Lakeside Tahoe

It was a sign. Quite literally. Avid outdoor enthusiasts, our clients had always dreamed of owning a Lake Tahoe vacation home. While paddleboarding during a visit, they spotted a  “for sale” sign along the shoreline and a tired cabin sited unusually close to the lake. The Bay Area couple was captivated by the property and by the promise of summers on the water and winter weekends on the slopes.

FGA was enlisted to design a new custom Lake Tahoe mountain home on this steep and exceptional site. The hillside location presented some complex siting, environmental, and access considerations. Drawing on FGA’s extensive experience with challenging topography and sensitive properties, the design carefully preserves as much level ground as possible for a lawn, lounge areas, and hot tub – prioritizing year-round outdoor living while respecting natural terrain.

Clad in richly stained redwood board-and-batten siding with dark green trim and a Montana stone base, the exterior evokes a refined interpretation of the Old Tahoe aesthetic. On the lake-facing elevation, stacked bay windows afford panoramic views from the kitchen and living room with an indoor dining area nestled between them. Glass accordion doors lead from the dining room to the true heart of the home: a covered, all-seasons porch designed for fireside evenings and unobstructed lake views, fully protected from Sierra Nevada weather. Below the main living level, lake-facing bedrooms and a recreation room are accessible by stairs and a elevator.

In addition to the newly constructed residence, FGA remodeled the existing boat house for architectural continuity. The same stained board and batten siding unifies the structures, while the reconfigured interior introduces a large open living space with bi-fold doors opening directly to the water.

More images coming soon…