This impressive mountain house, crafted by MWA Architecture, showcases a beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern materials, situated in Truckee, California. This lakefront property had sat vacant for some time before a developer with a vision noticed the narrow lot with its difficult access. The long site meanders alongside Lahontan’s largest lake. Lahontan is a private golf community in North Lake Tahoe.
The design maximizes views from every room, capturing the lake and beyond to Northstar’s Lookout Mountain and the Lahontan golf greens. Despite the large windows, privacy was still preserved, while also moderating exposure to the intense Sierra sun. For this vacation home in the mountains, serenity and relaxation were underlying themes complemented by all the modern luxuries.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT MWA Architecture ENGINEERING/ STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Gabbart & Woods BUILDER NSM Construction LANDSCAPE DESIGNER High West Landscape Architects INTERIOR DESIGNER Morgan Shoemaker – MWA Architecture
Above: The porte-cochere offers a warm welcome. The thoughtful orientation of this 7,400 square foot home makes the most of its exquisite setting. Due to the narrowness of the property, the length of this home had to be softened. This was addressed through multiple roof forms and interconnecting spaces.
Above: On the exterior facade, local granite is complimented with horizontal and shingle cedar sidings. The roofs are finished with a mix of thick slate and metal. The metal roofs are custom, hand-formed, oversized, diamond-shaped, metal shingles formed to be parallel to the varying hip pitches.
What We Love: This gorgeous mountain house in Truckee offers a sophisticated backdrop for displaying the homeowner’s curated art collection throughout. Traditional rustic mountain finishes intermingle with contemporary artwork to create a unique aesthetic that is truly exquisite. We are saving the most memorable mention for last, the breathtaking views this home has to offer throughout. We could imagine a relaxing vacation in this fabulous mountain home.
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Note: Have a look at a couple of other amazing mountain home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the builders of this project, NSM Construction: Cozy mountain style cabin getaway in Martis Camp, California, and Cozy mountain retreat with Scandinavian vibe on beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Above: The architects’ employed walnut windows, trim, and paneling throughout. This created a rich feel, yet is a very durable material that reinforces the mountain character. The expansive wood ceiling highlights the three-tiered iron chandelier. Local granite walls flank the fireplace. Hand-forged metal doors and black fire brick add to the old-world feel.
Above: Glass doors display a variety of glassware at the bar. A custom-built keg fridge connects to a tap at the bar.
Above: Window shades recess into the walls to protect this mountain home from the elements. Heating vents are cleverly concealed behind the window trim. Three large windows frames panoramic views of the lake. When not in use, the dining room serves as an elegant hall between the living room and kitchen.
Above: Artisan-made leaded glass windows add a traditional touch and elegance to the buffet and wine room door.
Above: The fully equipped kitchen gives the client everything they need to entertain. A large custom pewter counter and island house the range. The sink and leaded glass window are flanked by the fridge and appliance tower. Impressive 6′ x 6′ black walnut and cork coffers adorn the ceiling.
Above: Impressive 6′ x 6′ black walnut and cork coffers adorn the ceiling. A stainless steel hood extends from the coffered ceiling. Spice pull-out cabinets flank the range.
Above: A breakfast nook overlooks the dining terrace and offers a casual eating space.
Above: A paneled door near the stairs conceals the owner’s office while an AV system is hidden under the stairs.
Above: LED lighting highlights the art on the second-floor landing and creates a striking effect. The owner and design team worked closely with the blacksmith to create a custom and unique design for the hand-forged iron railings.
Above: The walnut-paneled private gallery and tower showcase art and lead from the master suite to the guest suite.
Above: The large master suite of this mountain home features a cozy fireplace. The room’s high vaulted wood ceiling is dramatically lit with a large iron chandelier.
Above: This spacious owner’s bedroom suite features a private deck that overlooks the tranquil lakeside setting.
Above: The bathroom features his and her hammered copper sinks and a cast iron bath. Wainscoting of marble slabs and travertine tile add warmth and elegance to the master bath. The vanity features open shelves for towel storage.
Above: HVAC liner diffusers and recessed window shades are strategically concealed in the thickened window wall so as not to distract from the old world feel the client envisioned.
Above: Shower walls crafted from natural quartz slabs.
Above: A rounded vanity adds a traditional touch. Open cabinets provide robe and towel storage.
Above: This guest suite features a private deck and a unique ceiling design.
Above: The interior coffered ceiling design extends out into the dining terrace of the family room and kitchen. From the dining terrace, guests can flow to the central terrace and fire pit for warmth. The curved lines add both beauty and functionality to this patio area.
Above: A bi-fold door opens one wall of the formal living room to the central terrace, blurring the lines between indoors and out.
Above: A covered dining terrace features a picturesque view of the lake as well as a built-in BBQ.
Photos: Vance Fox Photography
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