This gorgeous lakefront house was designed as a multi-generational family retreat by Lot C Architecture, perched over Donner Lake in Truckee, Northeastern California. The property had been in the family since the 1960s, however, the original aging A-frame cabin needed to be torn down and replaced. A trio of siblings collaborated to conceive this new 4,956-square-foot home that would serve as a gathering place “luxe summer camp” to be enjoyed for future generations to come.

This dwelling was designed to stair-step down the slope of the property in three tiers. The garage is situated at the top, with a bunk and bedroom level in the middle section. The lower level features a double-story lakefront structure that serves as the social hub, showcasing a grand and inviting great room that perfectly frames views of Donner Lake through expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing.

Above: The exterior of this lake house features a striking combination of cedar shingles — Bodie Ghostwood by Pacwood and dark bronze corrugated metal. The materials are intended to shield against snow accumulation.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Lot C Architecture BUILDER Gallagher Construction Management INTERIOR DESIGN Studio V Interior Design

Above: This open layout great room features a living and dining area, home bar, kitchen, dining nook, and home office — all with elevated lake views.

Above: The main living area features a wall of glass by Sierra Pacific Windows. The glass doors open out to a floating patio with pavers sourced from Belgard. The focal point of this space is the hot-rolled steel fireplace complemented by a custom-fabricated concrete hearth.

What We Love: This beautifully designed lakefront house in Truckee offers so many fabulous areas to gather and socialize with loved ones. Spaces were created to feel intimate and cozy yet they also provide ample room for relaxation and conversation, blending warmth with an inviting openness. We love how all of the rooms offer incredible lake views and how the great room extends out to a floating patio that celebrates this home’s lakefront location. Overall, an amazing retreat that feels timeless, a modern-day family heirloom that will surely be appreciated for generations.

Tell Us: Would this be your idea of the ultimate family lake house retreat? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Check out a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Stunning mountain contemporary home in Truckee with indoor/outdoor living and A magnificent lakeside barn house with sweeping views over Donner Lake.

Above: The living room fireplace is flanked by a fabulous bar on one side and a cozy reading nook on the other.

Above: Structural timbers and a tongue-and-groove fir ceiling infuse warmth throughout this social hub.

Above: An open-concept dining and kitchen area features a large dining table with a reclaimed wood top on a metal frame.

Above: The kitchen features a quartzite waterfall island and custom-stained alder cabinets. The gorgeous flooring is hand-scraped hickory, which runs throughout the main living spaces.

Above: A built-in dining banquette serves as a multi-use space, for casual dining and evenings playing games.

Above: To host large gatherings, this lakefront house in Truckee includes two bunk bedrooms that are separated by gender. Each wing can comfortably accommodate up to eight overnight guests. Built-in benches with plush cushions can help to provide overflow guests when needed. This space was designed to feel like a summer camp.

Above: The mudroom was designed to feel like a locker room at a cozy lodge. Beautiful wooden cabinets provide ample storage space for outdoor gear. The flooring was designed to appear like concrete, yet is actually porcelain tiles, which are easy to clean and durable — resist wear, scratching, chipping, and cracking.

There is a game room located on the lower level with a pool table, working roulette wheel, and wet bar. This space opens out onto a terrace, boasting a hot tub and fire pit.

Above: On the lake side of the home you will find two outdoor decks, including a floating patio that extends off the second-level great room. The ground-level deck features a hot tub and fire pit, perfect for gatherings. There is also a toy garage to house a collection of Sunfish sailboats. Steps lead from the space down to the dock.

PHOTOGRAPHER Vance Fox Photography