TRPA Unveils Lake Tahoe Restoration Act Plans

Lake Tahoe North Shore

Lake Tahoe North Shore

Over the years we have continued to keep you up to date on what is new and trending with regard to the environmental policies that come with building or remodeling a home in the Lake Tahoe Basin.  As one of the region’s more established architectural firms in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, Borelli Architecture has its pulse on any and all activities underway with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the counties that wrap the Tahoe Basin.

Just this week, the TRPA unveiled its priorities that have been approved and are a part of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Plan for 2022 and beyond.

Within the document on the TRPA.org website it highlights this significant program:

The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2016 authorized up to $415 million over 7 years for the Environmental Improvement Program. The Act requires that the EIP maintain a priority list of projects for the program areas of Forest Health, Aquatic Invasive Species, Watershed Restoration, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, and Accountability.

Specifically, here are their top priorities:

Federal Fiscal Year 2022

Forest Health & Fire Protection $40,350,000 ~ Decrease the threat of catastrophic wildfire through forest fuels treatments and upgrades to water infrastructure

Aquatic Invasive Species $7,200,000 ~ Decrease the threat of catastrophic wildfire through forest fuels treatments and upgrades to water infrastructure

Watershed Restoration $48,368,000 ~ Improve water quality with innovative stormwater treatment projects and restoration of rivers and meadows. Transform communities through implementation of multiple-benefit projects

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout $7,720,000 ~ Continue to build a sustainable population of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in the basin through habitat restoration.

Accountability $2,300,000 ~ Continue to build out the LT INFO online public platform that tracks all EIP funding and accomplishments and incorporate EIP monitoring results

TOTAL $105,938,000

You can see the full report by following this link.

As we have noted before in many of our news reports, in addition to our architectural design services in Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Truckee, we offer an extensive list of services to help our clients navigate through the intricate environmental policies and county building codes.   If you ever have any questions about the varied proeceures, please reach out to me at anytime.

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

775 831 3060

Architectural Design Trends for Today’s Work at Home Environment

Living in Lake Tahoe, NV, we have seen a surge of new residents and second home owners deciding that if they need to be at home, they might as well live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

At our architecture firm that designs homes in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City, NV, we have been approached by new clients throughout the West who have purchased land and are ready to build. From the prestigious Gray’s Crossing in Truckee, CA, to one of our  favorite ski and golf home developments in Nevada – Clear Creek Tahoe, there are more homes being designed and built than we have seen in many years.  And with good reason.

For those of us who have yet to retire, we are all well aware of the new “work, live, play’ lifestyle that has become the norm.  And with this new world is a whole new appreciation for our homes which have become the cocoon that wraps around our every day life. So what does today’s ‘work at home’ design look like?  Here are some highlights that our team at Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, NV are recommending to our clients who have selected our firm to design their mountain estate and golf course homes in Nevada.

Architectural Design Trends for Today’s “Work at Home” Environment

“Zoom”Room –  Never before has the space behind and around our desk been so important.  With the world having every opportunity to see what your office looks like, and possibly hearing everything going on in your home, the life in which you live most of your life is wide-open for all to see and hear.   With this trend there is a high demand to either design a room or two that insures privacy as well as plenty of space to conduct business, or remodel a home to include a brand new office environment.

“Stay-Cation” Concepts –  Earlier in this news piece we referred to the live, work, play world that most of us have become very accustomed to this past year.  Now, it’s the norm.  As such, our architect firm in North Lake Tahoe is designing elements throughout the home that accent the lifestyle that mirror our clients’ preferences – be it work or play.  From expansive kitchens where one can entertain while enjoying their family’s company, to ‘great rooms’ which are truly a great escape.  i.e. floor to ceiling windows, large fireplaces and pizza ovens,  room for a new Pool Table, and then some.

Outdoor is Always “In” at Lake Tahoe – We couldn’t leave this one out of our list.  Most of the home designs throughout the High Sierra accent the benefits that come with buying property and building a home in Truckee and Lake Tahoe.  No matter where one builds, Mother Nature is at our beckoning call.  Think:  sliding glass windows that bring the outdoor in, state-of-the-art outdoor kitchens, mud rooms and large storage areas for all our toys, and down in the valley of Carson City, pools are back and one of the hottest features of 2021.

Romper Room – For Boomers, this term may bring back memories of the morning TV show that we were all glued to while the parents enjoyed some peace and quiet.  Today, it’s kind of the same concept yet today’s Romper Room is right home and usually down the hall or above the garage.  Within this ‘hide-away’ for the kids, we are seeing all sorts of additions that include a full bath, small kitchen, basketball hoops, padded flooring for gymnastics, comfy couches and large screen TV’s.  Within this ‘arena’ is an area that depicts a high tech school room with plenty of technology, exceptional lighting, and comfortably-sized desks and chairs.

And that is just the beginning of the new trends for home design.  When you are ready to build your new home, or want to chat with us about remodeling your home, we always appreciate the opportunity to share our design ideas that include the new trends for home design in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond.

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

775 831 3060

 

Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build (Part Two)

Within my most recent news posts, I started to share some top tips on how to decide what kind of home you want to build.  And within that story I promised I would continue to share additional idea on how to get started to build a home.  So here are more tips from our architecture firm in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and North Lake Tahoe, CA.

What is your budget?  Depending on where you have purchased your property, the costs per square foot will vary – a lot!  Check with your real estate agent for comps on home building prices.  With the recent pandemic, we have seen a tremendous rise in interest in building a home in Nevada (Carson City in particular).  Construction costs are increasing with the demand.

Who will finance the project?  If you need to secure a loan you certainly need to research a lender before the shovel goes into the ground.  Be sure to shop around and when you have made your decision, be sure to have your lender offer a pre-approval so you can get started sooner than later.

What is your timing?  Mirroring my last statement, as the world discovers the benefits that come with living in Nevada, and/or the High Sierra, our general contractors have not been this busy in a long time.  The sooner you can work with an architectural firm like ours that services Nevada and California, the better.

How familiar is your home designer to your home’s environment?  Just because you have a final drawing does not mean you are done.  Within our firm that designs mountain and golf course homes in Lake Tahoe, we offer a list of additional services that come with the pleasure of living in a resort area.  Those services include:

  • Site Planning
  • Space Planning

How familiar is your architect to local building regulations? When one has selected to build or remodel a home within the High Sierra and its surrounding counties, there is a lot more to the building process that meets the eye.  For over 30 years,our  Borelli Architecture team has remained on-top of the environmental and county regulations.  Within our services, we also offer professional assistance with the following projects:

  • Permit Processing Assistance
  • TRPA Feasibility Studies
  • Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
  • Construction Administration Services

Will you need an interior designer to help you design the inside of your home?  Our team offers the professional assistance of Kelly Borelli Interiors located in Incline Village, NV on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Kelly Borelli Interiors has been providing exceptional design services for resort homes and commercial clients in for over 20 years. From practical design for the Lake Tahoe Lifestyle to the most contemporary California seaside estate, Kelly works with each of her clients in conjunction with our own design team, to discover that perfect, personal touch that each client should expect and every home deserves.

In closing, if you have any questions whatsoever about how to get started, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.  We look forward to helping you design your dream home.

 

 

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

775 831 3060

 

 

Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build (Part One)

One of my friends has recently purchased a lot at Gray’s Crossing in Truckee.  And throughout the entire process, he continued to reach out to our architecture firm that designs homes in Truckee and Lake Tahoe for advice on the ‘next steps.’  I thought you might appreciate this blog about the “Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build” as the subject is fresh in my mind.

Research first.  Designing and building a home is more than how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. that you want or need within this significant investment.  As the old saying goes:  Your Home is Where Your Heart Is.  This classic statement identifies the fact that in addition to yourself, there may be others that have input as to what their desires may be.  When all is said and done, it should reflect the lifestyle that works for all involved.

What style do you like?  For this particular property, Borelli Architecture certainly will recommend that the home takes advantage of its golf course setting.  And with that said, we’ll be sure there is plenty of room for the golf cart in the garage!  As Gray’s Crossing is also within a mountain community at a higher elevation, we will include the appropriate standards for heavy  and take the weather into consideration as well to take advantage of the sunshine at the same time.

What key attributes does your ‘dream home’ really need?  Lots of windows to take in those golf course views?  And expanded porch for summertime entertaining?  How about ‘open space,’ privacy, and in today’s virtual world, how many ‘office spaces’ or ‘small classroom areas’ do you need? A mud room? We say ‘yes’ to that all the time as when one lives in Truckee, the community just begs for all to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Think about the ‘not so obvious.’  What kind and how much storage area do you really need?  Does every bathroom need at tub? How about all those skis, snowboards, snowshoes, and golf clubs … do you want a special place within the home or garage to store your year-round toys?  And what about boat storage?

Think about the future, a lot!  Our friends are just about to retire and plan on living the rest of their life here in the High Sierra. One of their main goals is to build a split-level home that has a lower level that includes a guest suite, small kitchen, and recreation/living area.  This concept works well today for extended company and will be ideal when and if they ever choose to have live-in help.

So that is a start.  In my next news post I’ll be providing more advice about the steps one needs to take when deciding to build a home.  In the meantime, if you are interested in buying a lot at Gray’s Crossing, here are a few nice options.  And be sure to click back into my last posts in January to learn more about land and property for sale in Truckee, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and beyond.

 

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

775 831 3060

Where is There Land for Sale to Build A Home in Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe in the Winter

With all the interest in moving out of the city and settling into a more peaceful environment, our architect firm in Lake Tahoe and Carson City is fielding calls everyday from new clients who want to build their dream home.  As a family who has lived in the High Sierra for over 30 years, we understand the draw of moving to the mountains.

To get you started, we are offering this two-part series that highlights our favorite resort developments that still have land and lots for sale in  Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, and Carson City.

Throughout the Lake Tahoe basin there are many lovely mountain communities that offer all the amenities one needs to live a good life.  Within these communities are resort developments that do have lots for sale.   Here’s the start to our two-part series. Just click into each neighborhood to find out more about home developments in Lake Tahoe.

In our next blog, we will include information on the popular Clear Creek Development, and other Nevada home developments (which offer excellent tax advantages) located just over the hill on the eastern side of the Sierra  .

Martis Camp, Truckee, CA

Forbes magazine once quoted that Martis Camp “May be the best private four-season community in the USA.”  Check it out their own description.

“Located midway between historic Truckee, California and North Lake Tahoe, Martis Camp is a 2,177-acre private, luxury community, which Barron’s ranked as Tahoe’s Best Place to Own a Second Home. Nice praise. But even more impressive are the plaudits of those critics whose opinions carry a lot more weight: your family.”

Lahontan, Truckee, CA

The developers say it best:  “Casual elegance finds its home at Lahontan.”  Their website does a nice job of describing what may be your next backyard.

“Every one of Lahontan’s 906 acres is a spectacle of natural beauty. Your palette for creating a home here is made up of rock-faced ridges, springfed meadows, tall jeffrey, lodgepole and ponderosa pines, ridge tops with incredible panoramic views, green velvet valleys, and a breathtaking Tom Weiskopf golf course. There is also a reservoir that is the “town center” for Canadian geese, water fowl, and other wildlife. Beauty steals every scene here – and your heart. “

Northstar California

Located halfway between North America’s largest alpine lake, and the historic town of Truckee, California, Northstar still shines as another option for year-round recreation right out your backdoor.  Here’s a very brief description from their website.

“Hidden among the trees in the majestic Martis Valley in North Lake Tahoe, Northstar California welcomes friends and families looking to get more our of their mountain getaway. We invite you to discover what makes our resort unforgettable …”

Gray’s Crossing

If you love to play golf, you will love this home and resort development.  Our team at Borelli Architecture that designs homes in Truckee, CA, appreciates all that this development has to offer.  Here is how they describe the experience;

“Imagine a place to build that honors your wish list as well as your budget. A bright, airy spot with spectacular views. One that’s close to the trails, the slopes, and Lake Tahoe with a golf course, restaurant, and on-site fitness and pool facility. A neighborhood that offers beautiful aesthetics and thoughtful logistics. With values that still reflect a market over-correction, there has never been a more fortuitous time to invest. You could definitely call Gray’s Crossing “home.”

If you would like a personal tour of any of these resort home developments in Lake Tahoe, and others that I will be showcasing in my next News article, please feel free to reach out to Borelli Architecture.  We have been designing and remodeling homes throughout the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area for decades and always welcome the opportunity to share our insight.

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775 831 3060

Top Structural Tips for Mountain Home Design

For those who live in the High Sierra, we are well aware of the impact that Mother Nature has had on our homes over the years. The good news is that we are still experiencing some mild winter temperatures with sunny skies and cold nights that keep the ski conditions in good shape for the holiday season.

The not so good news is that when the snow does arrive, and as the snow starts to melt, we expect to see structural damages to homes and businesses that were poorly designed for the wrath of Mother Nature.

With this in mind, I thought I’d share some insights within this December blog about some of the key features that our architecture firm in lake Tahoe and Truckee incorporates into our clients’ mountain home’s design or a mountain home remodel.

The ideal roof design for mountain homes.

Let’s start with the roof. When Borelli Architecture begins to design our clients’ homes in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area, we like to design a home with a roof that is ideal for the snow loads, changing temperatures and weather, as well as neighborhood appeal – and of course, our clients’ desires.

Key to the design process is to identify the home’s setting – where there is sun, and where there is not. From that point, we start to develop a structural design that complements the location’s potential snow “impacts.” What we want to be sure to do is avoid a design that would cause significant snow slides that can destroy porches and cars, block doorways … you get the idea.

In a cold climate, the ideal roof is a simple gable. In general, the distinguishing feature of the gable is its triangular shape. This design allows for water and snow melt to flow naturally to the base of the home … and not into valley and crevasses that may “dam up” and cause water and ice damage.

Another option for those who prepare something more modern is what the industry calls an “avalanche shed” design. A simple visual for you is a roof that has only one tilted slope which is slanted toward a section of the home where there will be no residual impact.

No matter what the final design may be, we look for a good roof plane that has a consistent slope from the ridge to the eave.

Where to place vents when designing mountain homes?

The heavy winter of 2018 unveiled many mistakes in rooftop plumbing placements that are now under full repair. Plumbing vents installed and placed lower on the eaves and not on the home’s ridges were torn and twisted by the significant snow pack; some even ended up on the ground after the snow finally slid.

Simply said: we always plan for the vents to be near the ridges, not the eaves. Why? Ridges are dryer than the eaves that see much more water and snow pack over the course of the year.

What about gutter placement for high elevation home design?

With the weather patterns of the Sierra we can always expect rain and snow throughout the seasons. To keep the precipitation off the driveway and entrances, we suggest our owners have gutters installed below the plane of the roofing and drain away from popular outdoor areas of the home.

Want some free advice about mountain home design?

Borelli Architecture team in Washoe County, NV, has been designing and remodeling homes throughout the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area for over 25 years. We’ve learned a lot and always welcome the opportunity to share our insight.

In the meantime, have a joyous Christmas and happy and healthy New Year!

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775 831 3060

Do I Need an Architect to Design My Home?

 

 

There’s no question that more and more families are moving from the hectic city life to design and build a mountain home in Lake Tahoe and Truckee.  as Such, our architectural firm in Lake Tahoe is certainly fielding a lot of questions.Specifically: if one really needs a professional architect to build a home in Washoe County,  Placer County, or Carson City.

With all the environmental and building regulations that one must adhere to when building a home in the High Sierra, you certainly should seek the advice of a professional architect to design your home.

To help our clients to better understand just exactly what they will receive when they seek our advice and architectural services, we thought this news article would be of interest to you.

 ~ The Process of Architectural Design ~

Although an architect may initially seem like someone you will hire to design your home or commercial building, there is an extensive list of skills – including a good sense of ingenuity – that come with this time-honored profession that involves far more than a structure’s appearance.

At Borelli Architecture the ‘look’ of the structure starts long before we put our pencil to paper – or these days, sit down at the computer.

First, we meet with our client and listen to what they have envisioned either for their new home, remodel or commercial building in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region.  Throughout our conversations, we strive to capture what it is they want to do so we can not only meet, yet exceed, our clients’ expectations.

During this initial meeting, we identify our client’s key desires, all of the “pieces of the design puzzle”.  These elements may include the standard questions of how many bedrooms and bathrooms are needed, do they want more open space or a new kitchen, attached or detached guest quarters, outdoor living area complete with a kitchen, or media room complete with the latest and greatest technology features.  Budgetary requirements are also discussed at this time to ensure that the Project Program and budget are in sync.

Once we have identified those key pieces to the puzzle, we develop a Fee Proposal that includes all of the client’s initial desires – and summarize them into a Project Program.  This also includes the phases and costs of services that will be provided from start to finish.

The client then reviews and approves the Project Program and then we are ready to get started on the project.

The next step is to begin the Design Phase; this includes coming to an architectural solution that addresses the Project Program – which is by far the most critical part of an architect’s role.

The design then evolves from the information that we have gathered together and then collaborate to produce a final solution.

Upon completion of the Design Phase, we then move on to the preparation of the Construction Documents;   these include a site plan, floor plans, elevations, cross sections and other detailed drawings of the structure.

When the Construction Documents are completed, they are submitted to local regulatory agencies for review which leads to issuance of the building permit. Once the permit is issued, we work with the client to select the general contractor.  The Construction Documents also provide the contractor with all the information required to actually build the project.

From that point forward, we will act as a liaison for our client and represent them on the construction site, meet with local authorities, and oversee the construction to ensure consistency with the plans and that the end result is exactly what our client expected.

If you ever have any questions about what an architect can, should, or could do for your next project, feel free to call me, James P. Borelli, at any time.  I’d appreciate every opportunity to share my personal experience and insight with you.

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

 

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