“Old Tahoe” is new again

MARK ZUCKERBERG HELPED USHER in the era of social media when he co-founded Facebook in 2004 — and his success made him a multi-billionaire.

But when it comes to his own lifestyle, Zuck has embraced the theme of “what’s old is new again,” spending $59 million this spring to purchase two circa-1920s properties on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.

The adjacent lakefront estates — christened Brushwood Estate and Carousel Estate — were purchased for $37 million and $22 million, respectively. “Though understated compared to other tony vacation spots, Lake Tahoe is known for old money and pricey homes,” as The Wall Street Journal summed up.

We’ve enjoyed visiting the sprawling 3.5-acre Carousel Estate, with 225 feet of lake frontage: It has been a venue for the Lake Tahoe Ski Club Foundation’s annual asado barbeque, a classic Tahoe gathering.

Zuckerberg is not alone in appreciating the Old Tahoe lifestyle.

Just down the road, the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation is hosting the 47th annual Concours d’Elegance at historic Obexer’s Boat Company in Homewood on August 9-10. It showcases the most well-preserved and restored wooden boats in the world.

“The meticulously restored boats include historic lakers and launches, some dating back to 1915; pre- and post-WWII racers and runabouts; utility boats and flashy Rivas,” as the Foundation explains. This year’s Marque Class is Hacker Boats.

For touring Big Blue, Tahoe Tastings offers wine tasting aboard the vintage Golden Rose, a 1953 Chris Craft Ventian water taxi.

This summer, a second boat — Legend — is being added to the fleet, and year-round tours are planned. Guests can sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque lake while sipping award-winning wines from our region.

Along with Lake Tahoe, the Sierra foothills also is embracing the “what’s old is new again” theme.

Work continues to revamp the historic Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley and the National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City with a new management team.

The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley also is undergoing a $4.3 million renovation to make it one of the region’s premier performing arts centers.

At South Yuba River State Park in Penn Valley, the historic covered wooden bridge built in 1862 is being restored. The project is set for completion in fall 2020.

(Photo: Tahoe Luxury Properties)

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