A Lake Tahoe Legacy Built to Last Generations

Photography by Lance Gerber Photography

The idea to build a second home percolated for quite a while before avid skiers from the Bay Area decided to take the plunge. The family of six knew they enjoyed the area, but with four teen boys, they had simply grown out of their Lake Tahoe condominium.

The homeowners found a perfect location in Kirkwood, California, that offered true ski-in and ski-out access. Interior designer Linda Sullivan, owner of Sullivan Design Studio says, “At the end of the day, they can quite literally ski into their backyard.” The home is 4,772 square feet and features a comfortable, modern cabin design allowing the owners to enjoy quality time with their family and friends while in the mountains. Architect Roger Katz & Associates designed the home, and builder Frank Whatford brought the design to life.

The owners love to entertain and wanted to create a place where they could seamlessly host multiple occasions. They also requested an aesthetic that felt warm and inviting while embracing the simplicity and ease of modern décor. Lead designer, Silvia Hendrawan at Sullivan Design Studio, worked to help her clients achieve their goals by pairing stained oak with darkened steel metal accents.

Furniture selections add texture with soft upholstery fabrics combined with leather and cowhide. Hendrawan also emphasizes that incorporating durable materials was important to the owners. The flooring in high-traffic areas was made to withstand salt and moisture. Hearty finishes throughout guard against wear and tear.

Adding to the convenience of ski mountain access, this home features a ski room and jacuzzi for après ski. The heart of the residence is on the second floor. It combines a family room, kitchen, entertainment room, dining room and outdoor patio featuring stunning views of the surrounding mountain terrain. The kitchen boasts a large window that opens to a long patio counter. Beverages and food can easily be served to family and guests enjoying the beauty of the back deck.

A local Lake Tahoe artist created the home’s unique twig light fixtures, and a fabricator in Illinois customized the rustic, livable walnut. To make the home truly their own, photography by the boys was incorporated as an integral design element and color choices were selected to complement the photos.

The finished home is perfect for this tight-knit family, who consider it a legacy project that will, one day, be handed down to the boys. The family envisions many future generations loving this home the same way they do now. A champagne toast by clients and designers officially celebrated this special place the entire family can call home now and for years to come.

DESIGN DETAILS

INTERIOR DESIGN Sullivan Design Studio
ARCHITECT Roger Katz & Associates
BUILDER Whatford Construction
PHOTOGRAPHY Lance Gerber Photography