Tahoe Bliss

Tucked into a pine forest with conservancy land on two sides, this Tahoe City house earns its mountain-retreat credentials. A stone wood-burning fireplace anchors the living room – the kind of après-ski warmth you'll want to return to after a day on the slopes at Palisades Tahoe, roughly a fifteen-minute drive away. Come warmer months, the private deck shifts the action outside, where you're dining among the trees with a fire pit glowing nearby. Paige Meadows Trailhead is a 0.3-mile walk from the front door, and private beach access to Lake Tahoe means the water is never far either.

Home truths:
* You'll need a car to make the most of this home and in winter we recommend a 4-wheel-drive vehicle or snow chains to navigate the neighbourhood safely.
* You can park two cars in the driveway, but the garage is not available for guest use – if you're arriving with more vehicles, you'll need to plan ahead.
* There are eight steps up from the driveway to the front door, so the entrance isn't step-free – worth keeping in mind if anyone in your group has mobility considerations.
* The outdoor fire pit, gas barbecue, and patio furniture are only available between May and September – if you're visiting outside those months, the backyard will be off-limits for alfresco use.
* No firewood is provided for the wood-burning fireplace, so you'll need to source or purchase some locally before you plan an evening by the fire.
* The third bedroom comprises a single over king size double.