Lakeshore House - Dennis E. Zirbel, Architect
This project entails the historic rehabilitation, remodel and addition to the 1863 Lake Shore House located in Glenbrook, Nevada. The structure was originally built in 1863 by Captain Augustus W. Pray and has been moved and slightly modified throughout history. At the time we took on the Project, the exterior needed refurbishing, and the interiors were suffering from a poor interior remodel in the 1990s that was dark, “dated” and not historically appropriate. The structure was also in need of serious repairs. The current Owners purchased the home with plans to make it their full time residence. Their main priorities were to restore, remodel and add on to the Lake Shore House by making it structurally sound, more historically accurate, and more functional for their lifestyle and family. In our restoration, remodel and addition, we remained true to the historic significance and architecture, and took the utmost care in blending 21st century functionality with its historic 1860’s character. To accomplish all goals 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.
Modifications to the exterior of the building included removing a stair that was not original, adding dormer windows to the attic to make it bright and livable, adding several windows to bring light into the existing structure, and adding a back wing to the home to create more livable spaces and bedrooms. The addition is in the style of the original architecture and is defined by a historical hyphen – a slight change in plane and exterior siding to determine what is historic and what is new.
Inside, we opened up the existing Living, Kitchen and Dining area to make one large, bright Great Room. We added reclaimed joists in the ceiling of the new Great Room to recognize the history of the lumber industry and the numerous slats, logs and dock remnants lying on the lake floor of Glenbrook bay. To brighten up the interiors, we used painted ship lap on the interior walls, which was also the original siding, and used Antique Heart Pine on the floors. We replaced all windows and doors to be more historically appropriate and added windows to open up the house to the lake views and natural light. The historical touches and details on the interior are endless. Wood detailing matches the existing architectural motifs, upper cabinets are paneled with leaded restoration glass and numerous built-in hutches and shelving further enhance the historic quality of the home. An early 20th century pine dresser was retrofitted into a vanity for the Powder Room. Historic style lighting, plumbing fixtures, and the Owner’s collection of antique furniture are additional elements that make the restored home feel more historic.
With landscaping and hardscaping, we transformed the homesite into a bright and enjoyable outdoor space. In the front of the house, we relocated a historic stone horse trough to the edge of the property for neighbors and passersby to enjoy. We removed an enormous Cottonwood that was dying and encroaching on the house thereby bringing in light and opening up the house to lake views. In the back, we added a covered deck and patio with an organic in ground spa, firepit and garden area, creating a new and private outdoor living space alongside the creek for the family to enjoy.
Inclusively, these designs, details and developments allowed us to make significant changes and improvements to the house while maintaining and enhancing the character, form and function of the historic hotel.
The significance of this home goes beyond architecture and design. It represents exploration, settlement, development, growth, change, beauty and perseverance.
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. The building was built and owned by Captain Augustus W. Pray who pioneered the settlement at Glenbrook and who was first to engage in any major lumbering operation in the area. He built and operated the first sawmill in the Basin. His hotel was the second hotel built in the Basin and is currently the oldest hotel building still standing at Lake Tahoe.”
The lake front home lies in the heart of Glenbrook and is loved, cherished and respected by the community. The restoration of the home has also restored the Owners’ and their neighbors’ passion for this historic treasure. The new life of the Lake Shore House has made history come alive. One exciting fact about the Lake Shore House is that Mark Twain stayed there on several occasions and makes note of it in his writings. The Owners recently hosted a Mark Twain party for their neighbors, and Glenbrook’s own Mark Twain impersonator entertained the crowd with passages and tales written by the American icon.
History aside, this Remodel/Addition is hugely noteworthy from an architecture and design perspective. The Lake Shore House, once a rundown albeit prized piece of history, is once again a site to behold. We are so honored to have been a part of the restoration and transformation that has made the Lake Shore House the beautiful, celebrated place it is today.
Along with the Owners, contractor, and sub-contractors, we had a passionate, driven and determined team that produced an outcome worthy of the structure’s place in history. The quality of design, craftsmanship and detail is impeccable throughout. All of our hearts were fully invested in this project and it shows in the result. We are thrilled to share this project with the public, so they can share in the celebration of the Lake Shore House for its history and its beautifully restored place in our modern world.
