Bifold windows were used to create an indoor-outdoor bar

• Objectives: The primary objective of this project was to create a “forever home” for owners Pam and Steve Kessler—one that blends with the natural forested environment of the Montreux community while providing a family atmosphere that is welcoming to the owners’ adult children and allows for festive entertainment. The main living area is on one level with no steps so the owners can age in place. The home was designed to live large while maintaining an intimate feel, boasting a mountain lodge vibe but with a modern flair both inside and out.

The expansive great room has high vaulted ceilings clad in tongue and groove walnut and features beautiful arches custom-made by Ryan Construction Services out of Truckee

• Special and Unique Features: Because the owners love to entertain, their home is outfitted with a professional kitchen and large great room along with three bars, each with a distinctive flow and feel. Outside, the owners thoughtfully preserved a large pine tree in the middle of the double lot—creating a 30-foot bridge structure that connects the home’s north and south wings and a water feature that flows around the tree and under the bridge. A glass entry provides a view through the home out to the natural environment and signature tree. The great room was designed to feel uniquely “Tahoe,” with the entire ceiling clad in rich walnut tongue and groove and four double-arched, architecturally stunning trussed beams. The great room also features two large bifold glass door systems with zero-post corners, one of which connects a spacious indoor-outdoor bar to the veranda. 

• Why it Won an Award: The home was meticulously planned by owner Steve Kessler, a career residential developer. There was no detail missed, and every aspect was well thought-out. Kessler was a “one-man band” on this project. He drove the design and acted as his own general contractor, coordinating and handling everything from purchasing to site supervision, inspections, interior furnishings and the final walkthrough with his wife, “the toughest critic of them all,” he says.

Merit Award: Legacy Home

Building Design: Kenneth Robert Toblesky

Builder: Steve Kessler

Interior Design: Interior Consultants

Landscape Design: Reno Green Landscaping

Square Feet: 8,739