The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, NEVADA

Posted in Projects on 1 November, 2017

Nestled on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe recaptures the spirit of the historic lodges of the great American West and the adventures they inspired, allowing locals, newcomers and regulars alike to see the lake that’s been revered for centuries, in an entirely new way. The Lodge combines casual comforts with classic refinement…

The Lodge at Edgewood, South Lake Tahoe is home to 154 luxury rooms and suites, each boasting its own gas fireplace and private deck or terrace. The year-round lakefront heated pool and hot tub are the perfect place to unwind without ever having to take your eyes off the mesmerising waters of Lake Tahoe – one of the clearest lakes in the world at 99.7 per cent purity. It offers three dining outlets, including Edgewood Restaurant, which was recently selected as one of OpenTable’s ’100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America for 2017’.

Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) did the design, breathing new life into this historic locale, which hosts the annual American Century Championship each summer – an event bringing over 80 top celebrities and golf professionals to Lake Tahoe. Nestled along the California/Nevada border, the resort features a pier for water sports, 180-foot beach, luxury accommodations and a spa. The overall design of the building, by CCY Architects, is meant to complement the existing clubhouse in a way that looks fresh and unique, yet could pass as having been on site for decades. HBA worked hand-in-hand with CCY Architects to emphasize the team’s architectural vision of a ‘modern lodge’ narrative and further defined their plan harmoniously.

“We looked at our immediate surroundings for inspiration, crafting a traditional mountain retreat coupled with contemporary details and materials,” said Brooke Copani, an associate at HBA. “The new space connects with nature rather than overshadowing it, sporting plenty of stone fireplaces and rich leather furniture to enjoy its expansive views of the lake.”

The entry sequence is stunning, beginning with a cantilevered porte cocherre roof, then extending along a stone-and-steel covered walkway, through a two-story glazed vestibule to reach the Living Room, a monumental space with 38’ tall floor-to-roof windows overlooking the mountains beyond. Upon entry, guests are first greeted with a fossil-inspired relief sculpture behind a monolithic stone slab reception desk. Glimpses of a nearby fireplace and rustic café invite guests to immediately feel at home. The casual café area connects to one of Edgewood’s prize amenities: the Adventure Center. Here, guests can sip their coffee while perusing seasonal sporting goods and consulting with an Adventure Concierge who seamlessly arranges outdoor activities, facilitates equipment rentals, and more.

Moving into the Great Room, the Lodge’s grand centrepiece is a welcoming public retreat where warmth from the floor level fireplace is blanketed in expansive views of the lake and surrounding forested terrain. The grand staircase makes the perfect bridal photo-op, while a row of custom chandeliers are thoughtfully designed with a subtle nod to the iconic architecture of the neighbouring clubhouse. Elements of nature and daylight are thoughtfully and playfully refined to convey a peaceful, residential vibe.

An intimate, masculine cocktail bar links the Great Room to the adjacent Bistro, where the atmosphere is vibrant and modern. With its cool color palette, contrasting warm woods, and nautical rope-inspired ceiling details, the Bistro focuses attention on its sweeping views of Lake Tahoe. Whether seated at the lively exhibition kitchen, the long communal-style table or within one of a series of private dining rooms, guests are invited to return again and again to enjoy a variety of dining experiences.

Gala quality events will be held in the ballrooms, where the honest architecture is complemented with neutral tones and natural materials. Artful glass chandeliers lend a playful illumination, while the adjoining pre-function space boasts an elegant fixed bar which, when not in use, can be cleverly concealed behind an oversized sliding art panel.

Located on the second level of the Lodge, the Edgewood Spa will be a destination for hotel guests and locals alike. A timber print silhouette representing strength and stability greets guests from behind the reception desk. Spa offerings include a complete bridal hair and nail salon, upscale changing areas with steam rooms, and peaceful mountain-view sanctuary space where guests can delight by the fire or relax on the terrace while waiting for their treatment.

The rustic-yet-modern charm continues into the guestrooms where you’ll be greeted by the wooded ‘mud room,’ a well-appointed changing area where you can slip out of your ski boots before warming up next to your personal in-room fireplace. Artful elements like historic local photographs, carved sculptural screening elements and unique wall art using trees salvaged from site construction, all work together to tell the Edgewood story in way that is authentic and personal. More contemporary spa-like touches can be found in the bathrooms where state-of-the-art fixtures complement clean lines, and the breathtaking outdoor views can even be enjoyed from the bathtub.

The Cabins (or fractional ownership units) feel like the ideal vacation home away from home with fully equipped modern kitchens, rustic fireplaces, private terraces and living/dining areas that accommodate the whole family.

“With this project more than 25 years in the making, we wanted to take great care in the quality and sustainability of the project,” said Rich Kinnard, an associate at HBA. “We used local, salvaged materials when we could to complement the actions the property is taking to protect the environment around Lake Tahoe.”

Other unique Edgewood amenities include: a fitness centre; a generously sized Kid’s Camp where families are invited to play along with their kids in a tree house-inspired interior; a retail boutique; and an infinity-edge swimming pool overlooking world-class views of the Lake and surrounding peaks.