This historic Marla Bay property in Zephyr Cove, NV, features two authentic 1920s cabins epitomizing classic Lake Tahoe rustic architecture, officially recognized as separate dwelling units by Douglas County. Set within one of Lake Tahoe’s most exclusive lakefront communities, these well-preserved century homes offer stunning lake views, a lake-view and private rear deck, and direct proximity to the Beach Drive boat ramp. With a current listing price of $1,850,000, the property boasts unparalleled access to pristine beaches, seasonal boat moorings, and recreational amenities, while being just minutes from shopping, ski lifts, and entertainment. The generous wooded lot is nestled among 98 single-family residences, exuding a serene, timeless charm and awaiting a visionary restoration to realize its full legacy potential.
Aerial Lakefront View
Sweeping aerial view of a sprawling lakefront property, framed by dense pine forests leading down to the water’s edge. The turquoise and deep blue hues of the lake shimmer under the sunlight, with gentle waves visible near the shore. Snow-dusted mountain peaks form a scenic background across the horizon. The shoreline curves gently with a golden sandy beach nestled between forested sections. Clusters of cabins are nestled among the tall trees, with one pinpointed by a red marker near the center. The sky is a vivid blue with wispy clouds, accentuating the tranquil, natural setting.
Lakefront Yard
A serene outdoor space surrounded by tall pine trees, providing a sense of seclusion and natural beauty. The yard features a well-maintained green lawn bordered by wooden picket fencing and is bisected by a narrow paved driveway leading toward two nearby houses. One home is clad in dark wood siding with a steep roof and the other in warm tan siding with green-trimmed windows. The blue water of a lake sparkles in the background, framed by pine branches, creating a tranquil and picturesque lakefront setting that blends rustic architecture with the calming influence of nature.
Rustic Kitchen Area
A cozy, open-concept kitchen exudes a cabin-like atmosphere with rich wood paneling covering the walls, ceiling, and exposed rafters. The cabinetry and open shelving are all crafted from matching warm-toned wood, adding to the unified, handcrafted feel of the space. A simple white countertop runs along one wall with a double basin sink and classic fixtures, while two large windows flood the room with natural light. Across from the cabinets sits a vintage stove and a small wood-burning appliance. A cushioned daybed with colorful throw pillows is tucked in the corner, and a beige area rug softens the wooden floor. Overhead, globe and pendant lights enhance the charm.
Property Overhead View
A rectangular lot outlined in red sits in a densely treed residential neighborhood. The house is centrally located within the red border, partially hidden by mature green trees that dominate the landscaping. Light brown pathways meander around the structure, contrasting with the surrounding darker soil and green foliage. Adjacent homes and backyards border the property, displaying varied rooftops and fencing. The overall color palette is natural, featuring earthy greens, browns, and grays, giving the scene a tranquil, shaded, and established appearance that highlights the privacy and mature vegetation surrounding the historic home.
Lakefront Exterior
A row of charming lakeside homes occupies the sandy shoreline, each nestled among tall pine trees. The houses feature a variety of architectural styles, with some sporting large decks and wide windows that open onto the water. The nearest home has a muted tan exterior and an angled private boat ramp leading directly into the clear, rippling lake. Stone and timber landscaping supports the beach’s gentle slope, and the forest backdrop creates a secluded, natural environment. The overall setting balances rustic mountain charm with easy access to the tranquil waterfront, making this a scenic and inviting retreat.
Rustic Kitchen Area
Warm wood paneling covers the walls, ceiling, and exposed beams, giving the space a distinctly rustic and cabin-like character. The kitchen cabinets and shelves are made of matching wood, lending a cohesive look that feels both vintage and homey. A white refrigerator stands near a wooden dresser, with a small, colorful braided rug placed on a light carpet in front of the central workspace. The countertops are simple, with a double sink below a window that offers a view outdoors. Bright, round pendant lights and an open ceiling design enhance the welcoming, old-fashioned charm.
Sitting Room Corner
A cozy sitting area features warm, honey-toned wood paneling on the walls and exposed wooden ceiling beams, giving a rustic, cabin-like feel. A central window with a view of lush foliage brings natural light into the room. Against one wall, a white sofa draped in a colorful patchwork quilt offers inviting seating. Built-in bookshelves on the right display books and a few decorative items, including an American flag. A simple white refrigerator is neatly tucked in the corner beside a small chest of drawers. The pale carpet, patterned tablecloth, and paper lantern create a welcoming, eclectic ambiance.
Rustic Kitchen Space
Warm wood paneling and exposed ceiling beams create a cozy, cabin-like atmosphere. The space includes an old-fashioned stove and wood-burning heater set against a wall of wide windows, allowing for great natural light. On one side, a daybed with colorful, patterned throw pillows adds a homely touch. A simple green wooden chair with a printed tablecloth rests by a small table in the corner. Open shelving displays small decorative items, and a braided oval rug softens the floor by the kitchen cabinetry, which features a long countertop and stainless steel sink, reflecting practical, nostalgic charm.
Cabin Kitchen-Living Area
Open-concept space with rich wooden paneling and exposed ceiling beams for a rustic, cozy ambiance. Light streams through two large windows, brightening the natural wood tones. A daybed with assorted colorful throw pillows sits beneath the windows, offering a comfortable lounging area. Mid-century appliances, including a classic stove and a small wood-burning unit, highlight the vintage character. White countertops and a stainless-steel sink run along one wall. A round braided rug adds warmth and brings together the space, while open shelves and pendant lights lend a welcoming, homey touch. The overall effect is charming, nostalgic, and functional.
Rustic Kitchen Area
A cozy kitchen and living space with warm, honey-toned wood paneling covering the walls, cabinets, and exposed rafters. The ceiling features open truss beams, adding to the rustic charm. The left side displays a window seat with colorful pillows and a neatly made bed draped in a white quilt. A vintage-style stove and a small wood stove are beneath a large window letting in natural light. A simple round rug in earth tones decorates the floor in front of the long, minimalist countertop and open shelving displaying dishware. Overhead hangs a large paper lantern, enhancing the space’s inviting, cabin-like feel.
Rustic Entry Nook
This small entry area radiates warmth and charm with weathered, honey-hued wooden walls and exposed ceiling beams. Daylight streams in through two multi-paned windows dressed in delicate, ruffled white curtains, softening the natural textures. A simple wooden desk is tucked in the corner beneath an ornate oval mirror, creating a cozy and practical workspace. A wicker chair with a floral-patterned cushion sits beside the desk, inviting relaxation. The space features a sturdy, paneled wooden door, adding to the cottage-like feel. The overall ambiance combines simplicity and rustic elegance, evoking a comfortable, tranquil retreat.
Bedroom Corner
A cozy bedroom with exposed wooden beams and rustic plank walls creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The ceiling and walls are crafted from honey-toned wood, showcasing natural grain and knot patterns. The furniture, including a red dresser and matching side table, adds vibrant pops of color against the wood backdrop. The bed features a textured white coverlet with intricate patterns. Two small windows with white frilled curtains let in natural light, flanking a wicker chair. A vintage print hangs above one window, while a single round pendant light hangs from the ceiling, emphasizing the room’s historic charm and simple, homey aesthetic.
Backyard Deck
A rustic wooden deck extends from the side of a historic cabin, surrounded by tall pine trees and lush greenery. The deck is constructed from weathered planks and bordered by simple, sturdy railings. In the background, two outbuildings with wood-shingled roofs and natural wood siding nestle among the trees, blending seamlessly with the forested setting. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled shadows across the deck. The natural brown and green hues of the landscape, paired with the aged wood textures, evoke a peaceful, classic cabin-in-the-woods ambiance perfect for outdoor relaxation.
Cozy Bedroom Corner
A rustic wooden bedroom features exposed beams and paneled walls in warm honey and amber tones, lending a cabin-like charm. The bed is dressed in a textured white coverlet, placed against a wall with a wide mirror above, reflecting light and space. Vibrant red furniture, including a three-drawer dresser and tall chest, add vivid color to the room. A window with ruffled white curtains lets soft daylight in. A striped curtain in red, yellow, and pink covers a closet area. The floor is carpeted in a neutral shade, and a simple white woven rug adds texture at the bedside.
Woodland Deck
A spacious wooden deck bordered by dark stained lattice railing stretches out under a canopy of mature pine and leafy deciduous trees. The deck surface shows signs of wear, contributing to a rustic, weathered charm that matches the surrounding natural landscape. Fallen autumn leaves and filtered sunlight create a dappled effect on the wood. The area feels secluded, with a dense cluster of trees offering privacy, while the sight of another wood-sided home in the background evokes a cozy, communal mountain retreat. The palette consists of deep browns, forest greens, and splashes of golden yellow from the foliage.
Porch Entrance
A rustic wooden porch wraps around the front of a cabin-style home, nestled among tall pine trees and dense forest vegetation. Weathered grey railings and steps lead up to a doorway, while cedar shingles cover the exterior, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The structure is elevated above a sloping forest floor, with pine needles and wild undergrowth adding a natural carpet. Sunlight streams through the overhead branches, casting dappled patterns on the railings and ground. The overall atmosphere is one of cozy retreat, with earthy colors and organic textures creating a warm, secluded ambiance.
Wooden Porch Entry
A rustic wooden staircase leads up to a spacious porch surrounded by tall pine trees and dense forest foliage. The deck boards and railings are weathered, blending naturally into the wooded environment. Railings feature simple vertical slats, while the far side of the porch is framed by a lattice privacy screen. Soft sunlight filters through the foliage above, casting angular shadows on the stairs and porch floor. The siding of the house, made from dark wood planks, adds to the cabin-like atmosphere. Lush greenery and low shrubs frame the entrance, enhancing the cozy, secluded forest vibe.
Wooden Deck
A rustic wooden deck adjacent to a house, surrounded by towering pine trees and dense greenery. The railings and floorboards have a weathered appearance, showing natural wood grains and aging. A lattice privacy screen stands at one end, providing partial separation from the neighboring area while maintaining an open feel. The exterior wall of the house is clad in horizontal wooden planks, echoing the deck’s material. Dappled sunlight filters through the foliage and trees, casting soft, irregular shadows. The overall atmosphere is cozy and inviting, ideal for enjoying the tranquility of a forested setting.
Laundry Bathroom Combo
A compact multipurpose room with rustic wooden walls and ceiling, featuring exposed pipes and rough-hewn planks adding a vintage cabin feel. On the left, a top-loading washing machine sits beneath exposed plumbing, with a small shower stall next to it, enclosed by a pale green curtain. Adjacent is a white porcelain toilet, mounted below a wooden medicine cabinet with a mirror and paper towel holder. A white porcelain sink occupies the foreground. Natural wood tones dominate, with minimal decorative elements except for a soft beige towel on the wall and a small bottle of soap. The overall look is utilitarian and rustic.
Bedroom Details
A cozy bedroom with rustic, unfinished wooden walls and exposed beam ceilings, creating a warm and inviting cabin-like ambiance. The room features a bed with a white, textured coverlet against the back wall, under a reflective mirror that visually doubles the space. Two bright red vintage dressers stand out against the wood tones, adding vibrant color. Windows on both sides allow in natural light, with ruffled white curtains providing a soft, delicate contrast to the wood. A striped curtain separates a corner, perhaps serving as a closet. A light neutral carpet adds comfort to the floor.
Cozy Cabin Corner
Warm knotty pine wood paneling lines the walls and exposed beams crisscross the ceiling for a rustic, inviting feel. Natural light streams in through two multi-pane windows, softening the honey-gold tones of the wood. A simple sofa with a patchwork quilt sits below one window, while a compact wooden dresser and a white refrigerator occupy the left side. Open shelves and cubbies house a few books and Americana décor. A green-painted wooden chair and small table with a patterned tablecloth are arranged near the door. A large, round paper lantern hangs centrally, casting a gentle glow over the serene, homey space.
Front Exterior
A rustic wooden house stands amidst a natural forested landscape, set back from a dirt path lined with dry grass and pine needles. The home’s exterior showcases rich wood paneling and extensive windows, with a large balcony and wraparound porch that offer ample outdoor living space. Tall pine trees surround the property, creating dappled shade and a serene atmosphere. Autumnal foliage adds pops of orange and yellow among the evergreen, while the blue sky overhead completes the tranquil, secluded mountain setting. Natural, earthy tones dominate, blending the structure harmoniously with its woodland surroundings.
Lakefront Backyard
Tall pine trees rise throughout this spacious backyard, casting dappled shadows on sandy ground and framing a scenic view of a calm blue lake in the distance. Two large, rustic homes with shingle roofs and wooden siding sit just beyond a lightly sloped yard, painted in shades that blend with the natural setting. A simple wooden fence outlines the property, and a weathered log sits in the foreground, adding a touch of rustic charm. The atmosphere feels tranquil and secluded, with the homes nestled among the trees and ample natural light filtering through the green canopy overhead.
Cabin Exterior
A rustic wooden cabin sits among tall pine trees, featuring weathered log siding and a pitched roof. The color palette is a natural mix of deep browns, honey, and faded wood tones, blending into the surrounding forest. Steps lead up to a small porch partially enclosed with lattice fencing, ideal for privacy and outdoor relaxation. The ground is covered with pine needles and sparse sandy soil, giving a forest floor appearance. Wooden shutters cover the large front windows, and the cabin’s simple, functional lines evoke a cozy, historic American mountain retreat. Yellow and green foliage adds seasonal color.
Cabin Porch
A rustic wooden porch extends from a small log cabin, surrounded by tall pine trees and dense natural foliage. Weathered wood siding and rails blend seamlessly with the wooded environment, giving an inviting, back-to-nature feel. The stairs lead up to the raised deck, framed by sturdy railings. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a patchwork of light and shadow on the wooden surfaces. The undergrowth consists of dry pine needles and scattered rocks, adding to the earthy, untouched aesthetic. The setting radiates tranquility, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat nestled among the trees.
Rustic Back Deck
A spacious wooden deck runs parallel to a log-cabin style exterior, defined by horizontal wooden planks and large multi-paned windows that let in the forest scenery. The natural wood of both the house and the deck showcases a weathered, vintage look, blending seamlessly with the wooded surroundings filled with tall trees and vibrant autumn leaves. Railings with crosshatched latticework create a cozy, enclosed feeling while allowing views of the yard and neighboring homes. The space feels serene and inviting, perfect for quiet mornings or relaxed gatherings, offering a strong connection between indoor comfort and nature’s beauty.
Cabin Exterior
A rustic wooden cabin sits nestled among tall pine trees, surrounded by a natural forest setting. The exterior is made of weathered, dark-stained wood, with a small window featuring shutters crafted from lighter, unfinished wood planks. A narrow wooden staircase with a simple handrail leads up to a raised porch, which extends to the right side of the cabin. To the left, there is a small outbuilding with a lattice-patterned wall and a vibrant yellow-framed door, connected by a stone-paved walkway. The overall aesthetic is earthy, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and evoking an old-fashioned, cozy atmosphere.
Backyard Shed
Nestled among tall pine trees, this rustic backyard shed sits elevated on a small deck with wooden railings and latticework for partial privacy. The exterior features weathered wood shingles that blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscape. Under the deck, storage bins and gardening equipment are visible. The ground is covered with dry pine needles and scattered twigs, giving the space an earthy, unmanicured feel. The area is shaded by thick tree branches and surrounded by a variety of dense foliage, creating a secluded and tranquil atmosphere that emphasizes the historic and natural charm of the property.
Backyard Stairway
A rustic wooden staircase leads up to a small landing, attached to the side entrance of a historic home surrounded by a dense forest of tall pine trees. The steps are weathered, adding charm, and the railing incorporates lattice details for a touch of design. The area under the stairs is partially enclosed with wire mesh, while the ground below is covered with dry pine needles, rocks, and wild greenery. The exterior walls are clad in weathered wooden shingles, blending seamlessly with the natural, woodland setting. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting soft shadows across the stairs and foliage.
Gated Driveway Entrance
A private, gated driveway framed by tall wooden fencing leads toward a lakeside view. Mature pine trees create a natural canopy, offering dappled shade and a tranquil atmosphere. Beyond the gate, a grey detached garage or outbuilding faces the open blue waters of a large lake, with distant snow-capped mountains visible under a clear sky. The pavement is marked with road symbols and a speed limit sign, suggesting vehicular access. The surrounding fence and red posts add a rustic touch, while the natural outdoor setting emphasizes privacy and scenic beauty.
Listing Agent: Craig Zager of Coldwell Banker Select ZC via Zillow
