The Luxury Community of Old Brockway

There are many beautiful neighborhoods surrounding Lake Tahoe. None can compare to the historic old Tahoe charm and convenient location of Old Brockway. Located in North Lake Tahoe, in between Kings Beach and Crystal Bay, Brockway plays a large part in the history of Lake Tahoe. The Brockway Hot Springs Resort was actually instrumental in attracting the first visitors to the region.

Historic Old Brockway

Brockway was one of the first areas settled at Lake Tahoe by American immigrants to California. The first Trans-Continental Railroad began to pass 12 miles north in Truckee. Many people would travel from Truckee into Tahoe City and Brockway via horses or on a dirt road.

The first road built to transport tourists from the Truckee rail stop to Lake Tahoe was over Brockway summit, and ended at the Brockway pier. Visitors could take steamers to other locations around the lake. A spur railroad was built to take people from Truckee to Tahoe City and Brockway Hot Springs became Lake Tahoe’s first resort community.

The Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous

Just across the Nevada state line is Crystal Bay Casino. Nearby is the Famous Tahoe Biltmore and the new development at historic Boulder Bay. The earliest patrons to these casinos were debutantes and socialites seeking Nevada residency to file for divorce.  The area evolved from gambling into hospitality and entertainment. Today, Brockway has become symbolic of lakefront luxury living.

Crystal Bay Casino was originally called Ta-Neva-Ho. Then came the ‘Rat Pack’ days when Frank Sinatra owned the nearby Cal Neva. Sinatra had built a helicopter pad and underground tunnels. This allowed guests like Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedy’s to enjoy being unseen as they visited the various properties.

Before the area became an icon for celebrities though, the casinos were still considered remote. Today, you can still enjoy the endless hiking trails and the area's solitude. Owning at Brockway Hot Springs or within the Brockway neighborhood is considered the ideal in lakefront living. Speedboat beach, with its white sand and turquoise water is just a few steps away.

Golfing at Old Brockway

In the old days, the Old Brockway Golf Course provided leisurely golfing for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and other celebrities. While many championship golf courses have developed around the region since then, Brockway still boasts its earlier charm. If you prefer a championship course, the Incline Village Champion Golf Course is only 5 minutes away.

You can access a variety of ski resorts. Diamond Peak, Mount Rose and Northstar are all within a 15 minute drive. In terms of nightlife, you can walk to five star dining and shows at nearby casinos.

The Who's Who of Old Brockway

In the 1930’s Crystal Bay Casino was more of a speakeasy. It had only dirt roads leading to this year round gaming destination. Clara Bow made national headlines for the first star-studded scandal to hit the area. She was accused of passing bad checks to cover her gambling debts of $14,000. This would be equivalent to over $200,000 today.

Marilyn Monroe had spent her last week at Cal Neva. This part of Lake Tahoe has more celebrity history than any other. A 12 acre estate on the point at Crystal Bay was owned by the family of 'Unsolved Mysteries' Robert Stack. Today, celebrities who own in the adjacent neighborhoods include Mark Zuckerberg, Ken Wilbur and Mike Love.

By the 60’s, the Winter Olympics launched Squaw Valley into world-wide visibility. During the same period, the ‘Rat Pack’ attracted many celebrities. Frank Sinatra’s ownership of Cal Neva changed the mob-like atmosphere of the nearby casinos into an atmosphere of hospitality and entertainment.

The legendary Cal Neva Lodge and Casino was shuttered since 2013, but was purchased by Oracle founder Larry Ellison. As the sole bidder, he paid $35.8 million. It is currently slated to reopen after an extensive remodel.

Brockway Hot Springs

The Brockway Hot Springs community also has a rich history. Purchased in 1900 by Frank “Brockway” Alverson and his wife, Nellie Staples Dow Comstock Alverson for $3,500, they renamed the resort “Brockway Hot Springs”.

Their slogan became, “Top of the Map, Top of the List.” You have to wonder if Frank Sinatra’s 'Top of the Heap' lyrics for New York, New York was inspired by their slogan.

Brockway has the only hot springs at Lake Tahoe. In the late 90's, Loring Sagan built custom homes as a private and gated community, and incorporated the hot springs into the plumbing.  There are only 20 luxury single family homes in this community, and they rarely come on the market. My listing in Brockway offers all of the old Tahoe Charm in an adjacent luxury estate.

Brockway Estate Currently for Sale

This storybook home is located on five lots, and allows for future development of 2 or possibly 3 additional homes. The renaissance and redevelopment that is currently taking place in Crystal Bay means that this is a developer’s dream.

Located on one acre, in a park like setting, enjoy the beautiful lake views from the covered porch or gazebo. Surrounded by USFS and CA conservancy parcels, it offers a very private setting. It is located just outside of the gate to the nearby luxury homes of Brockway Hot Springs and is just steps from Speedboat Beach.

I’d love to show you what makes Brockway such a desirable area for luxury living at Lake Tahoe. Whether you are thinking of buying or selling your home at Lake Tahoe, I’d love to help you. Contact me today for more information or for a free property analysis.