Winter sports enthusiasts looking for a bluebird day will find plenty of them at the Northstar California resort. Fresh snowfall followed by sunny ski days is among the draws of the Lake Tahoe region.
The area got as much as eight feet of snow in early March during a several days-long storm. “It will never get old seeing that much snow,” says Dylan Griffin of Tahoe Mountain Realty, “and is what makes Tahoe special.”
Even with the annual snowfall, getting to the slopes doesn’t have to be a hassle. Griffin and Jennifer Pearsall, also with Tahoe Mountain Realty, currently have the listing for a ski-in, ski-out residence in the slope-side Home Run Townhomes within the Mountainside at Northstar community.
“This home is probably 100 feet from the ski trail—as easy as can be,” Pearsall says.
The four-bedroom dwelling is one of 16 arranged as duplexes with only one common wall. Snow removal duties, as well as exterior maintenance, are handled by the homeowners association. “They plow streets and driveways and then work on hand shoveling and snow-blowing decks, walkways, hot tub areas, etc.,” Griffin says.
Built in 2014, the more than 3,300-square-foot house blends contemporary and mountain styles. The exterior has a classic mountain feel with wood shingle siding, shingle roof, exposed timber trusses and stone base columns.
Multipaned windows and glass doors bring natural light into the open-plan great room, which combines the living, dining and kitchen spaces. Stained baseboards tie into the alder doors, window trim and staircase railing. The radiant-heated floors are white oak.
Stone columns flank the metal fireplace in the high-ceiling, beamed living room. Wood cabinets, a stacked stone backsplash and stainless-steel appliances continue the mountain-modern vibe in the center island kitchen. Between the formal dining room, breakfast area and counter, there is ample seating to feed extended family and friends.
One room of the home could be reconfigured to create a fifth bedroom. There are five bathrooms.
The lower level contains a ski equipment/boot room and opens to a patio firepit and private hot tub. The asking price for the fully furnished residence at 14455 Home Run Trail #14 in Truckee is $4.3 million.
The Home Run development has a swimming pool and community room. Mountainside amenities, the Village at Northstar, the Ritz Carlton and Lake Tahoe are all nearby.
Outside Magazine hailed Northstar as one of the five best ski resorts for families while SKI gave it high marks for slope grooming and called it the “destination for skiers seeking some chilled-out California luxury.”
The Mountainside shuttle and the gondola run daily during ski season providing easy access to shops and restaurants. “You do not need to drive anywhere once you’re here,” Griffin says.
Winter activities besides downhill skiing and snowboarding include ice skating, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Summer offers a host of options, including mountain bike riding, golf, horseback riding, day camps and time on the lake.
“It is an easy commute up from the Bay or a very short drive to Reno airport if you fly in,” Griffin says. “People can leave after work and school on Friday and be here for the weekend.”
Most homebuyers come from the greater Bay Area, with a large percentage being investors or second/vacation homebuyers, Pearsall says. “Our families in Mountainside are generally younger with younger children who are very involved with the mountain. A lot of kids end up on ski teams, and we will see people on most weekends and holidays.”
For those interested in creating income, the townhouse can be rented out, she adds. “The county has a short-term rental permit that you need to apply for but that’s it.”
