Vikingsholm Mansion   

11001 W Lake Blvd
Tahoma, CA 96142
530-525-3345
www.vikingsholm.com/

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Leif Ericson never made it as far west as Tahoe, but the architecture of his forebears did, in the form of a magnificent Scandinavian summer home. Completed in 1929, Vikingsholm was the lakeside brainchild of Mrs. Lora Knight, who commissioned her Swedish architect nephew to design her dream home in a style that befitted the fjord-like scenery. The estate, considered one of America's finest examples of Scandinavian architecture, was bequeathed to California in 1953 by then-owner Harvey West, a local philanthropist. Today, Vikingsholm and the surrounding lands, which includes Eagle Falls, the only waterfall that flows directly into the lake, are a part of Emerald Bay State Park. During the summers, one of Mrs. Knight's former guests still resides at Vikingsholm, acting as a tour guide (Memorial Day through Labor Day) for the many curious visitors who make the steep one-mile trek down from route 89 to the lake shore. Although entrance to the buildings is not permitted during the off season, guests can still take in the eccentricities of the Nordic style, including an authentic sod roof, intricate doorway carvings and hand-forged metal fixtures.