By Tim Hauserman

If you are a guest at Sunnyside Lodge you are aware of the long history of Tahoe’s West Shore. It has been a place for folks to spend their summers for years.  Beautiful homes have been built on lake front estates on the West Shore since the early 1900s: Vikingsholm and the Pine Lodge at Sugar Pine Point are two excellent examples that were originally built as private residences.  If you’ve had the opportunity to tour those two unique properties, wouldn’t it be nice to take a gander at a few of the other fine private homes on the West Shore that you never get to see?

For 45 years, the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society has given folks that opportunity, by arranging their annual Home Tour of some of the best examples of old and new architecture in Tahoe. You get to see some cool homes, while supporting a worthwhile organization at the same time. This year, the tour is focused on the Meeks Bay and Rubicon Bay portion of the West Shore, and will highlight five properties, including the famous Kehlet Mansion at the Meeks Bay Resort, and a uniquely eco-friendly home in Rubicon.

The Kehlet Mansion was built in 1934. It has 7 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and has been recently updated, but still keeps its rustic woodsy flair. If you have ever sat on Meeks Bay beach you have been curious about that classic Tahoe cabin perched at the edge of the point. That’s the Kehlet Mansion. It’s also available for short term rentals and is a popular location for Tahoe weddings.

Another property on the tour is the Susan Smith House, which produces more energy than it consumes via its solar panels. In fact, there is enough extra energy to power an electric car year-round.  The home also blends smart design, green materials and the latest technology to create a home with a positive impact on the environment.  An environmental technology expert will be at the home to explain all the features.

Event Details: August 1st, 12pm to 4 pm PST. The Home Tour is a fundraiser for the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society, which operates the Gatekeepers Museum where the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe meet. Ticket price is $85 ($75 for historical society members) and includes a reception at the Kehlet Mansion, with food, drinks and music.

Go to northtahoemuseums.org to register.