"Sugar Pine Point State Park" Sugar Pine Point State Park by Yaqui

Sugar Pine Point State Park Travel Guide: 7 reviews and 26 photos

The Pine Lodge was the summer home of the Hellman-Ehrman family who co owned Well Fargo Co. Issaias Hellman, was wealthy San Franciscan bought over 1,000 acres of land surrounding the mouth of General Creek (named for the former resident, General William Phipps) Mr. Hellman loved this area so he hired architect, William Danforth Bliss.
It was not an easy task since the soil was very sandy content so huge loads of topsoil had to be hauled in by wagon to stabilize the hillside for the main house to be built. The granite was brought in from Meeks Bay which helped stabilize the foundation for the massive residence, and local timbers were used for the roof supports, which you see from the main entrance. The rest of the construction materials that could not be provided within the vicinity was delivered by steamer. The road like many back then was nothing more than a cow path between Sugar Pine Point and Tahoe City, so supplies came regularly from ships.

Ehrman Mansion

Although, they only stayed two months, they employed over 30 personnel such as caretakers, chauffeurs, maids, cooks, laundry workers, groundskeepers, gardeners, tailors and boatman. Plus, they had to provide even housing, so at least half a dozen buildings had to be maintained on the property. Following Hellman's death in 1920 the property was bequeathed to his daughter, Florence Ehrman who enterained regularly here during their summer stay.

By 1965, the State of California purchased the 1,989 acre property for use as a State Park. During summer months, tours of the Mansion and grounds are conducted several times daily and the inside of home is so lovely. Closed the winter season, visitors can get a feel for the enormity of the once vast estate by just wondering around the grounds and the other buildings. Of course the view probably wasn’t as obstructed since the pine trees have grown, but I am sure the view from the porch is stunning.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:History and beauty!

Last visit to Sugar Pine Point State Park: Dec 2008
Intro Updated Oct 11, 2009
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Reviews (7)

Warning-No Lifeguard On Duty - Sugar Pine Point State Park

Warning-No Lifeguard On Duty Warnings and Dangers (1)

PLEASE REMEMBER • Lake Tahoe’s waters are extremely cold. Swim with appropriate caution. • Diving and jumping off the... more travel advice

Ehrman Mansion Water Storage Tower - Sugar Pine Point State Park

Ehrman Mansion Water Storage Tower Things to Do (6)

Due to its remoteness, the summer cottage they called it, it had to be able to be self-sufficient. So a ditch and flume... more travel advice

Ehrman Mansion Boat Houses - Sugar Pine Point State Park

Ehrman Mansion Boat Houses Things to Do (6)

There are two boathouses that housed the families prized mahogany-planked vessels consisted of Ester's Belle Isle... more travel advice

General Phipps Cabin 1872 - Sugar Pine Point State Park

General Phipps Cabin 1872 Things to Do (6)

Sugar Pine Point’s first permanent nonnative resident was a Kentucky frontiersman named “General” William Phipps. The... more travel advice

Comments (8)

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balhannah Sep 1, 2012 at 12:36 AM

This looks like my kind of place for a peaceful holiday. Love Ehrman Mansion!
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LoriPori Jun 14, 2010 at 3:43 AM

The Ehrman Mansion is simply stunning and love the 1872 Log Cabin. A great Park to bring the family for sure.
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richiecdisc Dec 30, 2009 at 4:28 AM

That does look like some frigid water but such a gorgeous spot. Love the Pine Lodge. It would be a grand place to stay!
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deecat Oct 22, 2009 at 4:43 AM

Ehrman Mansion is quite a "summer home". Wonderful that all this beauty and history has been saved. The Gov. Phipps Cabin is also a terrific save. Another excellent page, Dee.
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Dabs Oct 17, 2009 at 10:54 AM

Imagine having so much money that you could afford that as a summer cottage! Lovely page Dee :-)
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jumpingnorman Oct 17, 2009 at 10:13 AM

Wonderful rainbow picture over that bridge...you have found another marvellous place, Dee....we are thinking of driving today but the twins are still playing at home, Norman :)
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nickandchris Oct 17, 2009 at 9:28 AM

Sounds a lovely place to explore.The mansion is a fascinating piece of architecture.
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Nemorino Oct 15, 2009 at 3:49 PM

Good that the State of California had enough money back then to buy this beautiful property for use as a state park! (Unlike today . . .)