Among Northern Nevada’s most captivating features are the luxury historic homes that dot the region’s diverse landscape. From opulent Victorian mansions in Virginia City to lakefront estates at Lake Tahoe, these architectural treasures combine period authenticity with modern luxury amenities to carry a sense of timelessness, charm, and stories from the past.
What defines historic luxury homes?
A home qualifies as one of the region’s unique historic luxury properties by age and a blend of architectural significance and historical context. While age is a factor—most historic properties are at least 50—earning the historic title also encompasses elements such as:
- Exclusivity: Historic luxury homes have unique details and stories, making them likely to maintain or increase their value over time.
- Luxury Amenities and Historic Integrity: These homes blend original designs with modern upgrades, including updated kitchens, energy-efficient systems, and smart technology, all cleverly hidden to maintain the charm of the original structure while offering modern convenience.
- Significance, Recognition, and Designation: To be considered historic, a property usually needs to have a known connection to an important event, person, or style of architecture. Homes can be listed on the National Register of Historic Places if they still exhibit their original design. Being recognized by local, state, or national groups adds to their value and prestige, and it can provide tax breaks for preservation efforts.
- Unique Architectural Features: Historic luxury homes have rare architectural details, including intricate vintage moldings, unique fireplaces and flooring, grand staircases, exposed beams, and decorative elements like stained glass and detailed woodwork.
A tour through some of the region’s notable historic luxury homes
Many historic homes are in established neighborhoods that have mature trees and a strong sense of community. These neighborhoods showcase the area’s history, featuring impressive Victorian mansions in Virginia City, various historic districts in Reno, and beautiful estates by Lake Tahoe.
The famous historic luxury properties mentioned below represent only a small part of the region’s rich architectural history, which includes diverse styles, time periods, and locations throughout Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe.
Vintage houses in Reno, Nevada
Reno has a variety of neighborhoods that are rich in history. Old Southwest Reno features different architectural styles, vintage houses, large lots, and mature trees, highlighting how the city changed from rural to urban. Other notable areas include Mansions on the Bluff, which has luxurious homes, and the Newlands Heights Historic District, recognized for its large houses and views of the Truckee River.
Las Violetas, 6 Bret Harte Ave.
Built in 1928, this Spanish Colonial Revival house showcases the charm of Reno’s Newlands Manor area. It was part of the 2019 Historic Reno Preservation Society Harvest of Homes Tour. The property, named after an old violet field, has many interesting features, like curved doorways, a barrel-shaped ceiling in the living room, and a spacious front courtyard. The half-acre lot also includes a guest house and a two-story garage with an apartment on the top floor.
Reno Browne House, 25 Bret Harte Ave.
The PBS Reno show, “House with a History,” looks at old homes in Northern Nevada, including a Spanish Mission Revival home built in 1928. The house is named after Ruth Clarke, a cowgirl actress known as “Reno Browne,” who used to live there. Built by John Robb Clarke, this house has beautiful stucco walls, a red clay tile roof, and a round entrance that looks like a turret. It probably has one of the first private swimming pools in Reno. Dark wood decorations, original colorful tiles, and a Kiva-style adobe fireplace showcase styles from the West and Spain.
George S. Nixon Mansion, 631 California Ave.
Constructed in 1907, this mansion exemplifies early 20th-century luxury in Reno and highlights the Italian Renaissance Revival style. Originally owned by U.S. Senator George S. Nixon, the home spans 17,964 square feet on more than 2 acres adjacent to the Truckee River. Some of its impressive features include a dining room that can seat 48 people, a wine cellar that holds 1,000 bottles, a ballroom with beautifully carved walls, and one of Reno’s first elevators for homes. After a major fire in 1937, the mansion was restored in 1980, keeping its historical charm while adding modern comforts.
Edward and Clara Chism House, 725 California Ave.
This stunning Mediterranean Revival mansion, built in 1924, was originally owned by Dr. Vinton Muller, a surgeon, and his wife, Mary. Constructed with brick on both the interior and exterior, the house is covered in stucco on the outside and plaster on the inside, in line with the custom of the time. It sits on a hill overlooking the Truckee River, and the tall windows let in plenty of natural light. The walls display paintings from the father of a previous owner, John La Gatta. Although some updates were made during La Gatta’s ownership, the home retains much of its original charm from the Mullers’ era.
Steinmiller/Parsons House, 761 California Ave.
This Colonial Revival house, built in 1924 for about $10,000, showcases the talents of renowned Reno architect Fred Schadler. Spanning 3,000 square feet with a 2,000-square-foot basement, it features Georgian elements like Tuscan columns and a portico door to a balcony. It exudes luxury with a brick exterior, original oak floors, and crown molding in the formal living room. The Steinmiller family owned it for three generations.
Dexter/McLaughlin House, 775 California Ave.
This mansion on California Avenue, constructed in 1940, showcases its elegance and beauty with a marble entrance, a grand staircase, and a formal living room with a fireplace. Modern features include a renovated kitchen, a fun entertainment room with a river rock fireplace and bar, a heated swimming pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen, a gazebo, and a guest house. Situated by the Truckee River, it provides impressive views of the city.
Newlands House, 7 Elm Court
Built in 1890 by Francis Newlands, this Queen Anne-style house is one of five National Landmarks in Nevada and the only one recognized as a single-family home. It has 87 windows, original redwood siding, and cedar shingles. Notable residents included George W. Thatcher, who entertained Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton in 1936. In the late 20th century, it underwent significant restoration and is now protected by a conservation easement from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Hancock/Marshall Mansion, 2301 Lakeside Drive
The Hancock/Marshall Mansion, originally built by oilman Luke Hancock in 1939 and finished in 1941, was meant for Beverly Hills but was moved to Reno due to the creation of Virginia Lake. This Spanish-style mansion sits on a 1.6-acre plot on a hill and includes two buildings. It features a beautiful entrance made of pink and white marble, many exquisitely decorated rooms, a stunning indoor pool with a stained-glass ceiling, and display cases that tell stories about the people who lived there.
Savitt House, 900 Marsh Ave.
Built in 1952, this unique Newlands Heights property showcases a one-of-a-kind storybook style. Its standout feature is the reclaimed brick from a Virginia City bank. Original owners Sol Savitt and Ella Levine, Polish immigrants, founded the Sierra News Company and were noted philanthropists in Reno. The house spans 4,979 square feet and features beamed ceilings, Vermont slate floors, and wood-burning fireplaces adorned with Italian tiles depicting hunting and gardening scenes. Subsequent owners added a pub room inspired by a Boston pub from 1875.
Hart-Keresey House, 1150 Monroe Court
Architect Russell Mills Sr. designed this unique Pagoda-style house in Reno’s Old Southwest, which was built between 1937 and 1938 for musician George Hart and heiress Marcia Keresey. The house has an octagonal living room with arched doorways and pocket doors. The interior showcases a unique wood-graining technique from 1930s Europe. The outside of the home has an Asian-inspired look with a moon gate, multi-level roofs, round windows, and red and black trim. The property also features a matching teahouse and a bridge over a koi pond, with cedar siding milled on-site to look like bamboo.
Guy and Emeline Benham House, 581 Ridge St.
Built in 1930 by architect Frederic DeLongchamps, this Tudor Revival house stands out in Reno’s historic district. It started as a five-room home but was expanded by 7,700 square feet in 1989 while still keeping DeLongchamps’ original design. Some notable Tudor features are the detailed brickwork around the doors, windows, and chimneys, a vintage mailbox, and lamps near the red-painted entrance. In 1990, it won the City of Reno Historical Resources Commission Residential Preservation Award for its careful expansion that respected the historical style.
West/Hood House 599 Ridge St.
This Mediterranean Revival-style house at 657 Ridge Street features large living areas, multiple bedrooms, and bathrooms. Known as the “medical mansion,” several doctors owned it, including Dr. Claudius W. West, who purchased it in 1921 and commissioned architect Frederic DeLongchamps. Later, medicine manufacturer William Stanley Hill bought it for about $50,000. By the early 1930s, Reno’s first orthopedic surgeon, Dr. A.J. ‘Bart’ Hood, acquired the house, adding a children’s wing and woodshop while hosting events like Barbara Hutton’s wedding.
Lake Tahoe historic estates
Lake Tahoe, located on the border of Nevada and California, has beautiful neighborhoods and fancy houses. Glenbrook is known for its luxury historic homes and the classic Old Tahoe style on the lake’s east shore. Tahoe City is a bustling mountain town on the west shore with stores, restaurants, and cultural events. The neighboring towns on the north shore, Crystal Bay and Incline Village, combine natural beauty with a sophisticated lifestyle and feature vintage houses from the mid-20th century.
Legacy Lakeview Estate, 20 Cal Neva Drive, Crystal Bay
This Bavarian-style retreat in Crystal Bay, Nevada, built in 1952, offers beautiful views of Lake Tahoe. Designed by architect Brad Puttman and landscape architects Cornell, Bridgers & Troller, it emphasizes wide, open vistas. A gated entrance and rock wall with a redwood fence ensure privacy. The residence features native plants, large boulders, and tiled walkways. In the main living area, a glass wall, wood beams from California’s first sawmill, a travertine fireplace, an antique Tole chandelier, and lit antique stained glass cabinets create a warm atmosphere.
Hidden Harbor, 1146 Highway 50, Glenbrook
This impressive 3.45-acre property on Lake Tahoe offers exceptional luxury. Built in 1931, it has 230 feet of beautiful lake shoreline, multiple piers, one with an electronic boat lift, and two buoys. Hidden Harbor features five cozy cabins that have been fully renovated and furnished in the Old Tahoe style. Each cabin has direct access to the waterfront and stunning lake views.
Summit Estate, 763 Judith Court, Incline Village
Situated on a mountain in Incline Village, this 9.63-acre estate combines historic charm with modern luxury. Built in 1974, the 8,209-square-foot home merges functionality with craftsmanship. It features seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and four fireplaces. Highlights include a gourmet kitchen, vaulted great room, primary suite with dual dressing areas, and separate au pair quarters. Outdoor offerings feature two decks, a heated pool, and a spa, all providing stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
Old Tahoe Lakefront Estate, 1308 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
This historic estate, built in 1907, exemplifies the classic “Old Tahoe” architectural style and is situated on the lakefront. It is located on 1.84 acres with 100 feet of prime lakefront, and the 3,500-square-foot main house underwent a thoughtful remodel in 1972. The property features a circular drive with a porte-cochere, lake access via buoy rights, and a neighboring deep-water pier. The estate’s 54-year ownership by the same family speaks to its enduring appeal and careful preservation.
Comstock legacy old mansions
In Carson City, the capital of Nevada, there’s a story for each of the vintage houses on the blocks of its historic neighborhoods. With its mining history, Virginia City offers a unique window into the old west with Victorian-style historic homes.
Sadler House, 310 Mountain St, Carson City
Built in 1877, this historic residence was the Governor’s Mansion from 1898 to 1902 during Reinhold Sadler’s tenure. Originally for Professor Phillip and Edith Krall, it features Greek Revival and Italianate details, including a carved staircase, an Italian marble fireplace, and a Waterford Crystal chandelier. One of many old mansions in Carson City, the property’s exterior features a sage-colored wrought iron fence, a brick sidewalk, and mature landscaping. A 1970s renovation incorporated a former stable into the main house.
Piper-Beebe House 2 S. A St., Virginia City
This 1876 Victorian Italianate home, designed by builder A.F. Mackay, exemplifies Virginia City’s mining-era grandeur with tall windows, ornate brackets, and elegant interiors like balustrades and pocket doors. It gained prestige when author Lucius Beebe purchased and restored it in 1949 with set designer Robert Hanley. Its proximity to Piper’s Opera House enhances its historical significance.
Luxury historic real estate in rural Nevada
Rural Nevada provides a peaceful living experience. Gardnerville’s ranches and historic homes harken to the state’s rich agricultural past. Genoa, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, blends history with beautiful scenery and old mansions. Washoe County includes Steamboat Valley, known for its rural agrarian, and Washoe Valley, a stretch of historically significant land between Reno and Carson City.
Arendt Jensen House, 1431 Ezell St, Gardnerville
The original owner of this house, banker Arendt Jensen, built it in 1910 and chose the Colonial Revival style, making it a remarkable property in Gardnerville. The home has two and a half stories that feature beautiful details and a unique “Denver Square” shape. Important features include a hipped roof with triangular gable dormers, a flat roof deck with wooden railings, and a notable cornice. The eye-catching entrance has a wooden door framed by Neo-Classical columns.
Heritage Mansion & Ranch Estate, 397 Foothill Road, Gardnerville
This estate covers more than 200 acres and features a beautifully restored mansion from the early 1900s. Renovated in 1996, the brick home has nine bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, dining spaces, an office, a sunroom, a game room with a bar, two patios, and three balconies. It also includes modern conveniences like a large garage and a wine cellar. The property has a private lake, a caretaker’s home, a barn, horse facilities, and other buildings. It comes with water rights, a well, and access to Luther Creek.
Jobs Peak Ranch, 144 Summit Ridge Way, Genoa
This exceptional Swiss-style chalet is 6,746 square feet and sits at 5,600 feet, originally part of a 1,000-acre game sanctuary. Built for Dr. William Sharpe, a neurosurgeon from New York, between 1936 and 1937, it features natural rock walls and decorative brackets. Inside, exquisite craftsmanship includes exposed steel beams and stylish curved staircases with artisan handrails.
Sparks Mansion/Alamo Ranchhouse, 20205 US Highway 395 S, Washoe County
Built in 1886 by rancher John Ascuaga, this home was acquired by Nevada Governor John Sparks in 1903, who called it “The Alamo.” In 1978, it was moved to Steamboat Valley in Washoe County. This historic mansion showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic Revival and classical designs, with distinctive contributions from architect Frederick DeLongchamps in 1917. Notable features include original oak floors with mahogany inlays, detailed spindlework, and a tile fountain in the atrium.
4045 Old U.S. Highway 395 N, Washoe Valley
Covering 25 acres in Washoe Valley, this luxurious equestrian estate offers ponds, streams, natural springs, waterfalls, mature trees, and expansive views. The main house, designed by architect Clarence Mayhew, is 17,681 square feet and features an indoor pool. The property includes a 2,830-square-foot guest house, a caretaker’s residence, and two additional dwellings. Built in 1964, the main house has high ceilings, keyless entry, and eco-friendly features like geothermal heating and cooling.
The allure of owning a piece of history
The Sierra Nevada region’s collection of luxury historic homes represents an extraordinary blend of architectural excellence and historical significance. From the grand Victorian houses in Virginia City to the “Old Tahoe” lakefront estates, these vintage homes offer discerning buyers more than just a prestigious address—they provide an opportunity to protect and enjoy living history.
Whether you’re drawn to a Queen Anne Victorian in Reno’s historic areas, a classic Lake Tahoe retreat, or a restored ranch in Washoe Valley, these historic homes offer a rare chance to own a true architectural treasure. If they are taken care of properly, these luxurious historic properties will continue to showcase the region’s rich heritage for many years to come.
As Northern Nevada’s largest real estate brokerage, Dickson Realty has been privileged to represent many of these distinguished properties. Each has a unique narrative rooted in the region’s rich architectural heritage.
Our REALTORS understand both the unique challenges and remarkable rewards of historic home ownership, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
