Thunderbird Lodge in Lake Tahoe
Thunderbird Lodge Historic Site is a National Register-listed Historic District that makes for a fun and interesting side trip for those visiting the Lake Tahoe area. The lodge is spread out over a six-acre parcel and was built by George Whittell in 1936, according to plans by architect Frederic DeLongchamps, the designated “Nevada Architect.” This magnificent complex was Whittell’s summer “cottage” on the lake and was designed to blend in with nature. Whittell was one of several wealthy San Francisco residents who built summer homes on Lake Tahoe during the 30s and his home is one of the last surviving intact examples of that era and, indeed, one of the best.
Aside from the main house, there are several other structures located at the Thunderbird Lodge complex including the Card House, Caretaker’s Cottage, Cook/Butler’s House, Admiral’s House, elephant garage, a boathouse with a 600 foot tunnel, and the Gatehouse. The main structure – a fine example of stone masonry and woodworking – consists of two master bedrooms, 3 servants’ bedrooms, a large great room with movie screen, and a kitchen that still boasts original appliances. The “lighthouse” addition that guests view today was added in 1985 by the owner at that time and gave the home another master suite as well as additional guest bedrooms.
The Card House was exactly as it sounds – a place where Whittell and his male companions would gather to play cards and smoke cigars. This lovely structure has exposed stone walls and a fireplace at either end. The Cook and Butler’s house is charming as well, with lots of dormers, and provides one of the estate’s best lake views. It is also said to be haunted.
The Elephant Garage was also intended as its name indicates – to house Mr. Whittell’s elephant, Mingo! It was quite ornate, despite its purpose, and is decorated inside and out with intricate ironwork and other decorative touches.
Whittell owned the Thunderbird Lodge until his death in 1969. The fact that he owned it for so long was an important factor in slowing down the growth on that side of the lake, hence protecting the area from developers that would have constructed high-rise condos or other tourist lodging. Though some of the area was later developed, much of it went to the National Forest Service and the State of Nevada.
Today, visitors can enjoy tours of Thunderbird Lodge led by educated docents who can offer plenty of information about the home and its previous owner. The tours take about 75 minutes to complete and provide a peek at most of the buildings as well as a look at Whittell’s fabulous yacht, The Thunderbird. Tours, however, are available by reservation only and are limited to 25 guests at a time. They can be scheduled on Tuesdays through Saturdays from mid-May through the middle of October. Private group tours, however, can be arranged year-round.
Visitors can also embark on a water-based tour that takes them from Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe and includes a tour of the east shore, guided tour of Thunderbird Lodge, and lunch aboard the boat.
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