Secluded Lakefront Estate in Secret Harbor is a Luxurious Beachfront Compound

This luxurious and private lakefront property is uniquely secluded in the middle of the National Forest surrounded by white sand beaches and an old growth forest of redwoods and sequoias, with no other homes for miles in either direction!


PROPERTY PUBLISHINGS:

Main feature article in 2015 summer issue of Better Homes & Gardens Magazine

As featured in C Home Magazine 2014 by Christine Lennon:
"On the Waterfront"
Surrounded by a forest of redwoods and sequoias, this secluded Tahoe compound is re-imagined by the owners’ talented son. Though Todd Gildred recently received his master’s degree in interior design from San Francisco’s Academy of Art and is just now establishing his own design firm, TCannonDesign, he started conceptualizing his first commission—a collection of waterfront cabins on Tahoe’s eastern shore—more than 20 years ago. I've been spending summers up here since I was eight months old,” explains Gildred, 30. “My parents took us to Lake Tahoe in 1985, and when they discovered this property in the middle of a national forest, my father knew he had to have it.”

The four buildings on the property are now stunning examples of lakehouse-chic design. Gildred drew from the area’s Nordic influence, established by the post-Gold Rush families who first flocked to the area. He chose a color palette mimicking the variations of colors of the waters, the gray granite boulders, sandy shoreline, turquoise shallows and deep cobalt at the center. The Boathouse is now a sleek party room inspired by the vintage wooden boats for which Tahoe is famous. The Main House is an inviting family space built around the original fireplace. The guest cabins have whitewashed walls, exposed beams and modern kitchenettes, all designed with extended reunions in mind. “It’s camp for adults and kids,” he explains, “waterskiing, hiking, boating across the lake for a cocktail, and getting away from technology.”



LAKE TAHOE HISTORY:

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.



DESIGN CONCEPT:

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.



PROPERTY DESIGN DESCRIPTION:

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.

Boathouse
The boathouse is directly inspired from the vintage wood boats popular of the time. Italian, Riva, and American, Gar Woods, handcrafted golden mahogany and polished metals into sleek speedboats enticing sun seekers and joyriders to experience the lake in style. The two-tone teak and holly striped floors common of old sailboats and woodies, have been abstracted by being lifted and placed on the walls horizontally in the main room. The traditional black stripes and chrome detailings were also implemented in the space. Turquoise tile work and cream stone flooring reflect the shallow lake water and sandy beaches nearby.

Chicken’s Nest Cabin
This tastefully restored cabin paints an aesthetic of a whimsical forest of toadstools, trickling streams lapping over rounded stones, ancient trees covered in green moss, and light mist drifting through the endless thicket of branches. Frosted glass, reflective metals, whitewashed walls, mocha floors, and soft green complexions invite this experience into the home. Intricate patterns and light wooded antiques are implemented to compel the Nordic origins of much of Lake Tahoe’s early architecture.

Top Side Cabin
The experience of dusk on the lake is the concept for this home. As the skies fall into sunset, heavy blood oranges, shimmering golds, shades of gray, and the ominous black of the approaching night sky fill the horizon. Nocturnal creatures emerge in the form of bats skimming the lake shore in search of food, owls perched on tree limbs, and wolf like predators hunt for prey. All of these instances in nature are introduced into the designed space creating a tribute to its surroundings and an intriguing dynamic conducive to drawing a social presence.



PROPERTY AMENITIES:

Property:
Lakefront Property, Private beach, private pier, 2 private buoys, private parking area for 8-10 vehicles, custom outdoor fireplace, hammock, ping pong table, horseshoes, kayaks, surround by the National Forest with many adjacent white sand beaches and forest hiking trails, Satellite television, and wireless internet

Main House:
Bedroom #1: Master Suite includes California King Bed, en suite bathroom with Deep Soaking Tub, private office desk, walk in closet, library seating area, and balcony
Bedroom #2: Guest Suite includes California King Bed, en suite bathroom, Large Flat Screen Television, Wood burning fireplace, and reading nook
Bedroom #3: Guest Room includes 2 Twins Extra Long Beds, His & Her closets, and a reading nook
Home Amenities: Entry with coat closet/seating/powder bathroom, Full Kitchen with Breakfast bar, Dining Room, Expansive Living Room with 120” Projection Movie Theater, massive wood burning fireplace, Large capacity laundry machines, outdoor wood deck with dining table and lounge seating, and an outdoor commercial grade barbeque

Boathouse:
Living Room, Large Flat screen television, reading nook, wet bar with mini fridge, powder bath, and outdoor waterfall shower

Chicken’s Nest Cabin:
Bedroom #4: Master Suite includes California King Bed, en suite bathroom, walk in closet
Home Amenities: Full Kitchenette with Breakfast nook, Living Room with Large Flat screen Television, outdoor wood deck with dining table and lounge seating, and an outdoor barbeque

Top Side Cabin:
Bedroom #5: Loft Suite includes California King Bed, en suite bathroom,
Full Kitchenette with Breakfast bar, Living Room with Large Flat screen Television, outdoor wood deck with dining table and lounge seating



PLEASE NOTE:

-This home is located 10 minutes from Incline Village, past Sand Harbor, along the East Shore, down a gated, mile and half, unpaved road. Please inquire with your luxury property specialist about details and bring a reliable vehicle for access.

-Boat rental would be an ideal consideration for this remote property not only for recreational activities, but also to have timely access to lakefront restaurants and villages such as The Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Incline Village, Gar Woods, Jake’s in Tahoe City, Sunnyside, and Chamber’s Landing.

-The property utilities are completely “off the grid” so take note that the electrical is solar and generator powered, the water is sourced from the lake. Every system is completely automated so the property runs quite similar to a standard home.