A beautifully designed residence in Clear Creek Tahoe strikes a balance between grandeur and approachability, offering a place for family to gather for generations

Rich wood siding, refined stonework and a softly illuminated approach create a welcoming arrival designed for everyday living

When a couple in their late 60s decided to build a custom home in Clear Creek Tahoe, they envisioned a family retreat where they could effortlessly entertain their kids and grandkids for years to come. Their goal was to create a legacy home that would strike just the right balance between beauty and grandeur, without seeming stuffy or unapproachable.

To bring their dream home to life, they hired Joanna Branzell Interior Design (JBID) and CWX Architects, with Carlin Williams serving as the principal architect on the project. 

“The homeowners wanted something that felt at home in the mountains, but was also fairly clean,” says Audrey De La Cruz, staff architect on the project. “So, we were marrying an alpine look with clean lines and simple volumes to create a clean mountain-traditional home.” 

The exterior of the structure draws inspiration from traditional lodge architecture, with natural stone and timber trusses anchoring the entryway. Large overhangs and windows were used to regulate heat gain and natural light, while local stone and wood were carefully selected to connect the home to the region. Spread across 5,485 square feet, the house is equipped with five bedrooms, four and a half baths, and an office. 

“The home’s balanced rooflines and thoughtful massing create a striking architectural presence, while its placement at the top of the hill gives it a grand, elevated feel that sets it apart from neighboring properties,” says Derek Allen, president of D.S. Allen Construction, who oversaw the construction process along with general superintendent Chris Bradbury. “The exterior features a combination of horizontal and vertical clear western red cedar, complemented by stone accents, composition shingles and metal roofing.” 

Native plants were used for the landscape to reduce irrigation needs and help integrate the home into the site. 

In the inviting great room, vaulted timber ceilings, layered textures and a statement stone fireplace come together for effortless mountain-modern living

Inside, the house incorporates reclaimed tongue-and-groove wood cladding and timber truss wraps from Montana Reclaimed, soaring ceilings and wide-plank oak flooring. Large expanses of glazing bring the outdoors in, providing a natural connection to the landscape and helping the home feel more rooted in its environment. 

“It’s a refined rustic home, one with warmth and tons of amazing texture,” says Branzell. “This Tahoe home offers something a little different on the inside—a warmer, more relaxed feel where everything feels comfortably in place.”

The JBID team worked closely with the homeowners to guide them throughout the interior design process and make choices that felt both intentional and inspiring.

Functioning as the heart of the home, the great room features a 42-inch-tall gas fireplace with a natural stone facade and a limestone mantel, surround and hearth. Warm reclaimed wood ceilings, custom-wrapped beams and trusses combine to create an open-timber truss-framed roof that serves as a striking focal point and imbues the room with a sense of grandeur. A custom light fixture—designed by JBID as a reimagined take on a Holly Hunt collection—completes the look. To ensure the correct proportions, the team built and tested the fixture on-site with scaffolding before the final fabrication. Ample seating provides plenty of room for family and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoor views.

Designed for connection, the kitchen features custom stools tailored to fit the island, warm wood cabinetry and soft, inviting lighting

The great room flows freely into the kitchen, which features the same reclaimed ceiling cladding as the great room and beams. A Taj Mahal quartzite backsplash and countertops lighten up the space, while lamp-like lighting fixtures add warmth. The center island provides plenty of room for food preparation, and bar stools make it easy for the family to gather together.

A floating steel staircase stands out as another notable design element that anchors the home. It features 3.5-inch solid oak treads, each individually lit by LED lighting to elevate the look and feel of the space. 

“We were looking for it to be light and to be an additive design element to make the dining room, the staircase and the entry from the garage all feel connected,” says De La Cruz. “By making the staircase open, it helped the volume of the dining room flow better from the volume of the great room.”

Tucked away from the main living spaces, the primary suite was designed to function as a peaceful, elevated retreat. Branzell and her team chose finishes and furnishings that were warm and subtle with a sophisticated and elegant look. 

The light-filled entry highlights refined wood craftsmanship, expansive windows and thoughtfully curated details

The bedroom features a vaulted ceiling accented with natural wood beams, which makes the room feel more spacious and adds a distinctive architectural element. The bed is equipped with a soft upholstered headboard framed by a slim black metal structure for a refined silhouette, while the nightstands combine light, textured wood with simple black hardware to match the aesthetic. A modern chandelier helps balance the rustic and contemporary elements, and artwork showcases warm, earthy tones that connect back to the beams and flooring.

“The master bathroom was designed as a serene, spa-inspired retreat that frames the surrounding landscape,” Branzell says. 

A sculptural fluted soaking tub serves as the centerpiece of the room, stationed below large corner windows that bring in natural light and create a sense of connection to the outdoors. 

“The marble flooring introduces organic veining and subtle movement, while the warm wood trim around the windows brings in an earthy contrast and ties the bathroom back to the tones used throughout the house,” Branzell says. 

Layered textures, thoughtful lighting and comfortable seating encourage lingering in one of the home’s many inviting interior spaces

A crystal globe chandelier completes the look, balancing the minimal aesthetic with a refined finishing touch.   

Neutral carpet helps absorb sound and contributes to the retreat-like feel of the entire primary suite. The space is illuminated by modern chandeliers and recessed lighting, ensuring balanced and beautiful lighting throughout. 

“The overall design reflects a thoughtful blend of practicality and refinement, supporting the suite’s sense of calm and effortless luxury,” Branzell says. 

A separate bunk room and bath give the grandchildren a separate oasis where they can rest and play on their own. 

The JBID team also designed other bespoke touches for the home, including custom coffee tables fabricated from bathroom stone remnants and a bar backsplash made of glass tile with a matte front and gold-leaf backing. Each design piece was chosen to thoughtfully blend practicality and luxury, resulting in a striking yet approachable legacy house that feels like home.

Effortless comfort meets quiet refinement in this serene bedroom moment

Award: Interior Design

Building Design: CWX Architects

Builder: D.S. Allen Construction

Interior Design: Joanna Branzell Interior Design

Landscape Design: NA

Square Feet: 5,485