Chic vs. Geek: On the Road - Lake Tahoe

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Lake Tahoe may be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, but right now it’s one of the coldest places on the planet. Is it worth the investment?

CHIC (PEARL)

We were dreaming of a white Christmas, so last week we escaped the Bay Area and drove to South Lake Tahoe. Needless to say, we’ve seen more snow than we ever could have dreamed, but at least we didn’t get stuck on the highway. Anyone who’s been to Tahoe knows to check the weather forecast and road conditions before you even get in the car. If you’re thinking of buying a first or second home here, it’s key to find a property that’s properly prepared for the elements.

GEEK (KEVIN)

There’s no way to plan for a polar vortex or an atmospheric river, any more than you can plan for an earthquake. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for the worst. If you’re moving to a winter wonderland like Lake Tahoe, look for a home outside of avalanche zones and close enough to town that you’re not at risk of being cut off from the world by a fallen tree or fresh snowpack. You’ll also want a place with good insulation to save on the heating bill and keep things warm and cozy!

Take it from us: Walking in snow shoes is harder than it looks!

On the Road: Land of Lakes

We’re so excited to be back on the road! This week, Kevin and I are visiting northern Minnesota and Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in North America — and the world. As you may already know, Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, and folks around here take a lot of pride in their bodies of water. We enjoyed a chance to get to know some of them and learn more about this region at the northern edge of the United States.

Weekly Gratitude: Mother Nature

“May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears.” - Dan George

Recently, we had a chance to travel to some beautiful places across California — from the coast to the mountains. We felt rejuvenated by the wonder of mother nature! And you don’t have to be a “nature lover” to reap the advantages of living in this amazing state.

According to research, taking the time to notice nature can be just as beneficial for people who don’t feel a sense of kinship or oneness with the environment. But how could you not when you look at these trees?

Chic's Picks: The Sea Ranch

Looking for your next vacation home? Check out these homes on the market in The Sea Ranch.

35336 Ramsgate Road

The Sea Ranch, CA 95497

2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1,289 sqft | $983K

35258 Crows Nest Drive, Unit 37

The Sea Ranch, CA 95497

2 Beds | 2.5 Bath 3,276 sqft | $1.85M

388 Del Mar Point

The Sea Ranch, CA 95497

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2,740 sqft | $4.5M

On the Road: The Sea Ranch

We took a trip about two and a half hours north of San Francisco to the Sea Ranch, a planned community in unincorporated Sonoma County, and one of our favorite spots to poke around. While we were in the area, we connected with a local real estate agent from the Liisberg Company and learned that the Sea Ranch is a popular spot among San Francisco urbanites looking to buy a vacation/rental home.

We were both amazed by the unique and interesting architecture found throughout the Sea Ranch, where some of the world’s most innovative designers crafted homes to blend into their natural surroundings.. Even their fireplaces look cool! You can read more about the Sea Ranch style in this piece from the New York Times, and take a deep dive into the history with the folks at Dwell.

Want to learn more?