Where to Find Holiday Dinners to Go in Lake Tahoe

Luxury Tahoe Home Thanksgiving Meal by Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, Nevada

Every once in awhile we stray from our standard blog updates about trends in Lake Tahoe mountain home design, the new golf and ski developments at Lake Tahoe and Carson City, and architectural remodeling ideas for homes in the North Shore of Lake Tahoe to bring you some local community news.

With the holidays now in full swing, we thought you would enjoy a little insight as to where to find a gourmet meal to go to enjoy at home this year. Thankfully, there are more options than ever before to reserve your Thanksgiving dinner to go which was prepared for you by one of our many top restaurants at Lake Tahoe. 

There is a good article in the Tahoe Daily Tribune which offers a nice selection from the North Shore to the South and in Incline Village, home to Borelli Architecture.

We do expect most of these establishments to continue to offer meals to go throughout the end of the year.  So enjoy a few days out of the kitchen and a safe and memorable night at home.

Here  it their list and for more details, feel free to read the story that we’ve noted above.

NORTH SHORE

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

The Thanksgiving dinner to-go is $560 which includes tax and gratuity. A larger 20- to 22-pound turkey option is available for $615 plus tax. The meal can be purchased by visiting https://hyattlaketahoe.ticketleap.com/thanksgiving2020/.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

Each meal will be hot, ready to eat and packaged for transportation. Orders must be placed by Saturday, Nov. 21. Dinner for two is $95, and dinner for four is $180, with optional wine pairings for $25 per bottle. Pick up time is 3:30-5 p.m. on Nov. 26 in the Olympic House. To order click, here.

For questions, email banquetsSVAM@squawalpine.com.

Lone Eagle Grille

In lieu of their annual Thanksgiving Buffet, Lone Eagle Grille will be offering a Thanksgiving takeaway option that will have a contactless pick up from the front drive of the main building.

Prices are inclusive of all taxes and gratuities and includes a bottle of Canvas Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine. Turkeys range in price depending on size, a 16-18 pound turkey will all sides is $560, a 20 to 22 pound turkey with sides is $615. For more information visit http://www.loneeaglegrille.com.

EAST SHORE

Zephyr Cove Resort

Thanksgiving take-out orders must be received by noon on Monday, Nov. 23. The take-out meal is $30 per person. Guests can place their orders by calling 775-589-4927.

For more information, visit http://www.zephyrcove.com

SOUTH SHORE

Riva Grill will be offering a traditional thanksgiving meal for takeaway this year in addition to their regular menu.

For more information, visit http://www.rivagrill.com.

Ten Crows BBQ

Ten Crows BBQ will be serving up their own 4th annual turkey day special for those opting not to cook. They will be offering a to-go family of four package for $150 with a bottle of wine (Boeger Barbera).

For more information visit http://www.10crows.com.

 

Finally, during the holiday season, our thoughts turn to you with gratitude and appreciation for your support.  Through these challenging times, there is no time more appropriate to say ‘Thank You.”
May this Thanksgiving and Christmas season to come be filled with traditions that remind you of all the good things in life.

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Real Estate Market Continues to Sizzle in Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Reno

Luxury Tahoe Home Design by Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, Nevada - Tahoe Truckee Martis Camp Lahontan Clear Creek Architect

 

The real estate market is soaring throughout Lake Tahoe’s Nevada and California markets as well as the Reno/Sparks region in Nevada.  Unlike any other year on record, Chase International, based here in the Lake Tahoe and region region, experienced record home sales and record home prices, according to its Q3 Report.

Here’s what their recent press release noted about their success which mirrors other stories throughout our news sources in the region.

“We are experiencing an unprecedented time in the real estate business,” said Julie Kozich, real estate officer for Chase International. “The numbers confirm the interest that our buyers are fleeing the city life and settling into the High Sierra and surrounding region for a healthier and more peaceful lifestyle.”

The figures are part of a quarterly Report released by Lake-Tahoe-based real estate agency, Chase International, that has just documented skyrocketing statistics.  The data compares all MLS homes sales from January 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020 to the same timeframe in 2019.

Among the most impressive numbers are those that were documented from the Nevada side of the Sierra. 

Kozich noted the 123% increase in volume on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore with total home volume hitting an all-time high at $294,699,629 in Q3 2020.  On Lake Tahoe’s North Shore, Incline Village recorded an 82% increase in total single home volume with the average listing price increasing 24%.

Our architecture firm in Lake Tahoe and Carson City is experiencing a similar pace with new homeowners purchasing land to build their new home in Nevada.  Althought lots are literally no longer available in Incline Village, many of the old homes have hit the market and are now being torn down to make room for a new home in our tax friendly state.

Just over the hill, the very popular and prestigious Clear Creek Tahoe golf and ski resort development is seeing the same interest.  In fact, we have several homes in the design phase right now.

If you have always thought about moving to enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle (and remember our tax friendly assets), feel free to reach out to Borelli Architecture.  We are at the pulse of land and home sales in Nevada and Lake Tahoe and ready to share our advice with you.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

What to Do When Your Home is Haunted!

As an architect firm that has been designing and remodeling homes in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region for over 30 years, we always look forward to hearing about clients’ homes, or property, that may be haunted!  And as the area overflows with beautiful old homes in particular along the lake, why wouldn’t some of them still be occupied by residents gone-by?

In addition, many of the shoreline properties were the summer grounds and burial grounds of the Washoe (Native American) tribes.  In fact, history notes that their heritage within the High Sierra dates back over 90,000 years.

With Halloween around the corner, we thought it would certainly be appropriate to lend some insight to our fans about haunted homes – and what to do, or not to do, if your home is indeed ‘occupied’ by spirits unknown.

In a recent article posted by RIS Media, entitled Home Haunted? they shared some interesting insight that we are sending along to you right now.

“Among the more than 2,000 U.S. homeowners that were surveyed by realtor.com®, 13 percent said they believe they live in a haunted house currently and, among them, more than half (56 percent) say they have not considered moving.

“Haunted houses typically draw big crowds this time of year, but we wanted to see how many people actually believe they live in one,” said Lexie Holbert, realtor.com® housing and lifestyle expert. “Although only a small percentage of respondents indicated they believe their home is haunted, it was surprising to see how many are comfortable sharing their space with spirits.”

Another interesting takeaway from the survey is the fact that among the respondents who believe they currently live in a home that’s haunted, Northeasterners were the most comfortable living with spirits (76 percent), followed by those in the West (57 percent), the South (51 percent) and the Midwest (35 percent).”

What to do if your home is haunted?

Click into this link from ISoldMyHouse.com.  It will take you to a page that will tell you all about their partnership with and exorcist who can rid your home of those spirits that share your space!

Boo!

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

 

What to Do if You Come Across a Downed Power Line?

I recently read an article that was published in a local newspaper in Flathead Lake, MT.  Their weather mirrors ours throughout each season.  Recently they experienced some extremely high winds that downed trees throughout the east side of the Lake.  With so much destruction, the Flathead Lake Electric Cooperative decided they should jump onto to an education program to help locals and visitors alike be better prepared for falling power lines.

With the winter season around the corner, we can certainly expect to see a return of the classic High Sierra winds that are just part of living in the majestic Lake Tahoe and Truckee regions. Right here in our architecture firm in Incline Village, NV, we sit on top of a ridge where we can experience some pretty good gusts this time of the year, and into the winter months as well.

The article included some very good information, complete with visuals, that can be used universally – no matter where you live on the planet.

As we design mountain homes in Truckee, Lake Tahoe, and especially the Carson Valley that gets the brunt of the wind, we always review the electrical lines and carefully position our homes within a safe distance – should any lines go down.

If you have recently purchased a lot on which to build a home, or have plans to remodel or expand your footprint, our team at our architecture firm in Washoe County, NV, would be pleased to come by to review your situation and its existing electrical layout.

In the meantime, feel free to share the following artwork that is courtesy of the Flathead Lake Electric Cooperative.

Stay safe out there!

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

 

 

 

How to Prepare Your Home for Evacuation

Caldor Fire in Lake Tahoe

This past month, and this week in particular, has seen more fires than ever recorded throughout the west.  In an effort to help us all be prepared, I am sharing this recent article written by Tia Rancourt, Public Education/Information Officer, for the North Lake Tahoe Fire District.

If you would like more information, please contact her directly at 775-813-8106, trancourt@nltfpd.net

WEATHER & FIRE SAFETY INFORMATION – PREPARING FOR FIRE EVACUATION

(Credit to Tia Rancourt, NLRFD, July 20, 2020)

As we have been experiencing lately, fires started by lightning peak in the summer months and in the late afternoon and early evening. Know what to do to keep you and your family safe when storms strike.

  • If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or a hard-topped vehicle right away.
  • Do not go under trees for shelter. There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.
  • Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter.
  • Stay away from windows and doors. Stay off porches.
  • There is no safe place outside. Places with only a roof on sports fields, golf courses, and picnic areas are not safe during a lightning storm. Small sheds should not be used.
  • If a person is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1. Get medical help right away.

Facts & figures from National Fire Protection Association:

  • During 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 22,600 fires started by lightning. These fires caused annual averages of
    • 9 civilian deaths
    • 53 civilian injuries
    • $451 million in direct property damage
  • Fires started by lightning peak in the summer months and in the late afternoon and early evening.
  • For more information on lightning safety please visit www.nfpa.org.

Please keep in mind that with the drier than normal conditions this summer, it is important to create and maintain defensible space around your home. Visit tahoelivingwithfire.com for more information and “Fight fire with a plan.”

Prepare your family, property, and possessions now before a wildfire starts by creating a plan:

  • Develop a family evacuation plan
  • Create and maintain defensible space
  • Assemble a Go-bag and a disaster supply kit for your home and vehicle
  • Sign up for emergency notifications for residents and visitors and stay informed
  • Reduce the threat of wildfire by learning about embers and how to harden your home. Attend the free virtual Tahoe Home Retrofit Workshop on July 28, 2020. Visit bit.ly/TahoeRetrofit to pre-register

If you plan on water recreation activities on Lake Tahoe, please remember the temperature can be colder than most, as it is an Alpine lake. Whether boating, jet skiing, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding or swimming, it is important to inform yourself about the colder temperatures and the forecasted weather as it can change very quickly, please visit National Weather Service.

On behalf of our entire team at Borelli Architecture in Incline Village on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore, we encourage you to take preventative measures as noted above.  Be safe.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Impressive Lake Tahoe Environmental Restoration Projects In Motion

Throughout our news postings our architecture firm at Lake Tahoe likes to share information about our environmental issues that are impacting the land in which we live.  Today, we want to bring you up to speed on some of the more significant projects that are being funded and organized through TahoeFund.org.

Before we get to the specifics, let me enlighten you about the purpose of this fine organization.  As noted on their website:

“The Tahoe Fund was founded in 2010 as a registered nonprofit in the States of  Nevada and California. The goal of the Tahoe Fund is to become a major source of private funding for environmental projects around the Lake Tahoe Basin with an emphasis on forest health, lake clarity, sustainable recreation, transportation and stewardship. They provide a common vision from which to build a sustainable future for this irreplaceable resource and for those who cherish and enjoy this mountain landscape.

Lake Tahoe lies within two states, five counties and hosts an extensive network of local, state and federal agencies. Tahoe Fund programs directly benefit a population base of 40,000 full-time residents and 20 million visitors to the Basin.”

Per their mission above, right now they are involved some interesting and significant projects.  I’ll show you the highlights and then offer links to their stories so you can read more about the projects at hand.

Tyrolian Mountain Bike Trail Restoration

My wife, Kelly, and I enjoy mountain biking from our home in Incline Village.  One of our favorite trails to test our tenacity is the popular Tyrolian Village trail which is just above a few homes that our architecture firm in Tahoe has remodeled in this quaint European-style community.   There’s a terrific group of organizations that have joined forces to repair, restore, and renovate what used to be quite a challenging mountain bike trek.  We send our appreciation now to those who are investing their time, talent, and treasure to remove the old timbers that caused endless bike enthusiast to take a tumble or two.

Smartest Forest Fund

With our summer wrapped within another wild wildfire season, we are looking forward to seeing the results of this very significant project.  Entitled “Smartest Forest Fund,” this program includes several initiatives to repair, replant, and restore our forests throughout the Lake Tahoe basin.   Highlights from their website note its goals:

-The Smartest Forest will dramatically decrease the time it takes to plan and approve restoration work.

-The Smartest Forest will use technology to enhance wildlife studies and harvesting plans.

-The Smartest Forest will find new outlets for the excess fuel in the forest.

-The Smartest Forest will prepare our community for wildfire evacuation.

-The Smartest Forest will find new financial tools to do more work more quickly.

Drink Tahoe Tap

Did you know that our tap water in Incline was voted as the best tasting water in the country?  True story.  And in an effort for locals and visitors alike to continually drink our tap water, and leave their plastic bottles at bay, the Tahoe Water Supply Association is offering the opportunity for local businesses to install new Water Bottle Refill Stations.

Available on a first-come basis, grants will be offered to Basin businesses who fill out the application, install the water bottle refill stations and submit proof of installation and payment between August 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.
Here’s the application with all the information you need to get one of these environmentally-friendly devices that offer safe and tasty water to all who visit your establishment.
As always, we encourage you to get involved in our community to help protect our piece of paradise.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

 

When to Purchase A Home and Remodel? Perhaps Now … !

Home remodel in Incline Village, NV
Home remodel in Incline Village, NV by Borelli Architecture

Just this morning I read an article entitled:  We’re Running Out of Homes To Sell” in Lake Tahoe.

With key points in the article noting:

  • Lake Tahoe real estate is getting snapped up at a record pace, as San Francisco tech workers flee the city in search of more space and a healthier lifestyle.
  • Brokers say the inventory of homes for sale has shrunk to about one-fifth to one-tenth of the usual levels.
  • “People are writing all-cash offers for houses, sight unseen,” said Sabrina Belleci, a Lake Tahoe broker with Re/Max.

With more and more families and businesses moving to the state of Nevada to take advantage of its many tax benefits, our architectural firm in Incline Village, NV is fielding a lot of requests for more information about remodeling v/s buying a new home.

Right here in Incline, inventory is as tight as I have ever seen it during my 30 year residency.  With this noted, I thought I’d share some insight about the value of remodeling and some examples of what our architectural firm in Lake Tahoe and Truckee has recreated over our 30+ years of designing and remodeling homes in Washoe County.

Buyers usually want something they can move into – especially during the prime buying season – which is summer in Tahoe.  With the region’s limited inventory, and the demand to live an active life in the High Sierra, we do suggest our clients take a good look at the property’s overall assets.

Up here at 6,000+ elevation, that usually includes the views of the Lake and surrounding forest and mountain views.

If the home is rather new, a fresh coat of paint usually does the trick for a little facelift.

If the home is established, we like to look at the entire structure – evaluating its windows to ensure they are Low E, HVAC capabilities, and overall design.  The latter of which is very important when it comes to snow load – and where the snow UNLOADS when the spring thaw arrives; this past winter we’ve seen our share of broken porch railings and buried driveways due to poor design.

One also wants to review the home’s ‘new owners’ and how the design may or may not be ideal for either a large family moving in or a large home that now belongs to empty-nesters.  Our team at Borelli Architecture enjoys the opportunity to review our clients’ new purchase and offer solutions to best fit their lifestyle.  Some of the options may include the expansion of the kitchen, combining two guest rooms into an en-suite Master, refining the layout to move a downstairs bedroom to the main floor, or removing a pony wall to gain more space for a Great Room or brand new office.

In addition to the most urgent need to remodel a room into an office (see my recent post), another remodeling idea for mountain homes is to recreate the existing patio into an outdoor kitchen and dining environment.

And that is just the beginning of what one could or could not do to remodel a mountain home in Truckee or Lake Tahoe.

Another option of course, is to build a brand-new home.  There’s a beautiful golf course community in Carson City – which is just over the hill from the Lake – which also offers access to a private facility on the edge of Lake Tahoe. You can check it out at ClearCreekTahoe.com.  If you’d like a personal tour, I’ll be more than happy to show you some of the ideas for mountain golf course home designs.

Please never hesitate to give us a call to discuss your ideas for designing a home in Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Truckee, or right here in our hometown of Incline Village, NV.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

 

Tips on How to Remodel a Room into the Perfect Office Space

Luxury Tahoe Home Design by Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, Nevada - Tahoe Truckee Martis Camp Lahontan Clear Creek Architect

With most of the USA working at home these days, our architectural firm in Lake Tahoe, NV has received quite a few calls about our remodeling services in Incline Village, Truckee, and throughout the Lake.   What is enjoyable for us, is the opportunity to seize the moment to help our clients live a more well-balanced life – at home.

As this is a hot topic, we are taking this time to give you some tips on how to remodel a room or unused space in your home into a comfortable environment in which to continue your career.

Take an inventory of your home’s ‘space’.   Do you have a room that is used just for clutter-keeping?  What about a spot just off the porch?  Maybe you have become empty-nesters and have a room or two that would be ideal for your new office?

Get Professional Advice.  Once you have established the options, give us a call at Borelli Architecture.  We are happy to offer a complimentary visit to discuss the ideal use, and remodeling, of your home to accommodate your new world.  And, as a bonus, we offer interior design services as well through Kelly Borelli Interiors.

Establish The Best Option.  Working as a team, we will review the options with you and provide our advice according to the preferred room’s location.  In many instances, our clients need space for not just one office, yet two or more.  Take a look at the photo above; it’s a prime example of how adding a wall, or removing a few walls, can achieve many objectives.

Assess the structural design.  Sometimes what seems to be the best option is not the best at all.  Within the decision-making process, we will review the room’s structure, HVAC and electrical capabilities, window opportunities (to enjoy that fresh Sierra air), and safe egress and access.

Review Other Opportunities.  In addition to remodeling a room for an office, what about taking the opportunity to add additional features that you have always wanted in your home.  How about a library or large shelving to display some of your favorite memories or awards?  Maybe it would be nice to have a kitchenette with room for a coffee pot,  mini-fridge, or sink?  Some of our clients have also requested our office remodel design to include space for a Murphy bed – to accommodate guests.

Ready. Set. Go.  Once you have confirmed your desires, you can move forward with confidence to confirm the costs, timeline, and estimated “Grand Opening” of your new office!

Please never hesitate to give us a call to discuss your ideas for remodeling your home. We’d be happy to help design a new and inspirational setting for your new office space in your home.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

 

A Perfect Gift for Your Valentine …

(Photo of “Twin Pines Lake and Ski House” courtesy of Clear Creek Development, NV)

With all the new snow at Lake Tahoe, we’ve turned into a winter wonderland filled with romance – just in time for Valentine’s Day.  From sunny days on the slopes to cozy nights by the fire, we have a perfect setting for this special day – and for many days to come this year.

And while you’re romancing by the fireplace, you might want to let your Valentine know about another ‘perfect setting’ that is getting underway on the edge of the Lake and just over the hill from our architectural firm in Incline Village.

It’s part of the golf resort development called Clear Creek that we’ve noted in former news articles and its taken the world by storm for those who seek a new place to call home in Nevada – that happens to have its own 18-hole golf course, community center, and … a very private lakeside retreat:  The “Twin Pines Lake and Ski House.”

Right next door to the prestigious Edgewood Golf Course, Twin Pines offers the residents of Clear Creek Development with one of the most spectacular settings on the edge of the lake and unmatched amenities that every Valentine could ask for when enjoying the lifestyle that comes with a brand new home at Clear Creek.

As its website notes:

“The joy of Twin Pines … is that you will never lift a finger as you gaze out over the 180 feet of sandy shoreline from this exquisite lakefront estate.”

“Twin Pines is the loving work of famed California architect Julia Morgan. Credited with some 800 buildings, among them Hearst Castle and countless Bay Area landmarks, her work on the shore of Lake Tahoe is a wonder of simplicity and craftsmanship. Twin Pines will be as she intended – a vibrant home to families savoring long, languid, carefree summer days and warm après ski gatherings around the fire. In her honor, we have preserved and protected this jewel beside the lake.”

Your Valentine really needs to see this as it’s a ‘see it to believe it’ showcase.

Did I mention this is all in Nevada?  Gotta love the tax advantages that come with a home site purchase!

When you want a private tour, just give me a call.  I’m in the Clear Creek neighborhood in Carson City, NV all the time showing my clients some suggested architectural designs for their next piece of paradise in my home state of Nevada.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

 

PS.  You can read more about this project through the numerous articles that have been published in the likes of the Robb Report, Golf Magazine, Money Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and other prestigious publications.  See a full list here:

Lake Tahoe To Improve ADA Access to the Great Outdoors

Every time I turn around there seems to be yet another great story about what our local organizations are doing to improve the lifestyle that comes with designing, building, and owning a home in the Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Carson City regions.  And this story is one to add to those that I have shared over the years.

It got my attention as I have been working on new ideas and watching the trends for ADA architectural home designs and remodels for my clients in Nevada and California.

The California Tahoe Conservancy opened up a public comment period at the end of 2018 to review their new draft plan to improve recreation access for those with disabilities at five regional conservancy properties.

According to Conservancy Board Chair Brooke Laine, “Recreation and public access have always been a core priority for the Conservancy We’re anxious to explore how we can improve access for all who wish to enjoy all of Lake Tahoe’s natural wonders.”

You can review the  Draft Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan right here.

The specific targets for ADA improvements include:

  • Carnelian West / Gar Woods
  • Carnelian East / Patton Landing
  • Kings Beach Plaza
  • North Tahoe Beach,
  • California side of Van Sickle Bi-State Park

The article noted that under the new plan, the Conservancy will:

  • put management of its nearly 4,700 properties, which total more than 6,500 acres, at the center of its work,
  • increase the Lake Tahoe Basin’s resilience to climate change impacts,
  • use large-scale initiatives—such as the Lake Tahoe West Restoration Partnership and the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative—to address such large-scale threats as climate change and catastrophic wildfire,
  • fulfill the vision provided by Proposition 68 of ensuring the Conservancy’s recreation opportunities are welcoming and accessible for California’s diverse communities, and
  • align the Conservancy’s workforce and partnerships with the new Strategic Plan.

Within the various meetings over the past month or so, the Tahoe Conservancy board also authorized the investment of $484,250 to three key projects focused on reducing fire risk and improving forest health.

So there’s some good news to share with you and those in particular who are disabled yet still have a passion to enjoy the great outdoors – right here in the heart of the High Sierra.

If you happen to know of anyone who needs to remodel their home or design a new home to meet ADA standards, please reach out to Borelli Architecture as we are familiar with the requirements and always here to share our insight.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060