Nevada has its very own “castle” in the Lake Tahoe area. It’s hidden on the shore amidst the forest and stone it was built to blend in with. There’s a story of an eccentric billionaire to go with this spectacular property.
The Thunderbird Lodge is a National Historic Site situated right on Lake Tahoe near Incline Village.
Fielding Cathcart/Google Reviews
Sometimes called “Nevada’s Castle-in-the-Sky” this stunning home was once owned by George Whittell Jr., a millionaire heir who owned a large percentage of property around Lake Tahoe which included 27 miles of shoreline property. Known as “Captain” Whittell, he is widely seen as the reason much of the land has remained pristine and undeveloped. His reasoning was more focused on his own privacy than conservation but we’re still grateful that so much of the land remains untouched today.
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The land and home were eventually sold to Jack Dreyfus (Dreyfus Investments) after Captain Whittell passed away. He sold the property to the United States Forest Service. Eventually, the home was conveyed by the US Forest Service to a new non-profit, the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society, which was formed to overtake maintaining the building and raising funds for its preservation.
Reno Tahoe/Flickr
This “castle” is an exquisite example of a property built to be one with its environment. It grows up as if it was meant to be a part of the forest and stone around it. There’s a waterfall in front of the lodge and stone garden pathways throughout.
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The entire estate includes a main house, Card House, Caretaker’s Cottage, Cook/Butler’s House, Elephant House (which actually house Whittell’s pet elephant Mingo), Admiral’s House, Boathouse and Gatehouse. The Boathouse includes a 600" tunnel. The buildings were designed by architect Frederic J. DeLongChamps who at one time was Nevada’s State Architect.
Tommy Chheng/Flickr
The estate can be rented out for special events such as corporate meetings and weddings. You can also rent it out for “dinner-at-the-castle” events for groups of up to 16 people. Proceeds from rentals fund the preservation society’s efforts to maintain the estate.
Tommy Chheng/Flickr
Tours are available to see the inside of the estate which includes more of the history of Captain Whittell. The interior design touches inside are exquisite, like this amazing chandelier. Tours can be conducted via land, on a tour boat or even by paddling around the property on a kayak. Tour information can be found on the preservation society’s website.
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Much of the work of the interior was done by Norwegian and Native American artisans and builders. There’s a simple, yet magical, quality to the decorations.
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The bedroom with a portrait of the eccentric millionaire Captain Whittell. There are many stories about his love of animals that you will hear during the tour, such as how he built a house for his elephant, Mingo, and his second wife gave a lion named Bill as a gift to his third wife.
Kimberly H./Yelp
One of the highlights of the tour is seeing The Thunderbird Yacht. This 77 year old yacht looks like something out of a steampunk design with its mahogany exterior. This amazing boat can actually be rented out for corporate and wedding functions with a charitable contribution starting at just $5,000 an hour with a two hour minimum.
David Lofink/Flickr
You can make reservations to tour the property year round by contacting the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society. The Lodge is located on the eastern side of the Lake just south of Incline Village.
Fielding Cathcart/Google Reviews
David Lofink/Flickr
Reno Tahoe/Flickr
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Tommy Chheng/Flickr
Kimberly H./Yelp
Would you visit Nevada’s very own hidden castle? Share in the comments!
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