Serene Lakes - Extraordinary Beauty and Community

Posted by GrangerGroup on October 19th, 2015

Serene Lakes is an exquisitely beautiful alpine community. It's nestled in the North Tahoe region, in the High Sierra Mountains of California. Conveniently located one mile from Interstate Highway 80 and the town of Soda Springs, this community is a Lake Tahoe luxury real estate investor’s dream. Sacramento is just 84 miles away, with Reno 43 miles away. San Francisco is a three-hour drive south.

The location is not just convenient – it’s ideal.Serene Lakes is a hidden community, practically a secret, free of tourist crowds and over-sold clichés, with remarkable home values amid quiet serenity.

History

The two ponds comprising Serene Lakes were originally christened the "Ice Lakes." They served as a source of ice for San Francisco before the development of refrigeration. Ice sales supplied the community with income for 57 years, from 1870-1927.

To harvest the ice, horses would scrape the surface snow to reveal the clear ice below. The lakes were then grid-marked like a giant checkerboard. Ice blocks were cut and floated from the lakes to an elevator. Steam engines powered the lift, transporting the ice blocks to storage houses for stacking.

Author Mark Twain was a frequent visitor to the twin ponds, giving them the names "Serena" and "Dulzura." Later, they were collectively called "Serene Lakes."

Residences

The community consists of approximately 1,000 residential lots on four square miles, offering plenty of privacy. Cradled in the heart of Donner Summit, luxury homes border lush forest, pristine streams, and verdant meadows.

The Tahoe National Forest embraces the community on two sides, framing breathtaking views of the High Sierras. Tranquil natural resources make Serene Lakes an outdoor-lover's paradise. Here's a trail-side view from Donner Summit.

Approximately 70 percent of the properties are vacation getaways. Several home styles are available, including A-frames, townhouses, cabins, and condos. Prices start at 0,000.

A glimpse of a charming cabin is given here.

Here's a welcoming chalet.

Come in and sit a spell here.

Maintenance

All paved subdivision roads are maintained and plowed by the county. To facilitate snow removal, "off-road" parking is requested from November through April. Homeowners manage snow removal in driveways.

Utilities

Spring-fed Serena Lake supplies the community with delicious water. Homes are heated with oil, electricity, and propane. Cable television is available. Garbage pick-up is rendered on a weekly basis. A school bus serves the area.

Climate

The sun smiles kindly on Serene Lakes for an average of 300 days a year. Winter temperatures range from 5-50°F, with summer spanning a comfortable 65-85°F.

Recreation

Swimming in Dulzura Lake is delightful! No motorized boats are permitted. The community recreation area includes a boat dock, beach, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, and volleyball courts. The Property Association maintains the beach and common areas and organizes community activities.

Here's a window into a gorgeous game room.

Serene Lakes is surrounded by five ski resorts. A shuttle runs daily during winter, providing easy accessibility. Just a 10-minute drive away are the enchanting slopes of Donner Ski Ranch, Boreal Ridge, Soda Springs, and Sugar Bowl. Downhill skiing and snowboarding trails accommodate all skill levels. Here's a snapshot of the Sugar Bowl Resort.

If cross-country skiing is your preference, next door is Royal Gorge Resort. Here's the glory that awaits you.

Six biking and hiking routes beckon, several of which hug the Emigrant and Pacific Crest trails. Behind Ice Lakes Lodge is a 30-mile bike path descending the Foresthill fire road. Highway 40 also offers thrilling cycling. Hikes invite river and waterfall exploration. Here's an enthralling view of Donner Pass.

Luxury Real Estate Lake Tahoe

Serene Lakes marries the coziness of a small community with the privacy of spacious property. It's an easy commute from the cities of San Francisco, Sacramento, and Reno. The area teems with delightful year-round activities. Serene Lakes is a haven, a step back in time to a peaceful life. Fragrant air, fabulous vistas, and sweet relaxation, they're all here in the High Sierras.

Photo Credits

Donner Lake Hiking Trail - http://www.snow-forecast.com/system/images/1440/large/Tahoe-Donner.jpg?1260432637

Truckee Cabin - https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/A_Cabin_in_Truckee_CA.jpg

Soda Springs Chalet - http://www.serenelakes.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/8559-acorn-rd/8559-acorn-dr-soda-springs-ca-large-001-n2j6416-1500x1000-72dpi.jpg

Living Room - http://www.serenelakes.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/8559-acorn-rd/8559-acorn-rd-soda-springs-ca-large-003-living-room-1500x1000-72dpi.jpg

Pool Game Room - http://www.serenelakes.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/1013-serene-road/1013-serene-rd-soda-springs-ca-large-009-game-room-1500x1000-72dpi.jpg

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort - https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Sugar_Bowl_Ski_Resort_Modern_Lodge.jpg

Royal Gorge Cross-Country Skiing - http://www.tahoesbest.com/sites/default/files/billboard/royal-gorge-cross-1_C.jpg?1355432713

Donner Pass - https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/6/6b/20130707032044!Donner_Summit_Panorama.jpg

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About the Company:

Granger Group is a leading real estate company in Northern California, driven by honesty, integrity & professionalism. Linda Granger has a well-earned reputation for top-tier real estate service in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area. Granger Group’s team believes in delivering the highest-quality care to buyers and sellers throughout Lake Tahoe, from Truckee, CA to Incline Village, NV and beyond.