The Thunderbird Lodge (also known as the George Whittell Estate) in Incline Village is a stunning masterpiece by Frederic J. DeLongchamps who was, perhaps, the most renowned architect of his time. DeLongchamps also served as Nevada’s State Architect. Several areas of the property are rumored to be haunted. Would you dare tour this impressive yet eerie haunted Nevada lodge? Take a look.
The Thunderbird Lodge is a wonderful example of architectural expertise as evidenced by its stone masonry, iron work, and wood work. In addition to the main house, there is a card house, caretaker’s cottage, the cook/butler’s house, an elephant barn, the admiral’s house, the boathouse, and the gatehouse.
tommy chheung/Flickr
Construction of the Thunderbird Lodge began in 1936 by George Whittell, Jr. At the time, Whittell owned 20 miles of Lake Tahoe shoreline and 40,000 acres. He first considered turning the property into a hotel/casino, ski resort, and summer properties; however, his love of privacy and his exotic animal collection led him to nix those plans.
Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
Millionaire socialite George Whittell’s best friend, Bill the lion. He was given the lion cub as a gift and Bill traveled with Whittell everywhere, including the lodge.
Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
The lodge’s grounds are simply stunning with a gazebo…
David Lofink/Flickr
…lighthouse…
Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
…and gorgeous panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.
Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
One of the lodge’s bedrooms. Note the picture of Whittell and one of his prized animals above the bed.
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The ghost of a workman who fell to his death from a ladder is rumored to haunt the premises and his ghost has been seen in various places.
Tonywiki09/Wikimedia Commons
This beautiful cove is located near the haunted boathouse where apparitions, disembodied voices, and other paranormal activity have been reported.
Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
This 600-foot tunnel connects the lodge to the boathouse. Creepy, huh?
Paul Milholland/Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
The cook/butler cottage (now renovated as a guest cottage) is also rumored to be haunted with guests having reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing whispers, and experiencing other strange occurrences.
Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
Many of the stairways on the grounds are rumored to be haunted as well.
Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
A stunning sunset adds to the eeriness of the lodge.
Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
The Thunderbird Lodge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This haunted Nevada lodge is open by appointment only and, in addition to public tours, may be rented for weddings, meetings, and events. The Thunderbird Yacht is also on the premise. This recognizable American wooden speedboat is also available for tours and charters. For more information, please call (775) 832-8750, check out its informative website, or visit its Facebook page.
tommy chheung/Flickr
Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
David Lofink/Flickr
Kimberly H./Yelp
Tonywiki09/Wikimedia Commons
Paul Milholland/Thunderbird Lodge and Yacht/Facebook
Have you visited this gorgeous and allegedly haunted Nevada lodge? Please share your experiences below.
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