Home of the Week
[SinglePic not found]This week’s featured home is 208 Cedar Ridge, located in the desirable Zephyr Cove neighborhood close to gorgeous beaches and the Zephyr Cove Resort with stunning lake and mountain views! Reborn in 2002, stunning features include an artistic grand staircase, new roof, wiring, plumbing, gourmet kitchen, custom flooring and on and on. All walls and ceilings are finished with an artisian plaster. Lakeridge home owners have the rights to the private GID’s beach and pier extending 150 ft. into the lake with pavilion. If you love the sun, you will love this setting and the spectacular gardens. There is no lack of space throughout this home. Why the living room alone is 21 by 12.5 ft. There are 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 3,200 square feet of comfortable living space. Best of all are the private lake view balconies from two of the upstairs bedrooms. For a full property preview, check out the personal site created for this home and then, take the next step and book a tour.
Hidden Treasures in Lake Tahoe Neighborhoods
We recently moved from one local South Lake Tahoe neighborhood to another. And while I was looking forward to some of the new amenities (pool table, hot tub and high speed internet included,) I was starting to mourn the loss of my wonderful forested trails on the edge of Montgomery Estates. From outside my door, I could head up the road and enter a magical forest of pines, granite boulders, creeks and waterfalls. One hour of strolling and I felt as though I had had a couple of days away from the office.
Now, with no more excuses, it was time to get out and try walking in the new hood. Somewhat bummed, I started out along the various roads keeping my eyes and ears posted for traffic with crisp air, blue skies and chirping birds and squirrels accompanying me.
About the time I was to begin the homeward turn, I noticed a vacant lot that appeared to be bordering some kind of meadow. It also looked as though I may have discovered a shortcut so I decided to give it a try. What a surprise! I had discovered a stunning meadow studded with lupine, mule’s ear, Indian paintbrush, wild irises and a multitude of flowers whose names I simply do not know. Truly! And to highlight the wonder of my discovery, I realized that this hidden treasure was adjacent to Highway 50 in Meyers. I have lived here since 1992 and had no idea that there was yet, another treasure waiting to be discovered.
The more I thought about it, the more I pondered if there was a neighborhood in the South Shore that didn’t have a slice of Paradise right in its’ backyard. Was it possible? To seek some answers to my questions, I sat down with a map of the South Shore and sure enough, every neighborhood had at least a meadow, forest, river, golf course or park – something that could be accessed by foot within a short distance. “That’s it,” I decided. From this point on, whenever I take clients to look at homes, I am going to also point out the neighborhood “escape” route. After all, there is a reason we choose to live in Lake Tahoe. Now, we just need to continue rediscovering the glory.
[SinglePic not found]"Living the Life" on a Tight Budget in Lake Tahoe
Everyone’s looking for ways to “tighten the belt” these days, and those of us fortunate to live here in Lake Tahoe are no different. We are lucky though. It seems as though most of our friends and associates all migrated to the lake at one time or another with a single purpose in mind – a higher quality of life. There is an appreciation of beauty, joy and an eagerness to tackle a challenge. Being an international resort community presents a few economic challenges. Dining out, going to a performance, etc. can be a bit more expensive than in other areas yet there are alternatives found here that can be invigorating and FREE. And now, folks in Lake Tahoe are engaging in the challenge of finding ways to continue the “finer life” at little expense.
We’ve mentioned the rediscovery of the pot luck in the past. One of our favorite social activities these days is our glorified potluck – the “gourmet dinner club.” Okay – we are not “foodies” per say or culinary experts but we do like good food and even more so, stimulating conversation. These dinners have featured various themes such as food from other countries, regional foods and this year – famous chefs. The host (on a rotating basis) chooses a chef and assigns the various courses. Everyone does their homework and voila – an incredible meal, lively entertainment and NO TIP. Actually, there is a tip – Do this SOON!
Beach Night in Lake Tahoe
For four years now, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a group of our friends have been meeting every Tuesday evening at one of the many Lake Tahoe beaches. The initiative for this gathering was the realization during idle conversation that an entire summer had passed and no one had spent any time at the lake. How can you live in such beauty and not SEE it. From that point on, the Tuesday night event was underway. And although some evenings it could feel like a hassle to gather the picnic baskets, assigned meal contributions, chairs, layers of clothing, etc., once settled in, the same exclamations are uttered week after week. ”Wow, we really live here.”
Now that Labor Day has passed and we prepare for cooler months ahead, we take with us cherished memories of glorious sunsets, toddlers exploring sand & water, guitar strumming, discoveries of new wines and family recipes highlighting green Jello and belly laughs right here in our own “backyard.” And best of all, Tuesday Night Beach Dinner now a part of day-to-day living in Lake Tahoe (at least in the summer.) 
Gotta Love the Lake Tahoe Weather
The local classic quote for Lake Tahoe weather is, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes.” Okay, minutes might be a slight exaggeration, but only slight. Four days ago, we took the top down on the VW to enjoy summer weather at its finest. Off to the beach to soak up the rays, air up the bike tires, ventures to the local golf courses – all in full swing. Lake Tahoe residents were grinning from ear to ear.
However, you can bet there were jackets and scarfs stowed away in trunks and bags. Those of us that have called Lake Tahoe home for a few years no better. And sure enough, we awoke to snow this morning. YES SNOW! Now, I for one was somewhat delighted as I had been experiencing pangs of envy toward parents of the area’s current Little League baseball teams. How many games did we sit through huddled under down blankets and toting propane heaters to the bleachers? After all, this is how we locals historically prepare for our roles as Little League parents. Yet, this 2008 season saw Lake Tahoe Little League parents boasting sun burns. That’s just not right!
Alas, justice is here and as I watch over the office this Memorial Day weekend, I will remind my office peers to pack their layers of clothing and have a great time. Yes, the Boys of Summer are back.