After a Fire, This Lake Tahoe Log Cabin Was Restored with Care
It’s named after an Austrian chalet.
Jessica Brydson
Located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, this log cabin had plenty of vintage charm. Couple Dany Kelly and Eric Weiss have owned the getaway—dubbed The Alpenrose, after an Austrian mountain chalet—since the early 1990s and it’s been a beloved family retreat for years.
Jessica Brydson
Originally, the cabin had four bedrooms and one bathroom located upstairs, plus a mudroom and small bathroom downstairs. “The cabin was built in the late 1950s by Bert Anderson, a local builder who began his career in the 1940s after acquiring 135 acres along Ward Creek,” explains Sandy Yen of Yen Collective. “This particular cabin was something of an experiment for Anderson, constructed using logs over two feet in diameter. According to local lore, the massive logs proved so difficult to work with that the design was never repeated, making The Alpenrose truly one-of-a-kind.”
Jessica Brydson
The home had a lot of 1970s vintage charm—think shag carpeting and avocado-green appliances—but it really lacked functionality, and most importantly, had some dangerous code violations.
Jessica Brydson
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“The electrical system had numerous code violations, including the use of extension cords in place of proper wiring,” explains Sandy. “Heating came from a single gas floor furnace, which eventually caused the fire that prompted the rebuild. Most of the insulation had been chewed away by critters, and the original single-pane windows leaked badly after years of wear from heavy snow and intense sun.”
Jessica Brydson
When Sandy and team joined the project, the fire damage had been remediated and the kitchen was rebuilt, but the home still needed a lot of work. Sandy says the interiors “reflected an outdated, overly theme-y version of a mountain cabin.” The quirky details felt clichéd, but the owners envisioned a sophisticated alpine look.
Jessica Brydson
“They wanted to honor the spirit of the original Tahoe cabin while thoughtfully updating it for modern life,” Sandy says. “Their aim was to preserve the nostalgia and charm of Lake Tahoe’s bygone era, while layering in the comforts of new construction—like radiant heat, updated wiring, automated blinds, and improved insulation. They also wanted the home to reflect their love of the Alps. Drawing inspiration from The Alpina Gstaad, their vision was for a cozy, yet elevated retreat—where guests could feel as though they’ve stepped back in time without sacrificing comfort.”
Jessica Brydson
The design aesthetic was very personal for the couple—Eric is an experienced mountaineer and he shared photos and a journal entry from a 1981 climb of Austria’s tallest peak, Grossglockner. The journal and a summit photo were framed and on display in the home.
Jessica Brydson
“The renovation aimed to enhance what made the cabin special, not overwrite it,” Sandy explains. “In the main living areas, we highlighted the dramatic log structure and beamed ceilings with a rich, moody palette and warm textures. We stripped away any campy or overly themed decor and replaced it with pieces that felt authentic and refined.”
Jessica Brydson
The rebuilt kitchen was a jumping-off point for Sandy and team—they added custom cabinetry and natural materials to give it an alpine look while also keeping it functional.
Jessica Brydson
The bedrooms upstairs were transformed to feel layered and lived-in, with wool rugs, soft lightings, and subtle nods to mountain lodges.
Jessica Brydson
The previous fire was a factor in the redesign, along with the need to make the home more weather-resilient. The design team prioritized durable finishes, well-insulated materials, and window treatments to help manage temperature extremes.
Jessica Brydson
“The original floor furnace, which caused the fire, was replaced with a combination of forced-air and radiant heating for efficiency and comfort,” Sandy says. “The cabin was almost entirely rewired, with new electrical panels installed, along with hardwired smoke and CO2 detectors. Every design decision was made with long-term safety and resilience in mind, ensuring that the home retained its charm while gaining the protections it once lacked.”
Jessica Brydson
After the renovation, the home now has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with one bedroom being used as a media room. The homeowners love that the cabin is rustic and cozy, but has modern comforts.
Jessica Brydson
“It’s exactly the balance they were hoping for. They’ve been incredibly gracious in sharing that the design reflects their vision and story—and that, in the end, is the greatest measure of success,” adds Sandy.
