TAHOE'S SEVEN MOST POPULAR ARCHITECTUAL STYLES

The appeal of Tahoe draws in a variety of homeowners and an abundance of architectural styles, creating a beautiful array of aesthetics found throughout the area. Whether you find yourself searching for an open floor setting, spacious windows, rustic log frames, or a classic historical profile, there are key architectural styles to fit your needs and interests.

 

There are seven popular architectural styles found throughout the area: the retro A-frame, the barn-like gambrel, the cozy log cabin, the popular American Craftsman, the luxurious chalet, the classic Victorian, and the blended mountain modern. Each style proves to be equally stunning against a Tahoe backdrop, and each has its own unique home values.

 

The unforgettable and ever-popular triangular style of an A-frame can be found across the Tahoe area. Utilitarian, low-maintenance, and effortlessly durable, this architectural aesthetic catches the attention of all who spot it. A-frame roofs are steeply pitched to the ground, and the front siding is typically covered in wood material. While not a huge structure, the floor plan is spaciously open, and the tall ceilings often slant up towards a small loft. First wildly popular in the 1960s and 1970s, the appeal of A-frame houses has spanned decades and continues to reach generations of Tahoe homeowners.

 

Also known for its particular roof shape, a gambrel home can be easily identified by its two-sided roof with two slopes on each side, much like a barn. These multiple slopes provide spacious floor plans and can even create a third floor in some larger homes. A clean and classic option for any Tahoe house, this architectural style not only pleases the eye but provides excellent water drainage for the area’s infamous snowy winters. Similar to a colonial style, a gambrel home is known for its symmetry, decorative windows, and tastefully placed chimneys.

 

Thriving for hundreds of years, the log cabin style offers a secure, classic, and awe-inspiring Tahoe look. A cabin is unmistakable for its stacked-log exterior frame and timber interior. While the original log cabins created long ago may have been basic in their design, today’s homes offer a variety of styles and charms to fit your specific cabin aesthetic. What was once a single-floor plan can now accommodate multiple tiers and angles. The warmth, coziness, and outdoor connection of a log cabin provide a clean, crisp, and wholesome modern Tahoe home.

 

If a log cabin is the embodiment of America of the past, the American Craftsman architecture movement embodies today’s quintessential American home. The low pitch of the roof and invitation of the front porch stand out among tapered support columns and multipaned dormer windows. Natural stone or woodwork can often be found in these homes, and exposed rafters or decorative buckets are often seen under large eaves. An open floor plan, exposed wood beams, and natural cabinetry create a welcoming earth-toned aesthetic.

 

An embrace of the rustic-yet-chic Tahoe style and an ode to its mountain environment, chalets can still be found among this mountain community. With their infamous gabled roofs, deep overhangs, timber siding, and intricate gingerbread trim, these homes embody classic Tahoe. The expansive windows provide the perfect setting to take in the rugged beauty of one’s backyard. Chalets often focus on a central open area with tall ceilings, and long surrounding porches, sometimes located on multiple floors, creating an immersive experience.

 

The Tahoe area is rich with history dating back centuries, and while you may find a variety of new properties popping up with their own styles, the classic Victorian profile can still be found in Truckee’s historic downtown and other historic neighborhoods. Fireplaces are staples in Victorian homes, as they were once a main source of heat. Intricate staircases and bay windows are also quite common. Whether these homes operate today as a historical site, private home, or favorite restaurant, their wraparound porches, multifaceted roofs, and dollhouse-like exteriors are just a few of the ways this architectural style offers a glimpse into the past.

 

Today’s Tahoe culture is a blend of old and new, and perhaps nothing represents this more than the Mountain Modern architectural style. With natural materials, the siding is often a mix of timber and metal. Crisp, clean lines provide an effortless and natural look, and it aims to blend into its outdoor and natural surroundings. Because of this connection, the foundation is able to accommodate the uneven terrain that the area is so famous for. Structural shapes can vary, and each home offers a unique floor plan. With the bold style, earth tones often balance the natural materials.

 

While there is no one home that defines the architectural style of the Tahoe area, each beautiful and unique property creates a blended look to encompass the Tahoe home experience. Whether you prefer a basic structure, an elaborate multi-tiered story, a historical home, or a blend of modern and mountain, your forever Tahoe home is out there. The market may be moving quickly, but with a trusted and knowledgeable Tahoe real estate agent, you can secure the architectural profile you’ve been searching for. Reach out and let’s go on a tour!