Lake Shore House

Dennis E. Zirbel Architect, PO Box 296, Truckee, CA 96160

530.582.8979  www.zirbelarchitect.com

Located on the shore of Lake Tahoe in Glenbrook, NV, the historic Lake Shore House sits between a natural creek and the historic Glenbrook Inn overlooking the Glenbrook Bay. It is a prominent treasure in the heart of Glenbrook, enjoyed and celebrated by Glenbrook residents.

The project entailed the historic rehabilitation, remodel and addition to the 1863 Lake Shore House. According to the National Register of Historic Places, “The Lake Shore House is of statewide significance because of its age and association with major personages and events intertwined with the development of the Lake Tahoe Basin and the Comstock…“it” was the second hotel built in the Basin and is currently the oldest hotel building still standing at Lake Tahoe.” 

The exterior needed refinishing, the structure needed serious repairs, and the interiors were suffering from a poor interior remodel in the 1990s that was dark, “dated” and not historically appropriate.  The rich history of the home inspired the owners to make it more historically appropriate while creating a brighter, happier and more functional home for their lifestyle. They hired Dennis E. Zirbel Architect and interior designer Natalie Zirbel for the project.

Dennis states, “Our work remained true to the historic significance and architecture, and we took the utmost care in blending 21st century functionality with the historic 1860’s character.  We took a holistic approach by restoring the existing structure, gutting the entire interior, reworking interior spaces, restoring the exterior, designing a harmonious addition, and reworking the landscaping.”

Completed in 2018, the exterior of this 3,700 square foot remodel incorporated historic siding and columns, new painted wood siding and trim, and a new asphalt comp roof. Interior materials included Antique Heart Pine wide plank flooring, painted wood paneled walls, painted wood ceilings, Calacatta Marble, ceramic tile, and reclaimed false joists at Great Room, Kitchen, and Dining Room.