summer.
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub : New in 2009, Hot Springs spa nestled into the rocks.
- Sauna : Wood sauna off the master bathroom with window looking out to the lake. [We have temporarily converted this to a dual-level bed for children; if you are interested in having a sauna, please let us know. It can be converted back to a sauna for a $50 charge.]
- Cable/Satellite TV : 52" flat screen TV, with DVD, in master bedroom. "Expanded basic" cable service.
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Stereo & Large collection of old LP records --- great for nostalgia!
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Extremely well equipped. A best selling cookbook author did much of his writing and cooking at the Rockpile. Great view of lake.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Kitchen Aid mixer, Cuisinart, blender, coffee maker and many more small appliances. New, high quality pots & pans.
- Refrigerator : Stainless, new in 2009.
- Dishwasher : New in 2009.
- Microwave : One in kitchen & one in "Dog House" cabin.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Propane grill right outside kitchen door with incredible view.
- Deck/Patio : 4 decks - On the main (upper) level of the house there is one by the front entrance with views to the North and West, one off the kitchen with views to the South and West (from Kings Beach,& around the South side all the way to Crystal Bay), and one which looks out to the East and is tucked into the boulders allowing you to get out of the afternoon wind. The hot tub is on this deck. There is an additional deck just below the Dog House.
- View/Location
- Lake View : Just over a stone's throw from the lake with extraordinary view of the lake in almost all directions, encompassing more than 200 degrees. Several guests have commented that it is much closer to the lake ("awesome--really a stone's throw!!") than they had pictured.
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Walking distance (8 min. walk) to North Tahoe's small casino area. 3 minute walk to lovely local beach. In winter, a very short distance to ski area free shuttle buses. Central to over 7 ski resorts.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Dogs are welcome including large breeds. Please no cats as we have family members with cat allergies.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Mid-twenties. Mainly, we absolutely will not tolerate any loud partying!!
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
For RATES: see our website (link below) at www.luxurytahoehome.com/Rockpile
WINTER & SPRING: ** 4 NITE MINIMUM ** 4: $1600; 5: $1875; 6: $2100; WEEK: $2300
XMAS WK: 4 nights = $1750; 5 nights = $2000; 6 nights = $2250; 7 nights = $2450.
NEW YEAR'S WEEK (12/27-1/3) = already booked. SUMMER: WEEK MINIMUM!!!
!!Please!! check availability calendar before contacting us! PLS NOTE MINIMUMS!
Dog House available alone ($125/nite) ONLY 1 MONTH before arrival.
Main House available alone (except summer) 2 WEEKS before arrival.
Does not include 10% tax and $175 cleaning (less if whole house not rented.)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
A Luxury "Tree House", Hot Tub, Fireplace, Sauna -!!View!! ,
Year Purchased: 1960
Why the Owner Chose Brockway
My grandparents stayed at The Brockway Hotel for a number of years before this "development" opened in the early '20s. They could have bought anywhere but chose here both because of the dramatic huge boulders and extraordinary views, and because it has more sun exposure than anywhere else around the lake. The Brockway Point is known as "the banana belt" of Tahoe; we get much less snow than other areas of Tahoe (still enough to feel like winter but not so much shoveling!). Although we are removed from the highway and it's noise and busyness, we are right in the middle of all of Tahoe's activities ---and there is an absolutely terrific beach right around the corner. Additionally, even in busy holiday times the road (4 lanes going through Kings Beach) rarely gets backed-up traffic as is often the case on the West shore.
The Unique Benefits at this House
This house, built in 1935, has a wonderful "vintage Tahoe" feel to it. The views are breathtaking and available from every room of the house and all 3+ decks. The back deck, surrounded by boulders, is very sheltered from the wind that comes up most summer afternoons and it is extremely private. The house is conveniently located for all that Tahoe has to offer (be sure to see the list on our website of activities and the distance from the house to them) but so cozy that you won't mind having to stay in if the weather is bad. Many guests have commented about how amazingly quiet it is. Between the view, quality furniture, artwork, hot tub and sauna, this house will make you feel very pampered! Check out our guestbook and you'll see that we are not biased in these opinions!
Gorgeous, large neighborhood beach is only a 3 minute walk from the house.
Short hike to get up to an extraordinary view.Interesting trail around top with explanatory signs; created as a memorial to my brother. Great walk for dogs!
Huge beach with water craft rentals. A 3 minute drive from the house.
A five to ten 10 min. walk from the house, there are several small casinos which will give you a chance to gamble a bit without it overwhelming the natural sights and activities that North Tahoe offers. If gambling is your main focus, you might be happier at the south end of the lake where gaming and shows are more predominent.
The Northstar Ski Resort, with skiing, ice skating (rollar skating in summer), shops and restaurants is about 15 minutes from the house.
Squaw Valley with it's superb ski terraine and village with ice skating, shops and restaurants is just 30 minutes away. Alpine Meadows, another first class ski resort, is 25 minutes from The Rockpile.
65km of groomed xc trails, day lodge, cafe, rentals and lessons. 15 mins from the house.
Smaller ski resort which is terrific for families with young children. Ten minutes from the house.
Great place for sleding in the winter and hiking in the summer. 20 minutes form the house.
Large ski area which is very popular with the locals around here! 25-30 mins from The Rockpile.
Absolutely georgeous beach and site of The Shakespeare Festival in the summer.
South Tahoe, with it's casinos and shows, is 45-60 minutes from The Rockpile.
Heavenly Valley Ski Area, located inSouth Tahoe, is 45-60 minutes from The Rockpile. Kirkwood, another terrific ski area, is about 15 minutes further south.
Owner's Map of Brockway
The other 2 houses in our family compound have been in the family since the early 1920s; this one was purchased in the early 1960s from our neighbor who had become a close friend. We have only recently started renting it.
The Rockpile is owned by our two adult children and I (Mom) manage it for them.
Property Photos
-
- The Rockpile is aptly named for the way it sits atop a mountain of boulders. - Brockway Vacation House with a Hot Tub, Fireplace and a View of the Lake.
-
- Old Tahoe atmosphere includes large fireplace and Native American decor. - Brockway Vacation House with a Hot Tub, Fireplace and a View of the Lake.
-
- Approaching the separate cabin, The Dog House, with it's own deck. - Brockway Vacation House with a Hot Tub, Fireplace and a View of the Lake.
-
- The Dog House has a microwave oven & coffee maker, bathroom & its own deck.
-
- The "Squirrel's Nest" is up a few stairs from The Dog House. .
-
- The front deck of the top floor has this furniture + a dining table & chairs.
-
- There is a spectacular view of the lake from the front deck.
-
- The livingroom has a 180+ degree view of the lake..
-
- The rustic, hand-hewn diningtable is situated to make the most of the view.
-
- The kitchen has new appliances & just about all you could want in a kitchen.
-
- Another fabulous view - this one from the kitchen window.
-
- The Eagle's Nest has views to the lake & the back deck as well as a 52" TV.
-
- The back deck, with hot tub, is very wind protected yet still has a lake view.
-
- The Office (with laundry equipment) is ideal for mixing work and play.
-
- This is the view to the East, only one of the many views from every room & deck.
-
- This beach (3 x as large as this) is only a 3 minute walk from The Rockpile.
Traveler Reviews (26)
AWESOME GETAWAY
Guest: Trina
(Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 12/04/09
Review Submitted: 12/21/11
My best friend and I stayed here for two weeks in the off season before Thanksgiving. It is so quiet and peaceful at night, no sound of dogs barking or loud neighbors, which is something we live with everyday back at home. Oh, the silence is glorious! Magnificent views from the three panoramic windows of the living room. The rooms are clean, rustic, cozy, and welcoming. The kitchen has everything, the washer is front load (score!), and there's a hot tub to soak in after a day of hiking. Although it feels secluded, restaurants and grocery stores are less than 5-10 minute drive away. We could have easily stayed here for another week. Gail and her husband, Ken, are so nice and accommodating. The next time we're in Tahoe, we wouldn't hesitate to stay at Rockpile again.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
Views Galore.
Guest: Kim
(LA)
Date of Stay: 08/21/11
Review Submitted: 09/21/11
We stayed at the Rockpile this summer and there is a stunning vista from everywhere you look. I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. I have been staying at VRBO properties for years and never I have I been to on that is so incredibly well appointed. Everything you could possibly need is there. There is a queen sized bed in the master and then a pull out in the living room in the main house, but if you have other guests they will be sleeping in a separate place (just down the steps). The living room has the best view in the house, and is very cozy as well. We loved it. There is also a beach 3 minutes walk away that we spent at least 3 days on. It is uncrowded because the water level is so high and the swimming is awesome - I would get there early. If you are not familiar with Brockway - it is very hilly so keep that in mind if you are on bikes. We drove our bikes a very short distance and rode them from there.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Joe
Guest: Joe
(San francisco)
Date of Stay: 06/26/11
Review Submitted: 07/09/11
We had a great week at the Rockpile. The main house kitchen and living areas feel cozy, private and secluded. The sauna and hot tub are a nice luxury that made our trip unforgettable. Both were clean and in excellent working condition. The view from the 3 picture windows in the living room is of the waters edge to all around the lake and there was so much to see; kayakers,canoes,standup paddlers, skiboaters, seaplanes, so much to see from the Rockpile. We were very lucky the week we stayed because there was a rain storm and my wife and I could watch the storm clouds move around the lake. It was beautiful but just as nice was the perfect sunny weather and being able to see the lake come alive with activity the next day. Our hosts Gail and family are the nicest people you would ever meet. Every inquiry is addressed promptly and always in a friendly welcoming manner. We hope to return again in the fall.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
Truly a Piece of Heaven
Guest: Lish
(Indianapolis, IN)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11
Review Submitted: 06/20/11
If you're excited about your trip to the Rockpile simply by viewing the listing photos and reading the descriptions of this place, you will only be even more pleased once you arrive and see this home and surrounding area in person. We had been planning our trip for months and we honestly could not have been more pleased with our entire experience. The actual house was remarkable. Because the bedrooms are on different levels, it would be ideal for extended or multiple families vacationing together. However, there is also adequate room on the main level for those traveling with small children. The views from the house are simply breathtaking. It is difficult to describe the views. You will have to see it for yourself once you arrive. The surrounding towns were quite pleasurable as well. Kings Beach is within walking distance. Make time to eat at the Log Cabin Cafe at least once for breakfast while there. We visited Incline Village quite a bit as well. If you're into pampering yourself some, the Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt was remarkable. We highly recommend it. We made it up to Squaw Valley one day too. There is the option to take a cable car up to High Camp, hike around, swim, eat, and then either ride it down or hike back down. We had dinner at Moody's in Truckee one night as well. It was also a great surrounding town. Make time to visit there as well. Now about those owners of the Rockplie...this property is family owned. We cannot say enough wonderful things about this family. They were overly accommodating from the minute our reservation was made. Many pre-vacation questions were answered months before our actual trip. We felt very well taken care of throughout our stay and then even upon our departure. Our trip was practically perfect in everyway. The home, the view, the owners, the surrounding areas, and the activities were all perfect. We do hope to make it back to the Rockpile someday. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is considering a trip to Lake Tahoe. High Family, thank you again for a wonderful experience.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.
Fabulous Getaway
Guest: Zim
(Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 05/16/11
Review Submitted: 06/07/11
My husband and I stayed in the largest dwelling on the property during the week of 16 May 2011. A storm front blew through the Sierra Nevadas, however, we stayed warm and cozy in this extremely quiet and zen-like retreat. The wood burning fireplace (with wood provided!), full kitchen, and tremendous views were superb. The hot tub was privately located and provided another source of relaxation while watching the snow fly. Our host, Gail, was informative as to what the area offered. We would, without hestitation, return to this property.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
Guest: Grace
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/07/10
Review Submitted: 03/02/11
Thank you for the lovely stay. The Rockpile was the perfect place for me. I loved the space. the energy and the beauty of the place. There is a real sense of magic and even a sacredness. A lot of care went into the Rockpile. The boulders all around is just GRAND---one cannot help but be touched by them. It took me 3 days to come down and start to sink in and get into a groove. And when I did it was wonderful. I will be back and next time I will stay longer. FOR SURE! I will recommend the Rockpile and I am sure some of my friends and acquaintances will contact you. Lastly, thank you for your kindness and openness with me. You made this trip even more special.
Recommended for:
The Ultimate Reunion
Guest: Jeremy
(Burlingame, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/21/11
Review Submitted: 02/17/11
"hmmmm where can we go to find multi unit home for privacy, quality group hosting environment (great cutlery/bar/etc), separate sitting on a small rock bluff with about a 250 degree view of the lake?" If you are saying this right now, then waste no more time. Our experience (with a one year old mind you) included roasting in the sauna, relaxing in a private hot tub, cooking extravagant meals, wine near a roaring fire, and card games at the coffee table which give you an expansive view of the lake. Gail (host) doesn't get any more accommodating (graciously providing books and toys for our little one and advice when needed on using the rental). You wont regret it.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Beautiful White Christmas
Guest: San Diego Fans of this home
(San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10
Review Submitted: 02/10/11
Our family was so pleased when we arrived to our cabin. It was an ideal location and we woke up to a spectacular view of the Lake...Wow! Breathtaking. Our every need was met and we enjoyed our stay. The family even invited us for an eggnog at their home for Christmas Eve. The kitchen was well stocked, the beds were comfortable and ample..... and the family room with the fireplace was a big hit! We enjoyed soaking in the hottub while it was snowing.... The kids keep asking when we can return! It was the ultimate vacation for our family. First time we ever spent Christmas away from home and we were not disappointed. Thanks again for sending our daughter's bag that was left behind and more importantly.... thanks for sharing your beautiful home with our family. Take Care and Hope to see you Soon! ~ All our Best from San Diego
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
January at the Rockpile
Guest: Dave
(Mojave Desert)
Date of Stay: 01/03/11
Review Submitted: 02/08/11
If you want the best of old Tahoe the Rockpile is perfect but it is even more than that. Simply put it is a fabulous and one of a kind property. I've been visiting Tahoe for forty years and even lived on the Lake for a bit a couple of decades ago and I've never lived, stayed, or visited at a more charming location. The house is old school, hand built, wood, trees, and great boulders everywhere. The views and setting are unsurpassed. Watch yourself on the steps and stairs but we had small kids and grandma along for the trip and the up and down worked out without any problems. The main living area is open, great views, massive stone fireplace, and behind is a really great galley kitchen that easily accommodated all of our menu planning. The place has soul and we will certainly return for another trip. Very close to Mt Rose and Incline, right on the state line if you're looking for a nearby casino - you could walk - and 30-40 minutes from Reno International you're staying in a quite and lovely place but are minutes from anything you'd want to do in the diverse recreation and distractions of Tahoe. My wife and I have been many places in the States and abroad and the Rockpile is absolutely one of a kind.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
Amazing Thanksgiving at the Lake!
Guest: Jason
(Dallas)
Date of Stay: 11/23/10
Review Submitted: 12/18/10
We stayed at the Rockpile over Thanksgiving and had the most amazing stay! Despite a massive snowstorm, we found the Rockpile to be gorgeous and comfortable. With a view of the Lake from almost every window, we could not have found a more picturesque location. And though the house was convenient to everything (3 min walk to the beach, 10 min walk to the casino/bus stop), it still felt like w were secluded in the woods. It truly was a retreat! Most of all, though, the owners of this house made our stay fantastic. We were unable to drive our rental up the mountain due to the snow, so the family picked us up at the Casino to drive us down to the house. And on our way out, they were kind enough to wake up at 6am to drive us back up to our airport shuttle! Finally, they found my lost wedding ring and mailed it back to me with no hastle - they were AMAZING! Thanks to the whole family for giving up a piece of their Thanksgiving to make our stay wonderful! I would recommend this house to anyone considering a Tahoe vacation! ENJOY!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
First (10) of (26). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #224528
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Wednesday, December 07, 2011
