Whittell Estate listed in National Register of Historic Places

The Whittell Estate on the east shore of Lake Tahoe has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places

The National Register is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.

The Whittell Estate was recognized for its significance in architecture, its association with George Whittell and its contributions to the history of conservation at Lake Tahoe, according to Ron James, Nevada historic preservation officer.

Built in 1936 by wealthy Californian George Whittell Jr., the estate includes many buildings, structures and landscape features, many of which were designed by Nevada's preeminent and most prolific architect, Frederic de Longchamps.

Jack Dreyfus purchased the property as an investment and in 1997, 140 acres, which include the grounds and improvements of the Whittell Estate, were purchased by the Del Webb Holding Corp. for use in a land exchange.

In 1999, the 6.51 acres comprising the buildings and landscape features were set aside under a deed of reservation to the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society, which was formed for the purpose of preserving the Whittell Estate.