Multi-million dollar estate full of history, innovative design

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. This tucked-away part of Incline is on the lakeshore along the historic Pine Cone Circle.

One of the original properties on Pine Cone Circle has been put on the market. Though the original character of the home still exists on this private lakefront property, the home has been completely renovated and decorated by renowned interior designer Catherine MacFee.

MacFee’s attention to 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 modern upgrades.

MacFee 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.

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 combination of elegance and rusticity that has defined Tahoe interiors for more than a century.

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 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 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.

It was built in 1951, with an extensive remodel and expansion in 1992. Dubbed Villa Lake Tahoe, the 3,400-square-foot home is situated on nearly a half an acre and includes 100 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 at 1655 Pine Cone Circle is listed at $8.79 million.

For more information, contact Karin Baker or Kerry Donovan at 866.831.8999 or email kbaker@chaseinternational.com or kdonovan@chaseinternational.com.